|
|
Yes, I knew George well. Ron had ask that I write some tribute to George for the 25th Avn web site, but I've not been able to do so. I find it very difficult to put in words who George was and what he meant to me, even 30 years after his death. For many years I felt George's spirit accompanied me as ridiculous as that might sound-believe it or not I'm not crazy-so that I might perhaps accomplish some things in life meant for him. To this day George's death remains a very emotional subject for me and it is perhaps for this reason I've been unable to write anything about him. Simply put, George was the best Gunship pilot I ever knew or even heard of. He had a 'feel' for battle. It usually took George only a few seconds to assess the ground situation, locate the friendlies, the bad guys, and figure out what the fireteam could do to be most effective. He had great combat vision, a lot of pilots never saw what George could see in a tactical situation. George was totally committed to the people on the ground, and he was absolutely fearless. He demanded the very best of the crew that flew with him, if you did not totally
|
concentrate on the mission at hand you did not fly with George long, either as pilot or wing. George's first rule of combat was attack, his second was attack, and his third was attack. He was absolutely relentless, his power of concentration was awesome, and he learned faster than anyone I have ever known. Out of the cockpit you would not have suspected the kind of pilot he was. Though he had many of the same traits, he was a human being, compassionate, mild mannered, and quiet. Yet in combat,he was the consummate warrior, a dedicated and ruthless killer. Many times we flew right down the barrel of a 51, shot for shot. To shoot at George was to make a fatal mistake. Of all George's abilities though, perhaps his best was as teacher. From him I learned everything about combat, how to fight helicopters, how to fight fireteams, how to work with and for the people on the ground, and so did a lot of others. He made everyone who flew with him a better pilot and a better warrior. The enlisted crew admired him just as much as did the other pilots. I think it can truly be said I owe him my life,and there are many others who were both on the ground and in the air in VietNam who can and should say the same. The bible talks of David's "Mighty Men",had David known George Grinnell, he also would have been one of the "Mighty Men". All who had the privilege to meet George, met one of the best of what human beings can be.
Greg Bucy
Diamondhead 50
|
|
| home
