A POW's Experience

[Jeff Frame]

Thanks Glenn. It would mean alot to me. God Bless our Military.

[NAACat]

Glenn,

My uncle, George Gifford, was an F-105 Thud driver with the 333rd TFS during 1966-1967. He was originally with the 80th TFS flying Thuds out of Yokota AFB in Japan with Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments to Korat in 1964 and later Takhli in 1965 but volunteered to serve with the 333rd to complete his 100 missions (which he did in September 1967). I was wondering if your father recalls if my uncle was in the picture of the 333rd TFS taken in May 1967 which is at the beginning of this topic?

The more I learn about what Thud drivers did during this time, the more impressed and incrediably grateful I become. I would like to express to you, your family and especially your father, sincere thanks on behalf of myself and my children for your service and sacrifice.

David Kragseth

[100cccer]

Here is a list of Major Copeland's valor awards:

http://militarytimes.com/citations-meda ... ntid=24219

[gcope]

Glenn,

My uncle, George Gifford, was an F-105 Thud driver with the 333rd TFS during 1966-1967. He was originally with the 80th TFS flying Thuds out of Yokota AFB in Japan with Temporary Duty (TDY) assignments to Korat in 1964 and later Takhli in 1965 but volunteered to serve with the 333rd to complete his 100 missions (which he did in September 1967). I was wondering if your father recalls if my uncle was in the picture of the 333rd TFS taken in May 1967 which is at the beginning of this topic?

The more I learn about what Thud drivers did during this time, the more impressed and incrediably grateful I become. I would like to express to you, your family and especially your father, sincere thanks on behalf of myself and my children for your service and sacrifice.

David Kragseth

Thank you David,

I'm sorry but my father didn't recognize your uncles name. He was only at Takhli for 3 months before he was shot down and flew 58 missions during that time, he said he really didn't have time to make very many friends.

An excellent resource for information on the Thud's is Craig Baker's F-105 website, be sure to check out the "Photo Submissions". http://www.burrusspta.org/thud.html

[Chief1934]

Glenn I worked with your Dad at Hq 12th Air Force. I was his Chief in the Supply Systems Division. He is a great man and I have always been proud to have had the opportunity to serve with him. I have thought of him often and wonered how he was doing. I have told people throughout my career that I had the opportunity to work with a real hero. A lot of people never have that opportunity. He gained back a lot of the weight he lost in Viet Nam and could not wear his mess dress uniform. When I was looking for one he brought his in and gave it to me. Today I was thinking about him and happen to find the Veteran Tribute to him online. I am now retired after 33 years in the Air Force and live in Montgomery, Al. I remember you as a little boy and how proud your Dad was of you and if I remember right your sister. I hope your Dad is well and enjoying life. Please give him my best. CMSGT Nolen E. Camp, USAF Retired.

[gcope]

Thank you Chief,
I remember roaming the hallway at 12hq and never knowing where I was since the building was in a circle and having to stick my head into each office in an attempt to locate dad’s office. Everyone would take one look at me and tell me I must be Col. Copeland’s son and help me to his office. Earlier this afternoon dad and I were reading the forum post together. He is doing well and did remember you. However, he didn’t quite recall the time he gave you his mess dress uniform, but that sounds just like something he would do so I’m not surprised. In fact, I would go one step further and say that mess dress uniform could be the one he wore to the White House when all the POW’s were invited to a special dinner with President Nixon just after he returned home in ‘73. I was good to hear from you and I’ll send you a PM with my email to keep in contact.
Glenn

[Chief1934]

Thanks for replying Glenn. Glad your Dad remembered me. Chief Jim Binnicker was the 12AF Senior Enlisted Advisor and had to go to the Pentagon for a year on special duty and General Hughes the 12AF Commander asked me to take his place and of course you don't turn down a 3 star general. My family and I left there in 1978 for Alaska and stayed there for 3 years. My final assignment was to the Data System Design Center at Gunter AFS, in Montgomery, Al. After retirement in 1987 I worked another 11 years for the Air Force in various civilian positions and finaly retired completely in 1998. I was in Viet Nam in 1968-1969 at Tuy Hoa Air Base on the south china sea. Hope you Dad is well. Nolen.

[Chief1934]

Today is Veteran's Day and I am proud that I can say I served with an American Hero Col H.C. Copeland. Today I would like express my appreciation to all the Veterans and the young men and women who are currently serving around the world and thank Col Copeland for serving our country with honor. Chief Camp.

[Jerry]

Hello Glenn,
My name is Jerry Rye. I served in the US Marine Corps during the Vietnam War between 1962 and 1969. During that time I received a bracelet for POW’s like the one show in your blog about your dad. I was very proud to have warn this bracelet for many years in recognition of your father’s honorable service to America. However, I believe it's time after all these years to return it to its rightful owner, you dad, Lt Col. HC Copeland "Cope". If it’s possible, please let me know. I can be reached at my e-mail address jerbosher@sbcglobal.net or by phone 559-325-3279. I live in Clovis CA. Please tell you dad how proud we are of his service. Semper Fidelis.
Sincerely Yours,
Jerry Rye

[MatthewHogan]

Very cool Jerry!