Scope and Contents

Less than a quarter of a linear foot of materials documenting Major Alfred DeMailo's U.S. Army service as a helicopter pilot with the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam. The materials include articles and excerpts; correspondence; personal narratives; an audio cassette; and a VHS. The materials are dated 1993 or are otherwise undated.

Biographical / Historical

Alfred S. DeMailo was born July 13, 1946, in Sewickley, PA. He volunteered for the United States Army in 1966. DeMailo served for a total of 23 years including 2 years in Southeast Asia. He was assigned to D Company 229th Assault Helicopter Battalion 1st Air Cavalry Division (AM) from 1967-1968; HHT and C Troop 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry 1st Air Cavalry Division (AM) from 1970-1971. During DeMailo’s service in Vietnam he was a helicopter pilot, aircraft commander, and section commander from 1967-1968, and troop commander in 1970, and a weapons pilot commander for cobra gunships, and an operations officer in 1971. From 1967-1968 DeMailo was stationed at Landing Zone Bong Son, An Khe, Kontum, Dak To, Landing Zone Evans, Landing Zone Sharon, and Quang Tri. From 1970-1971 he was stationed in Phouch Vinh and Tay Ninh.

Throughout his service he held the ranks of Warrant Officer 1, 1st Lieutenant, Captain, and Major. In 1967 DeMailo was involved in the Battle of the Song Re Valley, the Battle of Dak To, the Battle of Tam Quan (Bong Son), and the Tet Offensive in 1968. He received various awards including distinguished flying crosses, bronze stars, and air medals. DeMailo spent nine years in active duty and fourteen years in the Pennsylvania National Guard leading to his retirement in 1989. After his service he became a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association, and he flew a civilian medical helicopter and worked as a postal supervisor which led to his retirement at age 55.