Horace was assigned to Charlie Troop on August 9, 1967 and was Killed in Action on February 2, 1968. Horace was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal and a set of Army Aviator Wings. Horace was a Pilot of an OH-6A Light Observation Helicopter.
Mr Giddens was my pilot on many missions both at Two Bits and Dong Ha, he was KIA the very day after my last combat mission while flying our B model Huey. I have always felt that if I had been on the mission that day instead of the new CE he might still be alive.
When no one was around I would call Mr Giddens by his nick name “Jr.” He worried that the Company Commander might hear me and he’d get his butt chewed out for letting me get away with it. His piloting skills kept me and the rest of the crew safe and sound every time we were in harm’s way. He was a great person an excellent pilot and a good friend.
I’m Jr’s only nephew. I was 5 years old when he was KIA. I was also with my grandparents when the officers came to inform us. It was every horror I could imagine.
Before he (JR) left he went hunting with some buddies. I remember him coming in the driveway with by grandmothers white Bel Air and this buck tied across the hood bleeding all over granny’s car. It was so Jr!
Thank you, Mark for sending me these great pictures. The picture with two Troopers in it is Bill Gibson on the left and Horace on the right.
| The following was submitted by Colonel (Ret) J. Hank ThomasI knew WO Horace Giddens who was killed on Feb 2, 68 by an round that came up through the right bottom chin bubble of the UH1 Gunship. The round hit his chicken plate and ricochet up to his throat causing major blood loss. The crew in the back dropped the seat back and tried in vain to save his life. The lesson we learned was to wear our flack jacket over the chicken plate to trap the shrapnel.
On the lighter side, I will remember WO Giddens on his hand and knees in front of his tent hooch at LZ Two Bits enjoying the smell of burning Fall Leaves sent to him from his lady back home. He was a special man. |
If any family member or friend reads this blog, please contact me as I am looking for pictures and personal stories about this brave man.
Charlie Troop 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment 
Phillip Mike Askew
September 22, 2010
Mr Giddens was my pilot on many missions both at Two Bits and Dong Ha, he was KIA the very day after my last combat mission while flying our B modle Huey. I have always felt that if I had been on the mission that day instead of the new CE he might still be alive.
When no one was around I would call Mr Giddens by his nick name “Jr.” He worried that the Company Commander might hear me and he’d get his butt chewed out for letting me get away with it. His piloting skills kept me and the rest of the crew safe and sound everytime we were in harms way. He was a great person an excellent pilot and a good friend.
John Kelley
June 10, 2013
Junior and I grew up as kids together and played many a baseball game in Mr. Clifton Maddox’s pasture. What great memories! I last saw Junior in Bien Hoa in December 1967, think he was there going thru Cobra transition. I was assigned to 118th ASH. You could not ask for a better person than Junior! I departed Vietnam early February and was shocked and saddened to learn of his death. I visited his internment site. What a loss!
Mark Johnson
June 14, 2025
I’m Jr’s only nephew. I was 5 years old when he was KIA. I was also with my grandparents when the officers came to inform us. It was every horror I could imagine.
Before he left he went hunting with some buddies. I remember him coming in the driveway with by grandmothers white Bel Air and this buck tied across the hood bleeding all over granny’s car. It was so Jr!
The picture above is not him. I’m attaching an article image of Junior. God Bless and we miss him!
patrickbieneman
June 15, 2025
Mark, Thank you for contacting me. I have changed the picture of your Uncle Jr.. I was given the original picture by one of the men he served with but later on I received the one I am using now. I hope it is right. I did not receive any attachments from you so I did not get the article nor any pictures. If you will resend them I will include then in this post.