Ronald Norman Jasinski

Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) Ronald Norman Jasinski served as a cargo helicopter pilot with the 180th Assault Support Helicopter Company (ASHC), known as “Big Windy,” during the Vietnam War. Born on May 2, 1948, in Roselle, Illinois, he began his tour in Vietnam on April 26, 1970.

Ronald Norman Jasinski, a Chief Warrant Officer 2 (CW2) and cargo helicopter pilot with the 180th Assault Support Helicopter Company (ASHC), was involved in a tragic aircraft accident during the Vietnam War.

Details of the Incident:

• Date: January 30, 1971
• Aircraft: CH-47C Chinook helicopter, tail number 68-15869
• Mission: Night resupply operation
  • The internal load included tent pegs and a garbage can weighing approximately 700 pounds.
  • An external sling load of about 9,200 pounds was attached.

Circumstances of the Crash:

• Challenges:
  • The flight faced communication difficulties and navigation issues.
  • The mountainous terrain and nighttime conditions contributed to the complexity of the mission.
• Crash Details:
  • While attempting to turn back toward Tuy Hoa in Phu Yen Province, the external sling load struck a mountain.
  • This collision caused the aircraft to crash and roll onto its left side.

Casualties:

• CW2 Ronald Jasinski, Crew Chief SP4 Allen C. Ell, and Gunner CPL James P. Duncan were killed in the crash.
• Two others (a crew member and a passenger) survived but sustained injuries.

Memorialization:

• CW2 Ronald Jasinski’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Panel 5W, Line 69.
• He is remembered for his bravery and service, as well as the ultimate sacrifice he made during the Vietnam War.

This accident highlights the challenges and risks faced by helicopter crews conducting operations in adverse conditions and hostile environments.