In loving memory of... DELVIN LEE KOHLER.
**** Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO. Posted by: Robert Sage
Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO.Posted by Tom Reece.
*** Aviation Structural Mechanic, Third Class Kohler was a member of Fighter Squadron 142, Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On October 2, 1969, he was a passenger in a Grumman Greyhound Transport Aircraft (C-2A) enroute from Cubi Point Naval Station to the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in the Gulf of Tonkin. Contact was lost when the aircraft was about 10 miles from the carrier. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
DELVIN LEE KOHLER - Navy - AMS3 - E4
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Jul 19, 1945
From: KERSEY, CO
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Delvin was born to Mr. & Mrs. Roy Kohler of Ault, Colorado on July 19, 1945. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in August 1975 (Born Oct. 9, 1916). I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband.
***** This is the letter that I received from Delvins mother when I wrote her right after I received his MIA bracelet in April 1988.
Dear Melissa,
Thank you for writing and letting me know that you are wearing Delvin's MIA bracelet. I had a granddaughter graduate from CSU last Dec. 19. She wears her Uncles bracelet also. I don't because it just hurts to much. I guess I am just too tender hearted. I just can't get over the loss of Delvin. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in 1975. I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband. Then I met my husbands cousin. He had just lost his wife. We were both lonesome so we married. He taught English in High School in Mt. Edgecuma, close to Sitka, Alaska. I just loved it up there, took off a lot of my troubles and loneliness. Then when he retired we moved back to my farm in Kersey. Then all my sorrows returned. I would love to sell my farm and get away from it all again. Sometimes I just want it all to end. I have two wonderful grandchildren. My oldest son was married, but Delvin never did. My grandson is married and they have an 8 month old son. So it makes me feel older I have a great grandson. I think the world and all of him. He is so sweet. Thanks for your letter, I am glad that you are wearing Delvin's bracelet,
Take care
Mrs. Moorhead
Length of service 2 years
His tour began on Oct 2, 1969
Casualty was on Oct 2, 1969
In , NORTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, FIXED WING - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH AT SEA
Body was not recovered
Panel 17W - Line 28
Rank/Branch: Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) ThirdClass/US Navy
Unit: Fighter Squadron 142 USS Constellation (CVA-64)
Date of Birth: 19 July 1945 (Grelley, CO)
Home of Record: Kersey, CO
Date of Loss: 02 October 1969
Country of Loss: North Vietnam/Over Water
Loss Coordinates: 175402N 1073602E (YE754810)
Status in 1973: Killed/Body Not Recovered
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: C2A "Greyhound"
Other Personnel In Incident: Herbert H. Dilger, Richard A. Livingston, Rayford J. Hill, Paul K. Moser, and Michael J. Tye, Richard W. Bell, Michael L. Bowman, Frank L. Bytheway, Rolando C. Dayao, Donald C. Dean, Carl J. Ellerd, James J. Fowler, Roy G. Fowler, Leonardo M. Gan, Paul E. Gore, Terry L. Beck, William D. Goresuch, Howard M. Koslosky, Robert B. Leonard, Ronald W. Montgomery, William R. Moore, Kenneth M. Prentice, Fidel G. Salazar, Keavin L. Terrell and Reynaldo R. Viado.
On 2 October 1969, a C2A from Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 50, NAS Atsugi, Japan was transferring crewmen from Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines to the USS Constellation task force located in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Those sailors returning to the USS Constellation were: HE3 Terry L. Beck, Seabee Heavy Equipment 3rd Class; ATR3 Richard W. Bell, Aviation Electronics Technician Radar 3rd Class; ASE3 Michael L. Bowman, Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class; HM2 Donald C. Dean, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class; AMH2 Carl J. Ellerd, Aviation Mechanic Hydraulics 2nd Class; AE2 James J. Fowler, Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class; AME3 Roy G. Fowler, Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class; MM1 Paul E. Gore, Machinist Mate 1st Class; ABH3 William D. Goresuch, Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class; AMS3 Delvin L. Kohker, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class; AN Howard M. Koslosky, Airman; FTM2 Robert B. Leonard, Fire Control Technician Missile 2nd Class; AQB2 Ronald W. Montgomery, Aviation Fire Control Technician 2nd Class; ADJ2 Kenneth M. Prentice, Aviation Jet Mechanic 2nd Class; SD2 Fidel G. Salazar, Stewards Man 2nd Class and DS3 Keavin L. Terrell, Data Systems Technician 3rd Class.
After take off, Communications with other squadron aircraft and the carrier's air control center indicated operations were normal. The carrier's radar continued tracking the Greyhound until approximately 55 minutes after takeoff, when radar contact was lost.
The last radar position was approximately 26 miles out from the USS Constellation.
An extensive search and rescue (SAR) operation was immediately initiated.
Shortly thereafter other aircraft in the area began sighting an oil slick and debris. A search and recovery helicopter launched from the ship was able to recover a few pieces of the aircraft.
During the thorough search no bodies of the crew and passengers were found. At the time the formal search was terminated all 26 men were reported as Killed /Body Not Recovered.
There is virtually no chance that the crew and passengers onboard the C2A Greyhound can ever be recovered due to the type of loss.
**************************************
Shortly thereafter, the Kohlers moved to Kersey, Colorado. Kersey was then and is now a small, close-knit farming community, and the Kohlers had a 200 acre farm in the heart of it.
The youngest of 2 boys, Delvin was raised constantly surrounded by the animals he loved. He joined the 4-H club at an early age where he learned the finer techniques of animal care and show handling.
By the time he attended Kersey High School, Delvin was still active in 4-H and also the Future Farmer's of America Club where he learned a great deal about a stock show judge. Somehow he found a little time to play a little baseball and football too.
Going on for 2 years of study at Lamar Jr. College, Delvin received numerous awards and ribbons, including a Team Livestock Judging trophy at the National Western Stock Show. He received college honors in livestock judging, as well as graduating in 1965 with an A.S. in animal science. Upon graduating, Delvin entered Colorado State University where he majored in animal husbandry. Two years into his studies, he learned that he was about to be drafted and, following family tradition, Delvin chose instead to enlist in the navy for 4 years.
Delvin's experience with farm machinery helped him to become an aircraft hydraulic mechanic. He was subsequently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Constellation in Vietnam. Frequent air runs were made from the ship to Japan and the Philippines. Three years into his tour of duty, one day Delvin was called in on his day off to replace an ailing fellow crewman on a routine run to the Philippines. On the return flight, the aircraft carrying Delvin and 25 other people was shot down in the Bay of Tonkin. Even though many Vietcong were in the area and wreckage was found, by the time our planes arrived on the scene no survivors or bodies were discovered. Everyone aboard was listed as Missing in Action.
**************************************
.
**** Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO. Posted by: Robert Sage
Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO.Posted by Tom Reece.
*** Aviation Structural Mechanic, Third Class Kohler was a member of Fighter Squadron 142, Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On October 2, 1969, he was a passenger in a Grumman Greyhound Transport Aircraft (C-2A) enroute from Cubi Point Naval Station to the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in the Gulf of Tonkin. Contact was lost when the aircraft was about 10 miles from the carrier. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
DELVIN LEE KOHLER - Navy - AMS3 - E4
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Jul 19, 1945
From: KERSEY, CO
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Delvin was born to Mr. & Mrs. Roy Kohler of Ault, Colorado on July 19, 1945. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in August 1975 (Born Oct. 9, 1916). I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband.
***** This is the letter that I received from Delvins mother when I wrote her right after I received his MIA bracelet in April 1988.
Dear Melissa,
Thank you for writing and letting me know that you are wearing Delvin's MIA bracelet. I had a granddaughter graduate from CSU last Dec. 19. She wears her Uncles bracelet also. I don't because it just hurts to much. I guess I am just too tender hearted. I just can't get over the loss of Delvin. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in 1975. I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband. Then I met my husbands cousin. He had just lost his wife. We were both lonesome so we married. He taught English in High School in Mt. Edgecuma, close to Sitka, Alaska. I just loved it up there, took off a lot of my troubles and loneliness. Then when he retired we moved back to my farm in Kersey. Then all my sorrows returned. I would love to sell my farm and get away from it all again. Sometimes I just want it all to end. I have two wonderful grandchildren. My oldest son was married, but Delvin never did. My grandson is married and they have an 8 month old son. So it makes me feel older I have a great grandson. I think the world and all of him. He is so sweet. Thanks for your letter, I am glad that you are wearing Delvin's bracelet,
Take care
Mrs. Moorhead
Length of service 2 years
His tour began on Oct 2, 1969
Casualty was on Oct 2, 1969
In , NORTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, FIXED WING - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH AT SEA
Body was not recovered
Panel 17W - Line 28
Rank/Branch: Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) ThirdClass/US Navy
Unit: Fighter Squadron 142 USS Constellation (CVA-64)
Date of Birth: 19 July 1945 (Grelley, CO)
Home of Record: Kersey, CO
Date of Loss: 02 October 1969
Country of Loss: North Vietnam/Over Water
Loss Coordinates: 175402N 1073602E (YE754810)
Status in 1973: Killed/Body Not Recovered
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: C2A "Greyhound"
Other Personnel In Incident: Herbert H. Dilger, Richard A. Livingston, Rayford J. Hill, Paul K. Moser, and Michael J. Tye, Richard W. Bell, Michael L. Bowman, Frank L. Bytheway, Rolando C. Dayao, Donald C. Dean, Carl J. Ellerd, James J. Fowler, Roy G. Fowler, Leonardo M. Gan, Paul E. Gore, Terry L. Beck, William D. Goresuch, Howard M. Koslosky, Robert B. Leonard, Ronald W. Montgomery, William R. Moore, Kenneth M. Prentice, Fidel G. Salazar, Keavin L. Terrell and Reynaldo R. Viado.
On 2 October 1969, a C2A from Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 50, NAS Atsugi, Japan was transferring crewmen from Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines to the USS Constellation task force located in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Those sailors returning to the USS Constellation were: HE3 Terry L. Beck, Seabee Heavy Equipment 3rd Class; ATR3 Richard W. Bell, Aviation Electronics Technician Radar 3rd Class; ASE3 Michael L. Bowman, Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class; HM2 Donald C. Dean, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class; AMH2 Carl J. Ellerd, Aviation Mechanic Hydraulics 2nd Class; AE2 James J. Fowler, Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class; AME3 Roy G. Fowler, Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class; MM1 Paul E. Gore, Machinist Mate 1st Class; ABH3 William D. Goresuch, Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class; AMS3 Delvin L. Kohker, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class; AN Howard M. Koslosky, Airman; FTM2 Robert B. Leonard, Fire Control Technician Missile 2nd Class; AQB2 Ronald W. Montgomery, Aviation Fire Control Technician 2nd Class; ADJ2 Kenneth M. Prentice, Aviation Jet Mechanic 2nd Class; SD2 Fidel G. Salazar, Stewards Man 2nd Class and DS3 Keavin L. Terrell, Data Systems Technician 3rd Class.
After take off, Communications with other squadron aircraft and the carrier's air control center indicated operations were normal. The carrier's radar continued tracking the Greyhound until approximately 55 minutes after takeoff, when radar contact was lost.
The last radar position was approximately 26 miles out from the USS Constellation.
An extensive search and rescue (SAR) operation was immediately initiated.
Shortly thereafter other aircraft in the area began sighting an oil slick and debris. A search and recovery helicopter launched from the ship was able to recover a few pieces of the aircraft.
During the thorough search no bodies of the crew and passengers were found. At the time the formal search was terminated all 26 men were reported as Killed /Body Not Recovered.
There is virtually no chance that the crew and passengers onboard the C2A Greyhound can ever be recovered due to the type of loss.
**************************************
Shortly thereafter, the Kohlers moved to Kersey, Colorado. Kersey was then and is now a small, close-knit farming community, and the Kohlers had a 200 acre farm in the heart of it.
The youngest of 2 boys, Delvin was raised constantly surrounded by the animals he loved. He joined the 4-H club at an early age where he learned the finer techniques of animal care and show handling.
By the time he attended Kersey High School, Delvin was still active in 4-H and also the Future Farmer's of America Club where he learned a great deal about a stock show judge. Somehow he found a little time to play a little baseball and football too.
Going on for 2 years of study at Lamar Jr. College, Delvin received numerous awards and ribbons, including a Team Livestock Judging trophy at the National Western Stock Show. He received college honors in livestock judging, as well as graduating in 1965 with an A.S. in animal science. Upon graduating, Delvin entered Colorado State University where he majored in animal husbandry. Two years into his studies, he learned that he was about to be drafted and, following family tradition, Delvin chose instead to enlist in the navy for 4 years.
Delvin's experience with farm machinery helped him to become an aircraft hydraulic mechanic. He was subsequently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Constellation in Vietnam. Frequent air runs were made from the ship to Japan and the Philippines. Three years into his tour of duty, one day Delvin was called in on his day off to replace an ailing fellow crewman on a routine run to the Philippines. On the return flight, the aircraft carrying Delvin and 25 other people was shot down in the Bay of Tonkin. Even though many Vietcong were in the area and wreckage was found, by the time our planes arrived on the scene no survivors or bodies were discovered. Everyone aboard was listed as Missing in Action.
**************************************
.
In loving memory of... DELVIN LEE KOHLER.
**** Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO. Posted by: Robert Sage
Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO.Posted by Tom Reece.
*** Aviation Structural Mechanic, Third Class Kohler was a member of Fighter Squadron 142, Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On October 2, 1969, he was a passenger in a Grumman Greyhound Transport Aircraft (C-2A) enroute from Cubi Point Naval Station to the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in the Gulf of Tonkin. Contact was lost when the aircraft was about 10 miles from the carrier. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
DELVIN LEE KOHLER - Navy - AMS3 - E4
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Jul 19, 1945
From: KERSEY, CO
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Delvin was born to Mr. & Mrs. Roy Kohler of Ault, Colorado on July 19, 1945. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in August 1975 (Born Oct. 9, 1916). I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband.
***** This is the letter that I received from Delvins mother when I wrote her right after I received his MIA bracelet in April 1988.
Dear Melissa,
Thank you for writing and letting me know that you are wearing Delvin's MIA bracelet. I had a granddaughter graduate from CSU last Dec. 19. She wears her Uncles bracelet also. I don't because it just hurts to much. I guess I am just too tender hearted. I just can't get over the loss of Delvin. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in 1975. I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband. Then I met my husbands cousin. He had just lost his wife. We were both lonesome so we married. He taught English in High School in Mt. Edgecuma, close to Sitka, Alaska. I just loved it up there, took off a lot of my troubles and loneliness. Then when he retired we moved back to my farm in Kersey. Then all my sorrows returned. I would love to sell my farm and get away from it all again. Sometimes I just want it all to end. I have two wonderful grandchildren. My oldest son was married, but Delvin never did. My grandson is married and they have an 8 month old son. So it makes me feel older I have a great grandson. I think the world and all of him. He is so sweet. Thanks for your letter, I am glad that you are wearing Delvin's bracelet,
Take care
Mrs. Moorhead
Length of service 2 years
His tour began on Oct 2, 1969
Casualty was on Oct 2, 1969
In , NORTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, FIXED WING - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH AT SEA
Body was not recovered
Panel 17W - Line 28
Rank/Branch: Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) ThirdClass/US Navy
Unit: Fighter Squadron 142 USS Constellation (CVA-64)
Date of Birth: 19 July 1945 (Grelley, CO)
Home of Record: Kersey, CO
Date of Loss: 02 October 1969
Country of Loss: North Vietnam/Over Water
Loss Coordinates: 175402N 1073602E (YE754810)
Status in 1973: Killed/Body Not Recovered
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: C2A "Greyhound"
Other Personnel In Incident: Herbert H. Dilger, Richard A. Livingston, Rayford J. Hill, Paul K. Moser, and Michael J. Tye, Richard W. Bell, Michael L. Bowman, Frank L. Bytheway, Rolando C. Dayao, Donald C. Dean, Carl J. Ellerd, James J. Fowler, Roy G. Fowler, Leonardo M. Gan, Paul E. Gore, Terry L. Beck, William D. Goresuch, Howard M. Koslosky, Robert B. Leonard, Ronald W. Montgomery, William R. Moore, Kenneth M. Prentice, Fidel G. Salazar, Keavin L. Terrell and Reynaldo R. Viado.
On 2 October 1969, a C2A from Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 50, NAS Atsugi, Japan was transferring crewmen from Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines to the USS Constellation task force located in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Those sailors returning to the USS Constellation were: HE3 Terry L. Beck, Seabee Heavy Equipment 3rd Class; ATR3 Richard W. Bell, Aviation Electronics Technician Radar 3rd Class; ASE3 Michael L. Bowman, Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class; HM2 Donald C. Dean, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class; AMH2 Carl J. Ellerd, Aviation Mechanic Hydraulics 2nd Class; AE2 James J. Fowler, Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class; AME3 Roy G. Fowler, Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class; MM1 Paul E. Gore, Machinist Mate 1st Class; ABH3 William D. Goresuch, Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class; AMS3 Delvin L. Kohker, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class; AN Howard M. Koslosky, Airman; FTM2 Robert B. Leonard, Fire Control Technician Missile 2nd Class; AQB2 Ronald W. Montgomery, Aviation Fire Control Technician 2nd Class; ADJ2 Kenneth M. Prentice, Aviation Jet Mechanic 2nd Class; SD2 Fidel G. Salazar, Stewards Man 2nd Class and DS3 Keavin L. Terrell, Data Systems Technician 3rd Class.
After take off, Communications with other squadron aircraft and the carrier's air control center indicated operations were normal. The carrier's radar continued tracking the Greyhound until approximately 55 minutes after takeoff, when radar contact was lost.
The last radar position was approximately 26 miles out from the USS Constellation.
An extensive search and rescue (SAR) operation was immediately initiated.
Shortly thereafter other aircraft in the area began sighting an oil slick and debris. A search and recovery helicopter launched from the ship was able to recover a few pieces of the aircraft.
During the thorough search no bodies of the crew and passengers were found. At the time the formal search was terminated all 26 men were reported as Killed /Body Not Recovered.
There is virtually no chance that the crew and passengers onboard the C2A Greyhound can ever be recovered due to the type of loss.
**************************************
Shortly thereafter, the Kohlers moved to Kersey, Colorado. Kersey was then and is now a small, close-knit farming community, and the Kohlers had a 200 acre farm in the heart of it.
The youngest of 2 boys, Delvin was raised constantly surrounded by the animals he loved. He joined the 4-H club at an early age where he learned the finer techniques of animal care and show handling.
By the time he attended Kersey High School, Delvin was still active in 4-H and also the Future Farmer's of America Club where he learned a great deal about a stock show judge. Somehow he found a little time to play a little baseball and football too.
Going on for 2 years of study at Lamar Jr. College, Delvin received numerous awards and ribbons, including a Team Livestock Judging trophy at the National Western Stock Show. He received college honors in livestock judging, as well as graduating in 1965 with an A.S. in animal science. Upon graduating, Delvin entered Colorado State University where he majored in animal husbandry. Two years into his studies, he learned that he was about to be drafted and, following family tradition, Delvin chose instead to enlist in the navy for 4 years.
Delvin's experience with farm machinery helped him to become an aircraft hydraulic mechanic. He was subsequently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Constellation in Vietnam. Frequent air runs were made from the ship to Japan and the Philippines. Three years into his tour of duty, one day Delvin was called in on his day off to replace an ailing fellow crewman on a routine run to the Philippines. On the return flight, the aircraft carrying Delvin and 25 other people was shot down in the Bay of Tonkin. Even though many Vietcong were in the area and wreckage was found, by the time our planes arrived on the scene no survivors or bodies were discovered. Everyone aboard was listed as Missing in Action.
**************************************
.
**** Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO. Posted by: Robert Sage
Delvin has a military stone in his memory at Sunset Memorial Gardens, Greeley,CO.Posted by Tom Reece.
*** Aviation Structural Mechanic, Third Class Kohler was a member of Fighter Squadron 142, Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64). On October 2, 1969, he was a passenger in a Grumman Greyhound Transport Aircraft (C-2A) enroute from Cubi Point Naval Station to the aircraft carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64) in the Gulf of Tonkin. Contact was lost when the aircraft was about 10 miles from the carrier. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
DELVIN LEE KOHLER - Navy - AMS3 - E4
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Jul 19, 1945
From: KERSEY, CO
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Delvin was born to Mr. & Mrs. Roy Kohler of Ault, Colorado on July 19, 1945. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in August 1975 (Born Oct. 9, 1916). I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband.
***** This is the letter that I received from Delvins mother when I wrote her right after I received his MIA bracelet in April 1988.
Dear Melissa,
Thank you for writing and letting me know that you are wearing Delvin's MIA bracelet. I had a granddaughter graduate from CSU last Dec. 19. She wears her Uncles bracelet also. I don't because it just hurts to much. I guess I am just too tender hearted. I just can't get over the loss of Delvin. His daddy was pretty sick and when we got the word of his death, then my husband got worse and I lost him in 1975. I had two sons. Then in 1976 Elroy was killed in a tractor-train accident. So I lost both my boys and my husband. Then I met my husbands cousin. He had just lost his wife. We were both lonesome so we married. He taught English in High School in Mt. Edgecuma, close to Sitka, Alaska. I just loved it up there, took off a lot of my troubles and loneliness. Then when he retired we moved back to my farm in Kersey. Then all my sorrows returned. I would love to sell my farm and get away from it all again. Sometimes I just want it all to end. I have two wonderful grandchildren. My oldest son was married, but Delvin never did. My grandson is married and they have an 8 month old son. So it makes me feel older I have a great grandson. I think the world and all of him. He is so sweet. Thanks for your letter, I am glad that you are wearing Delvin's bracelet,
Take care
Mrs. Moorhead
Length of service 2 years
His tour began on Oct 2, 1969
Casualty was on Oct 2, 1969
In , NORTH VIETNAM
NON-HOSTILE, FIXED WING - NONCREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH AT SEA
Body was not recovered
Panel 17W - Line 28
Rank/Branch: Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures) ThirdClass/US Navy
Unit: Fighter Squadron 142 USS Constellation (CVA-64)
Date of Birth: 19 July 1945 (Grelley, CO)
Home of Record: Kersey, CO
Date of Loss: 02 October 1969
Country of Loss: North Vietnam/Over Water
Loss Coordinates: 175402N 1073602E (YE754810)
Status in 1973: Killed/Body Not Recovered
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: C2A "Greyhound"
Other Personnel In Incident: Herbert H. Dilger, Richard A. Livingston, Rayford J. Hill, Paul K. Moser, and Michael J. Tye, Richard W. Bell, Michael L. Bowman, Frank L. Bytheway, Rolando C. Dayao, Donald C. Dean, Carl J. Ellerd, James J. Fowler, Roy G. Fowler, Leonardo M. Gan, Paul E. Gore, Terry L. Beck, William D. Goresuch, Howard M. Koslosky, Robert B. Leonard, Ronald W. Montgomery, William R. Moore, Kenneth M. Prentice, Fidel G. Salazar, Keavin L. Terrell and Reynaldo R. Viado.
On 2 October 1969, a C2A from Fleet Tactical Support Squadron 50, NAS Atsugi, Japan was transferring crewmen from Naval Air Station Cubi Point, Republic of the Philippines to the USS Constellation task force located in the Gulf of Tonkin.
Those sailors returning to the USS Constellation were: HE3 Terry L. Beck, Seabee Heavy Equipment 3rd Class; ATR3 Richard W. Bell, Aviation Electronics Technician Radar 3rd Class; ASE3 Michael L. Bowman, Aviation Support Equipment Technician 3rd Class; HM2 Donald C. Dean, Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class; AMH2 Carl J. Ellerd, Aviation Mechanic Hydraulics 2nd Class; AE2 James J. Fowler, Aviation Electricians Mate 2nd Class; AME3 Roy G. Fowler, Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd Class; MM1 Paul E. Gore, Machinist Mate 1st Class; ABH3 William D. Goresuch, Aviation Boatswain Mate 3rd Class; AMS3 Delvin L. Kohker, Aviation Structural Mechanic 3rd Class; AN Howard M. Koslosky, Airman; FTM2 Robert B. Leonard, Fire Control Technician Missile 2nd Class; AQB2 Ronald W. Montgomery, Aviation Fire Control Technician 2nd Class; ADJ2 Kenneth M. Prentice, Aviation Jet Mechanic 2nd Class; SD2 Fidel G. Salazar, Stewards Man 2nd Class and DS3 Keavin L. Terrell, Data Systems Technician 3rd Class.
After take off, Communications with other squadron aircraft and the carrier's air control center indicated operations were normal. The carrier's radar continued tracking the Greyhound until approximately 55 minutes after takeoff, when radar contact was lost.
The last radar position was approximately 26 miles out from the USS Constellation.
An extensive search and rescue (SAR) operation was immediately initiated.
Shortly thereafter other aircraft in the area began sighting an oil slick and debris. A search and recovery helicopter launched from the ship was able to recover a few pieces of the aircraft.
During the thorough search no bodies of the crew and passengers were found. At the time the formal search was terminated all 26 men were reported as Killed /Body Not Recovered.
There is virtually no chance that the crew and passengers onboard the C2A Greyhound can ever be recovered due to the type of loss.
**************************************
Shortly thereafter, the Kohlers moved to Kersey, Colorado. Kersey was then and is now a small, close-knit farming community, and the Kohlers had a 200 acre farm in the heart of it.
The youngest of 2 boys, Delvin was raised constantly surrounded by the animals he loved. He joined the 4-H club at an early age where he learned the finer techniques of animal care and show handling.
By the time he attended Kersey High School, Delvin was still active in 4-H and also the Future Farmer's of America Club where he learned a great deal about a stock show judge. Somehow he found a little time to play a little baseball and football too.
Going on for 2 years of study at Lamar Jr. College, Delvin received numerous awards and ribbons, including a Team Livestock Judging trophy at the National Western Stock Show. He received college honors in livestock judging, as well as graduating in 1965 with an A.S. in animal science. Upon graduating, Delvin entered Colorado State University where he majored in animal husbandry. Two years into his studies, he learned that he was about to be drafted and, following family tradition, Delvin chose instead to enlist in the navy for 4 years.
Delvin's experience with farm machinery helped him to become an aircraft hydraulic mechanic. He was subsequently assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Constellation in Vietnam. Frequent air runs were made from the ship to Japan and the Philippines. Three years into his tour of duty, one day Delvin was called in on his day off to replace an ailing fellow crewman on a routine run to the Philippines. On the return flight, the aircraft carrying Delvin and 25 other people was shot down in the Bay of Tonkin. Even though many Vietcong were in the area and wreckage was found, by the time our planes arrived on the scene no survivors or bodies were discovered. Everyone aboard was listed as Missing in Action.
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IN MEMORY OF
DELVIN LEE KOHLER
COLORADO
AMS3 US NAVY
VIETNAM
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