Vietnam Helicopter Pilot Laid to Rest

In every sense of the word, Kenneth Stancil was an American hero.

The young army helicopter pilot died with his crew in Vietnam in 1965 and his remains were only recently identified and returned.

Two generations later he's buried with full military honors at Chattanooga National Cemetery.

His family last saw Chief Warrant officer Kenneth Stancil forty four years ago. Within weeks his helicopter landed under fire at an outpost in Vietnam to unload supplies and take on wounded. His body was recovered this year from that jungle..and returned here for long over-due honors.

CHAPLAIN MAJOR DAVID OBERDIECK, FT. CAMPBELL, KY. "A grateful nation does not forget..not leave her own on the field of battle."

Kenneth Stancil, the Central High school graduate, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross after that flight. And, his family heard more about his accomplishments at the national cemetery today, where they were joined by friends, veterans and active duty military who never knew him...but were there to pay respects.

DON STANCIL, BROTHER "I know he went through quite a bit over there in Vietnam..and, uh..we're just glad to have him home."

Chattanooga police sergeant Mark Haskins is a family friend.

SGT. MARK HASKINS, FAMILY FRIEND "They had always held out hope..I personally didn't really have hope....I'm glad the U.S Government..something they do..is keep looking for people."

(GUN SALUTE)

DON STANCIL "it's a celebration..I'm looking at it as a celebration..that he's finally home."

Don Stancil is coordinator of the Tennessee chapter of the National League of Families.

It encourages and promotes the continuing search for missing American soldiers.

Thirty two men from Tennessee are still on that list.

Bonus Video