From the WKVI Archives

Andy Howes

It’s hard to believe, but Vietnam war hero Andy Howes would have celebrated his 62nd birthday today had he lived. Born in Little Rock, Ark., on June 15, 1950, and raised in Knox, Chief Warrant Officer Andy Howes was a copilot on Rattler 91, a Huey helicopter from the 71st Assault Helicopter Co. which was stationed at Chu Lai, South Vietnam.

While on a mission with two other helicopters in November 1970, Rattler 91 lost radio contact and failed to return to base. A search failed to turn up the helicopter or the bodies of the four-member crew. Over the years though, the remains of the pilot and two crewmen were found, but not the remains of Warrant Officer Andy Howes. Through the efforts of POW groups and the United States Government, the search continued for those left behind. Remains that were not identified were returned to Hawaii to await identification.

However, thanks of enhanced DNA techniques, several bones of Andy Howes were found and returned to his family. Following services in Knox and Arlington National Cemetery, his remains were interred in section 60, grave 9787. He rests with military personnel from each war from the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan.

Our wish today on the anniversary of his birth is that he rests in peace.

Also, Dr. Guy Ingwell, who delivered thousands of babies in his medical career, opened his office in Knox on this date in 1943.

Dr. L.B. Hill was named principal at Knox Community High School on this date in 1975. He was 28 years old. Hill succeeded Wayne Long.

Charles Weaver spoke to the Knox Chamber of Commerce on this date in 1974 about the proposed new airport. Weaver reported that the new facility was given a shot in the arm in April with the tentative federal allocation of over $600,000. He said then that over $300,000 was available from the sale of the old airport.