18th Aviation Company Otter Nest

Chapter 15 A Tribute

We Salute

Robert L. Felix Major, USA (deceased)

To one of the finest officers, if not the finest that the 18th Aviation Company has ever known Capt. Robert Felix,  Major, US. Army, Retired Commanding Officer 18th Aviation Company Deceased.

A few facts on Maj.  Robert Felix:

1. Had engine failure No. 13 on his check out ride 1961. 
2. Had every Otter in the US. Army grounded due to faulty engines built by Pratt and Whitney.
3. This was done with the aid of his Maintenance staff and Capt Allwine Commander of the 339th Transportation Co. and his staff. 
4. Took the 18th Aviation Company to Vietnam from Ft Riley, Kansas on board the USNS Core 15 Jan, 1962.
5. Arrived in Siagon Vietnam on 6 Feb. 1962.  The 339th Transportation Company also went as a maintenance support unit as per DA 
6. Commanded the 18th Aviation Co from 1961 Ft. Riley, Kansas thru mid 1962 Nha Trang, Vietnam.
7. Major Bob Felix died en route to a golf game. 

Robert "Bob" C. Allwine, Jr. Major, USA (deceased)

A few facts on Capt. Allwine the Commander of the 339th Taransportation Co. (DS) at Ft. Riley Kansas and to Vietnam in 1962.  Capt Allwine Retired Major, US Army Deceased.

1. Commanded the 339th Transportation Company (DS)  at Ft. Riley Kansas in the 60's.
2. With the aid of Capt Felix both soliders with their  staffs was able to solve the engine problems on the Otters of the 18th Aviation and 339thTransportation Co. DSU.
3. The 339th went to Vietnam with the 18th Aviation Co. Capt Allwine was the first Commander of the 339th in Vietnam.
4. 339th Transportation Co. arrived in Vietnam on 6 Feb 1962 as the histortic records states.
5. Capt Allwine favorite Otter was the Quad Duece 59-2222.  This Otter was always ready for flight.  Had tables and chairs inside  the plane. No wonder it was called a commercial TWA.  No one flew this Otter except Capt. Allwine, his selected crew and crew chief.
6.  Major Robert Allwine died 23 February 2009 in Dectur, Georgia.