BRIEFING DOCUMENT: Randall Gene Davis

Subject: Biographical Information and Military Service of Randall Gene Davis

Date: October 26, 2023

Sources: Excerpt from genealogical text on Randall Gene Davis

Overview: This document summarizes the key biographical details, military service, and circumstances surrounding the death of Randall Gene Davis. The information is extracted from the provided text.

Key Biographical Details:

Birth and Family:

Born on November 13, 1948, in Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas.

Father: Joe Alley Davis (b. March 19, 1907, Brown County, Texas; d. December 12, 1970, Temple, Bell County, Texas) - Age 41 at the time of Randall's birth

Mother: Edna Alice Stark (b. December 26, 1905, Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas; d. November 21, 1956, Mills County, Texas) - Age 43 at the time of Randall's birth

The text notes both his parents' birthplaces and death places and dates, indicating that this text is likely part of a genealogical record.

Early Life:

Born and raised in Mills County, Texas. This indicates his roots were in the same area where he was born.

Marriage and Family:

Married Brenda R Clark on December 22, 1969, in Harris County, Texas.

Had at least one son. The text indicates the presence of a son, but provides no information on his name, age, etc.

Divorced Brenda R Davis on January 4, 1977, in Harris County, Texas.

Military Service:

Enlistment: Enlisted in the U.S. Army on August 20, 1969. The timing of his enlistment shortly before his marriage indicates he likely began his military career shortly after turning 20.

Vietnam War Service: The text specifically states that he served in the Vietnam War. This indicates a major part of his military career was spent during active conflict.

Military Rank and Role: Chief Warrant Officer Third Grade (WO-467762034)

Assigned to the 180th Aviation Company, United States Army Aviation, West Germany.

This indicates he had significant aviation experience and training.

Circumstances of Death:

Date and Location of Death: February 25, 1980, in West Germany along highway BAB 6.

Aircraft: Pilot of a CH-47 Chinook helicopter.

Mission: The aircraft was on a maintenance test flight after installation of the number one engine.

Accident:The text states that "At approximately 500 feet, while conducting the turbine engine analysis check, the combining transmission phasing mechanism decoupled, resulting in rotor system dephasing and blade meshing."

This mechanical failure was catastrophic, leading to "the forward and aft transmissions, and rotor systems separated in flight."

The aircraft subsequently crashed into a pine forest and was "totally destroyed."

Casualties: "All five aboard" were killed in the crash.

Burial: His body was escorted back to Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas, and he was buried in the Rocksprings Cemetery, Mills County, Texas, on March 7, 1980.

Key Themes and Important Ideas:

Life Cut Short: Davis's life was tragically cut short due to a mechanical failure during a routine test flight.

Military Service and Sacrifice: Davis served in the Vietnam War, and he continued his military service after the war.

Emphasis on Specifics: The detailed nature of the text, including dates, locations, and the technical description of the accident suggests a source concerned with accuracy and completeness. The level of detail about the accident also indicates a potential military source that recorded the incident thoroughly.

Sense of Loss: The text's careful noting of his return home to be buried in the family cemetery underscores the loss suffered by his family and the community.

Military Aviation Hazard: The detail about the accident highlights the inherent risks associated with military aviation, especially during maintenance and test flights.

Quotes from the Source:

"Chief Warrant Officer Third Grade Randall Gene Davis WO-467762034 US Army, 180th Aviation Company, United States Army Aviation, West Germany."

"At approximately 500 feet, while conducting the turbine engine analysis check, the combining transmission phasing mechanism decoupled, resulting in rotor system dephasing and blade meshing. The forward and aft transmissions, and rotor systems separated in flight."

"The aircraft subsequently crashed into a pine forest along highway BAB 6 and was totally destroyed killing all five aboard."

Conclusion:

Randall Gene Davis's story is a poignant example of a life dedicated to service that ended tragically due to circumstances beyond his control. The provided source presents a clear, factual account of his life, service, and death, providing a valuable record for genealogical and historical purposes. The details of the accident underscore the risks faced by military personnel, even in non-combat situations.