Memorial Wall

Major William Attlee Hendon is from Mannsville, Oklahoma and was an Assistant Professor of Military Science (APMS) at the University of Houston in 1965-1966. In 1966, Major Hendon would deploy to Vietnam with HHC 28th Infantry Regiment, 1st Division. Major Hendon would be aboard a UH-1D Helicopter acting as the C&C ship or Command and Control ship. On 11/06/1966, Major Hendon and the C&C ship were being refueled as the rest of the unit (25 ships) moved towards a hot LZ (receiving enemy fire) to drop their men; all actions were being communicated via radio from the C&C ship, where Major Hendon was. The units at the LZ needed supplies and ammunition. Major Hendon and the C&C ship crew began loading as much as they could onto the C&C ship. However, in their rush, they failed to perform proper go/no-go checks and overloaded their ships to the point that the ships lost significant RPM (Rotations per minute) after takeoff. The ship would reach the tree line at the end of the airstrip, where it would crash and burn, killing Major Hendon, 9 soldiers, and severely injuring 2. (Information on Helicopter or Incident 64-13883, n.d.), (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund, 2025b).

Major Hendon will be remembered for his patriotism and bravery. Major Hendon valued the lives of his fellow soldiers and acted in their best interests. Major Hendon placed the mission first and acted accordingly. Major Hendon answered his country's call to service, and his selfless & noble intention to reach his men and give them their supplies and a fighting chance, at the expense of his own life, is admirable. Major Hendon, the Houston Battalion, is honored to have you as an Assistant Professor of Military Science to create more selfless leaders like you. The Houston Battalion honors your service and actions through remembrance, and that you will not be forgotten.

Major Hendon is also listed on the Vietnam War Memorial Wall on Panel 12E, Line 34