In Loving Memory of .....RICHARD Charles WORTHINGTON,JR.
*** On May 6, 1970, he was the pilot of a Bell Iroquois Utility Helicopter (UH-1H) laying a smoke screen on a landing zone near enemy positions in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam when his aircraft suffered a mid-air collision with another helicopter, killing him. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in me, your brother, sisters and those who knew you and loved you. You will live on because we remember you!
RICHARD C WORTHINGTON,JR. - Army - CWO - W2
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Richard Charles WORTHINGTON Jr.
Bothell High School
Bothell WA
Senior - Class 1964:
Ski Club 2; Baseball 2; Football 3, 4; Gymnastics 2, 3; Tennis 3; MUN Secretariat 3; Boys' Club 2, 3, 4.
Date of Birth Mar 19, 1946
From: BOTHELL, WA
Religion: CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
Marital Status: Single - Father, Richard C. Worthington died 1995. His grandfather founded the Bothell State Bank and Rich Sr. operated Worthington Insurance Agency in Bothell for many years.
****** (Dad's Obit) Richard C. Worthington-obit
published in the Seattle Post Intelligencer
Attached To: Richard Charles Worthington (1916-1995)
CWO - W2 - Army - Reserve
101st Airborne Division
His tour began on May 6, 1970
Casualty was on May 6, 1970
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Panel 09W - Line 125
Crew Members:
G Sgt. Frank Sanchez Hernandez, BNR
CE SP4 William Conrad Weiss, KIA
AC CW2 Richard C. Worthington, Jr., BNR
P WO1 Robert Lee Kirk, KIA
On May 6, 1970, CW2 Richard C. Worthington, pilot; WO1 Robert L. Kirk, co-pilot; SP4 William C. Weiss Jr., crew chief; and SP4 Frank S. Hernandez, gunner; were the crew of a UH-1H helicopter (serial #68-15663) which was in a flight of several other helicopters laying a smoke screen on a landing zone near enemy positions in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.
During the mission this helicopter had a mid-air collision with another helicopter and crashed.
A survivor from the other helicopter stated that Worthington's helicopter skid had struck the main rotor of his helicopter.
He indicated that he had not seen any hostile fire.
A search team was sent to the site on the same day (May 6) and found 2 bodies which were identified as the remains of WO Kirk and SP4 Weiss.
There were no signs of anyone having left the crash site area.
It was believed that there was no survivors of the crash.
NOTE: the crew and occupants of the second helicopter apparently survived the crash. While damage to a rotor blade generally means a subsequent crash, the aircraft may have been flying at a low enough altitude to lessen the impact.)
Hernandez and Worthington were classified Killed/Body Not Recovered.
They are listed with honor among the missing because their bodies remain on enemy soil.
***********************************
Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class Worthington was a member of Company B, 158th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.
CW2 Worthington served with Co B, 158th Aviation Bn, 160th Aviation Group, 101st Airborne Div. He had attended Flight class: 68-503/68-3. His prior assignment had been with B/25 AVN BN, 25 INF, Cu Chi, 68-69.
**************************************
Richard C. Worthington Jr. - Memorial Citizenship Award
R.C. Worthington Jr. - Account Established - 1988
Purpose...
To recognize a Bothell High School senior who has demonstrated outstanding citizenship qualities and been a major contributor to activities at Bothell High School.
Criteria...
Candidates demonstrate an aptitude and interest in service to others, maintain an academic record that predicts success in higher education pursuits as well as in service to community.
Selection...
By staff representatives at Bothell High School.
Coordinated by
The Worthington family and faculty of Bothell High School.
2010 Value... $3,000...the scholarship is renewable for three additional academic years at that amount.
The memorial...
In 1988 the Worthington family established a scholarship in Rich Jr.'s memory to go to a Bothell grad who exemplified good citizenship, good attendance and above all commendable service to school and community.
Richard Jr. was a graduate of Bothell High School in 1964 and attended Washington State University before enlisting in the Army to fly helicopter combat missions in Viet Nam. On his second tour of duty in the Viet Nam War, Rich's copter was shot down while on a rescue mission and Rich and his crew were killed.
At the time of his death, Rich Jr. had attained the rank of chief warrant officer.
His grandfather founded the Bothell State Bank and Rich Sr. operated Worthington Insurance Agency in Bothell for many years. The Worthington Family Foundation has made generous contributions to scholarship programs not only at Bothell High School but at the University of Washington, including the branch facility in Bothell.
*****************************
.
Note: Looking for location of his hometown Memorial Headstone.
We went to Pearl Harbor last year taking grand kids to see it all also went to the Honolulu Memorial and saw Rich Worthington name on the wall. It brought it all back again the many many men that didn't come home God Bless them all. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with them.
Rich Worthington was an officer and a gentleman to quote a 1982 film. Being a pilot of a Bell UH-1N Twin Huey Helicopter is no easy task, and they were credited for saving many lives in Viet Nam. I didn't know Rich in High School, but I will always remember the type helicopter he flew as they hovered over us as we were fighting in and around Chu Lai Viet Nam. I can only salute Rich and say thank you for your service buddy, God Bless You!
Viet Nam was a very unpopular war for many reasons, but the returning troops would often wonder why much of the population took it out on them when they were only following orders from their leaders. Most people don’t want to be involved in a war, but without support from your neighbors it only makes things worse.
I’m wondering if anyone is still around today that would crack a smile when they heard the name North Platte Nebraska. Frankly, I didn't know what it meant either until I was sent this video. Wouldn't it be nice if the troops today had this kind of support, despite the reasons for the war? Just because we may have leaders who fail to lead doesn't mean we shouldn't support our troops. Take a look at how North Platte Nebraska responded during World War II:
Rich was one of my best buddies throughout high school years. We attended WSU for a short time together. He left to join the Army and I finished college and went into the Air Force. We both served in Germany, not knowing that the other was there. Rich was flying border patrol on the Berlin Wall and I was at an Air Base on the French-German border. I was really sorry not to have gotten to spend some time with him while in Germany. It hit me real hard when I learned that he was missing in View Nam. I loved his family and will always treasure the many wonderful adventures that Rich and I shared together. Rich was part of the tragic loss of young men and women doing what they did for our country! Rest in peace, buddy!
This is so hard to write, and I have been putting it off for a long time. Rich was so kind and so gracious to everyone. I first remember when he invited me to his birthday party in the second grade. It was pretty spectacular, and I had never been to one like that. And later on, there were the little league baseball tryouts, with his Dad as the coach. And then, swimming on the Gold Creek swim team together. And in High School, playing football together with him playing at the position of Safety. Upon graduation from High School, Riich went off to Washington State University and I went into the military. When I returned, I always kept in contact with his Dad at Bothell State Bank, where I banked. Rich Sr, had told me that Rich was serving in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. But the last time I checked with his Dad, he told me that Rich was over there for a second tour. I could tell his Dad was heartbroken, and I was worried too. I don't know if you all know, but during the Vietnam war, the job of a helicopter pilot was a very short lived profession. I never talked to his Dad again, but then, as you all know, we got the devastating news. I know that was the beginning of the end for his Dad. And I even had dreams. One night I dreamed I was on a special mission in Vietnam to rescue him, only to wake up and find out it was not real. Rich was such a special person, and I don't think any of us will ever forget him. I know I won't, as long as I live. God bless you Rich. And God bless all of your family. None of us will ever recover from your tragic loss. God bless us all.
So sad that too many of our young men and women who served in the military did not come back. I remember RIch as a real gentlemen and I know that we all miss him.
When i was young, before high school I spent a lot of time at Rich's house on Norway Hill; I even wrote a paper about it for an assignment to write on the perfect house!. Won't say what we were often doing there, though, but let's just say that the Wayne Curve was what the police call "an attractive nuisance" that just asked for action! It was a shock to hear of his loss back then. My dad and his dad were friends from the bank.
Stephen Benine
Bothell
King County
Washington, USA
Quang Tri, Vietnam
In Loving Memory of .....RICHARD Charles WORTHINGTON,JR.
*** On May 6, 1970, he was the pilot of a Bell Iroquois Utility Helicopter (UH-1H) laying a smoke screen on a landing zone near enemy positions in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam when his aircraft suffered a mid-air collision with another helicopter, killing him. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in me, your brother, sisters and those who knew you and loved you. You will live on because we remember you!
RICHARD C WORTHINGTON,JR. - Army - CWO - W2
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Richard Charles WORTHINGTON Jr.
Bothell High School
Bothell WA
Senior - Class 1964:
Ski Club 2; Baseball 2; Football 3, 4; Gymnastics 2, 3; Tennis 3; MUN Secretariat 3; Boys' Club 2, 3, 4.
Date of Birth Mar 19, 1946
From: BOTHELL, WA
Religion: CHRISTIAN SCIENCE
Marital Status: Single - Father, Richard C. Worthington died 1995. His grandfather founded the Bothell State Bank and Rich Sr. operated Worthington Insurance Agency in Bothell for many years.
****** (Dad's Obit) Richard C. Worthington-obit
published in the Seattle Post Intelligencer
Attached To: Richard Charles Worthington (1916-1995)
CWO - W2 - Army - Reserve
101st Airborne Division
His tour began on May 6, 1970
Casualty was on May 6, 1970
In QUANG TRI, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, HELICOPTER - CREW
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
Body was not recovered
Panel 09W - Line 125
Crew Members:
G Sgt. Frank Sanchez Hernandez, BNR
CE SP4 William Conrad Weiss, KIA
AC CW2 Richard C. Worthington, Jr., BNR
P WO1 Robert Lee Kirk, KIA
On May 6, 1970, CW2 Richard C. Worthington, pilot; WO1 Robert L. Kirk, co-pilot; SP4 William C. Weiss Jr., crew chief; and SP4 Frank S. Hernandez, gunner; were the crew of a UH-1H helicopter (serial #68-15663) which was in a flight of several other helicopters laying a smoke screen on a landing zone near enemy positions in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.
During the mission this helicopter had a mid-air collision with another helicopter and crashed.
A survivor from the other helicopter stated that Worthington's helicopter skid had struck the main rotor of his helicopter.
He indicated that he had not seen any hostile fire.
A search team was sent to the site on the same day (May 6) and found 2 bodies which were identified as the remains of WO Kirk and SP4 Weiss.
There were no signs of anyone having left the crash site area.
It was believed that there was no survivors of the crash.
NOTE: the crew and occupants of the second helicopter apparently survived the crash. While damage to a rotor blade generally means a subsequent crash, the aircraft may have been flying at a low enough altitude to lessen the impact.)
Hernandez and Worthington were classified Killed/Body Not Recovered.
They are listed with honor among the missing because their bodies remain on enemy soil.
***********************************
Chief Warrant Officer, Second Class Worthington was a member of Company B, 158th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.
CW2 Worthington served with Co B, 158th Aviation Bn, 160th Aviation Group, 101st Airborne Div. He had attended Flight class: 68-503/68-3. His prior assignment had been with B/25 AVN BN, 25 INF, Cu Chi, 68-69.
**************************************
Richard C. Worthington Jr. - Memorial Citizenship Award
R.C. Worthington Jr. - Account Established - 1988
Purpose...
To recognize a Bothell High School senior who has demonstrated outstanding citizenship qualities and been a major contributor to activities at Bothell High School.
Criteria...
Candidates demonstrate an aptitude and interest in service to others, maintain an academic record that predicts success in higher education pursuits as well as in service to community.
Selection...
By staff representatives at Bothell High School.
Coordinated by
The Worthington family and faculty of Bothell High School.
2010 Value... $3,000...the scholarship is renewable for three additional academic years at that amount.
The memorial...
In 1988 the Worthington family established a scholarship in Rich Jr.'s memory to go to a Bothell grad who exemplified good citizenship, good attendance and above all commendable service to school and community.
Richard Jr. was a graduate of Bothell High School in 1964 and attended Washington State University before enlisting in the Army to fly helicopter combat missions in Viet Nam. On his second tour of duty in the Viet Nam War, Rich's copter was shot down while on a rescue mission and Rich and his crew were killed.
At the time of his death, Rich Jr. had attained the rank of chief warrant officer.
His grandfather founded the Bothell State Bank and Rich Sr. operated Worthington Insurance Agency in Bothell for many years. The Worthington Family Foundation has made generous contributions to scholarship programs not only at Bothell High School but at the University of Washington, including the branch facility in Bothell.
*****************************
.
Note: Looking for location of his hometown Memorial Headstone.
Honolulu Memorial *
Honolulu
Honolulu County
Hawaii, USA
GPS (lat/lon): 21.3136, -157.84703
*Cenotaph [?]
Created by: Eddieb
Record added: Jul 13, 2012
Find A Grave Memorial# 93556955
Added by: Debbie (Tetrault) & Bruce Almeida
Added by: Eddieb
Added by: Eddieb
Click here to view all images...
Click on image for full size.
- Lance
Added: Feb. 12, 2013
- Eddieb
Added: Oct. 30, 2012
- Eddieb
Added: Sep. 21, 2012
Click here to view all notes...
Vicki Hanson (Metz)
Rich Worthingtons name on the Vietnam Memorial Wall, Washington D.C.
Jim Morrison (Morrison)
This is Rich's "in-country" Memorial Service
Pam Festa (Nye)
We went to Pearl Harbor last year taking grand kids to see it all also went to the Honolulu Memorial and saw Rich Worthington name on the wall. It brought it all back again the many many men that didn't come home God Bless them all. Our thoughts and prayers will always be with them.
Parl Guthrie
Rich Worthington was an officer and a gentleman to quote a 1982 film. Being a pilot of a Bell UH-1N Twin Huey Helicopter is no easy task, and they were credited for saving many lives in Viet Nam. I didn't know Rich in High School, but I will always remember the type helicopter he flew as they hovered over us as we were fighting in and around Chu Lai Viet Nam. I can only salute Rich and say thank you for your service buddy, God Bless You!
Viet Nam was a very unpopular war for many reasons, but the returning troops would often wonder why much of the population took it out on them when they were only following orders from their leaders. Most people don’t want to be involved in a war, but without support from your neighbors it only makes things worse.
I’m wondering if anyone is still around today that would crack a smile when they heard the name North Platte Nebraska. Frankly, I didn't know what it meant either until I was sent this video. Wouldn't it be nice if the troops today had this kind of support, despite the reasons for the war? Just because we may have leaders who fail to lead doesn't mean we shouldn't support our troops. Take a look at how North Platte Nebraska responded during World War II:
https://www.youtube.com/embed/07DGeLvDw8I
Nick Bullard
Rich was one of my best buddies throughout high school years. We attended WSU for a short time together. He left to join the Army and I finished college and went into the Air Force. We both served in Germany, not knowing that the other was there. Rich was flying border patrol on the Berlin Wall and I was at an Air Base on the French-German border. I was really sorry not to have gotten to spend some time with him while in Germany. It hit me real hard when I learned that he was missing in View Nam. I loved his family and will always treasure the many wonderful adventures that Rich and I shared together. Rich was part of the tragic loss of young men and women doing what they did for our country! Rest in peace, buddy!
Skip Crist
This is so hard to write, and I have been putting it off for a long time. Rich was so kind and so gracious to everyone. I first remember when he invited me to his birthday party in the second grade. It was pretty spectacular, and I had never been to one like that. And later on, there were the little league baseball tryouts, with his Dad as the coach. And then, swimming on the Gold Creek swim team together. And in High School, playing football together with him playing at the position of Safety. Upon graduation from High School, Riich went off to Washington State University and I went into the military. When I returned, I always kept in contact with his Dad at Bothell State Bank, where I banked. Rich Sr, had told me that Rich was serving in Vietnam as a helicopter pilot. But the last time I checked with his Dad, he told me that Rich was over there for a second tour. I could tell his Dad was heartbroken, and I was worried too. I don't know if you all know, but during the Vietnam war, the job of a helicopter pilot was a very short lived profession. I never talked to his Dad again, but then, as you all know, we got the devastating news. I know that was the beginning of the end for his Dad. And I even had dreams. One night I dreamed I was on a special mission in Vietnam to rescue him, only to wake up and find out it was not real. Rich was such a special person, and I don't think any of us will ever forget him. I know I won't, as long as I live. God bless you Rich. And God bless all of your family. None of us will ever recover from your tragic loss. God bless us all.
Jacqueline Posthuma (Bowens)
So sad that too many of our young men and women who served in the military did not come back. I remember RIch as a real gentlemen and I know that we all miss him.
Richard Baranzini
When i was young, before high school I spent a lot of time at Rich's house on Norway Hill; I even wrote a paper about it for an assignment to write on the perfect house!. Won't say what we were often doing there, though, but let's just say that the Wayne Curve was what the police call "an attractive nuisance" that just asked for action! It was a shock to hear of his loss back then. My dad and his dad were friends from the bank.
Thanks for your service to our country, Rich.
--Dick Baranzini