This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Sgt Thomas LaRoe (Birddog)
to remember
Wheeler, James Atlee, Capt.
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Casualty Info
Home Town Tucson, AZ
Last Address Bien Hoa AB
Casualty Date Apr 18, 1965
Cause KIA-Killed in Action
Reason Air Loss, Crash - Land
Location Vietnam, South (Vietnam)
Conflict Vietnam War
Location of Interment South Lawn Memorial Cemetery - Tucson, Arizona
Other Memories The 34th was reactivated in July 1963 as the 34th Tactical Group to train Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) personnel in counter-insurgency operations. It provided training for RVNAF strike pilots, forward air controllers, and observers. The 34th also flew a variety of combat missions, including close air support, escort and interdiction, psychological warfare, aerial supply, forward air control and tactical liaison. The group pioneered tactical weapons and munitions, such as the A-1 Skyraider, the minigun, the daisycutter, and the gunship. Aircrews of the 1st Air Commando Squadron performed the first combat tests of the FC-47 gunship beginning December 1964. The 6251st Tactical Fighter Wing replaced the group in July 1965, and the 34th was again deactivated.