WHEARY DENIS G

CW2 Denis G. Wheary was a VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 10/20/2018 at the age of 71.9 from Espohageal Cancer
Portland, OR
Flight Classes 68-521 and 68-39
Date of Birth 11/14/1946
Served in the U.S. Army
Served in Vietnam with 176 AHC in 69-70, 120 AHC in 70
Call signs in Vietnam MINUTEMAN 25, DEAN
This information was provided by Alena Wheary - spouse

More detail on this person: Denis G. Wheary, age 71, passed away on October 20, 2018, after a year long courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Denis enlisted in the Army in 1967. He was posted in early 1968 to Fort Wolters, Texas and later Fort Rucker, Alabama. In January of 1969, he completed Warrant Officer Rotary Wing Aviation Course, Class 68-521. Denis flew as pilot and aircraft commander for the 176th Assault Helicopter Company out of Chu Lai in support of 5th Special Forces, the 196th, and 198th Lt Infantry Brigade. March of 1969 was an intense period, when he flew twenty-five aerial missions over hostile territory in ten days. He received the Air Medal and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for the rescue that occurred on 22 September, 1969. After ten months in Chu Lai, Denis was transferred to the 120 AHC (The Deans) in Long Binh. His mission was transporting General Officers and Senior VIPs including Gen. Abrams and Gen. Rosson. While flying for the 120th Aviation Company, he received the Bronze Star and the Air Medal. Denis had a total flight time of 1,411 hours which included 1,181 hours of combat flight time. Christmas Day (1969) he volunteered to take Christmas dinner to the Infantry troops in the field. He swooped in dropped the meals and as he was lifting off he received enemy fire. The "hand hold bar" just above his head landed in his lap and it was sizzling. Denis brought the grip home, and for him, it was a reminder that every day is a gift. Denis was born November 14, 1946, in San Francisco, California, the son of Cynthia (Towne) and Eugene Wheary. He attended school in Marin County and graduated from Villanova High School. After his tour in Vietnam, he returned to complete his studies in journalism at the University of Oregon. He worked for Hughes Aircraft before working in Food Services and moved to Portland, Oregon. He was an avid collector, artist, writer and commentator on psychedelic and surfer art from the 60's. Denis is survived by his wife Alena and two daughters Erin and Lilli.

This information was last updated 02/10/2019

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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025