The Death of SP4 James R. Bodish During Combat Resupply Mission – September 16, 1970

On September 16, 1970, a U.S. Army CH-47C helicopter (tail number 69-17100) from the 213th Assault Support Helicopter Company, stationed at Phu Loi Base Camp in Binh Duong Province, RVN, was conducting a routine combat resupply mission. The helicopter was carrying an external load of 14,000 pounds of cement. After hooking up the load at Tay Ninh East Airfield, the aircraft commander performed a hover check. With all systems indicating normal ("in the green"), the takeoff commenced.

Upon reaching approximately 1,000 feet, the aircraft leveled off and began a shallow right turn. At that moment, a muffled explosion was heard from the right rear of the helicopter, and flames were immediately visible in the aft pylon section. The flight engineer, SP4 James R. Bodish, quickly released the load as the aircraft commander initiated an emergency descent toward an open area. However, the cockpit rapidly filled with intense heat and thick smoke, obscuring all instruments and radio panels. The aircraft commander executed a left descending turn, keeping his head out of the left window to breathe. Despite the smoke and flames, he maintained control throughout the descent and approach. As he attempted to flare the helicopter for landing, control was lost at about ten feet above the ground, causing the aircraft to pitch into a steep nose-high attitude. The helicopter then struck the ground and rolled over.

The two pilots and the crew chief sustained burns, while the door gunner suffered a head injury. Tragically, flight engineer SP4 Bodish was fatally injured in the crash.

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter played a critical role in the Vietnam War, providing troop transport, resupply, and medical evacuation services. However, it also faced significant losses throughout the conflict. The Chinook was susceptible to ground fire, especially due to its large size and the heavy loads it carried.

Here are some key details about CH-47 losses in Vietnam:

1. Total Number of Losses: Approximately 200 CH-47 Chinooks were lost during the Vietnam War. This includes both combat and non-combat-related incidents.

2. Causes of Losses:

   - Combat-related losses: Many Chinooks were downed by small arms fire, rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and surface-to-air missiles.

   - Non-combat-related losses: Some helicopters were lost due to mechanical failures, accidents, and challenging flying conditions, such as weather or terrain.

3. Crew Casualties: Along with the aircraft, many crew members were killed or wounded during operations involving Chinooks. The exact number of crew casualties isn't fully detailed, but CH-47s often carried multiple crew members and passengers.

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter played a critical role in the Vietnam War, providing troop transport, resupply, and medical evacuation services. However, it also faced significant losses throughout the conflict. The Chinook was susceptible to ground fire, especially due to its large size and the heavy loads it carried.