SPC George Criel
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War: Vietnam War Branch: United States Army Unit: 197th Armed Helicopter Company Service Location: Vietnam Rank: Specialist E-4 Wartime Service Dates: August 1965 to August 1966 Library of Congress Link: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/vhp/bib/86614 |
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SPC Criel was drafted out of college into the Army. He attended Aviation School at Ft. Rucker, Alabama. He graduated as Crew Chief and was assigned to the 197th Armed Helicopter Company, which was the only Armed Helicopter Company in Vietnam at the time with a total of thirty gunships. All missions consisted of flying overhead cover for the Army, Marines, and Air Force. He was involved in the operation called Sea Wolf, in which his unit flew overhead cover for the Navy River Patrol Boats and supported the Navy Seals. This represented the “first” joint operation within the Army and the Navy in Vietnam. In response, Congress officially awarded the name “Sea Wolfs” to acknowledge the joint Army/Navy helicopter operations. SPC Criel was awarded twenty-two air combat missions. For outstanding service, he also received the following awards: Purple Heart, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal, and Vietnam Campaign Medal. SPC Criel is most noted for his humor and positive attitude.
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Video InterviewVHP George Criel from Veterans Tribute on Vimeo.
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