Leo A. Wichert
SP5 - Army 1966 - 1969
Leo A. Wichert joined the Army Reserves in 1966 and was part of the 172nd Transportation (Medium Truck) Company reserve unit from Omaha, Nebraska. The 172nd unit was activated for service in Vietnam. They trained in Fort Lewis, Washington prior to arriving October 11th 1968 in Vietnam. Because the men had worked together for years, the company had high morale and the best maintenance shop in the battalion. The company ran line haul convoys for combat support in the Cam Ranh Bay Area of Vietnam. Leo drove 5 ton tractor trailers, deuce-and-a-half trucks and jeeps in convoys. He also did maintenance to keep the trucks running and was known to have the most well cared for trucks. The threat of small arms fire and ambushes were never far off. Gun Trucks and Air Support were used at times in adding machine guns and M60's.
The mascot for the 172nd is the black and yellow caricature of a crow made of paper mâché and fiberglass standing 7ft tall. It was obtained from the Yard Birds Surplus Store and the unit was dubbed "The Rolling Crows". The crow mascot accompanied the men of the 172nd to Vietnam and the crow logo was added to their trucks. The 7ft crow mascot was brought home when the unit returned for fear it may be pitched. Over the years, the crow mascot has traveled around the world to summer reserve camps, deployed to Saudi Arabia with the 172nd in 1991 and later to Iraq. It now is part of the Army Transportation Museum in Fort Eustis, Virginia.
The 172nd had a successful mission during their time in Vietnam. They hauled 80,000 tons of cargo over 600,000 miles to forward areas, making twice as many runs than what was considered normal. The unit was released from active service on October 7th, 1969 and was reverted to reserve status. Leo was honorably discharged at the end of his term with the rank of SP5. Leo has treasured his band of brothers and the surviving members continue to meet up several times a year.
We are thankful for our dad and hero, Leo, and all the brave men of the 172nd Transportation Company who risked their lives in support of the mission. God Bless America.
We love you!
From,
Mike, Sandy, and the entire Family
