Michael David Gehrt

Des Moines native Michael David Gehrt joined the Army in 1964. He trained to be a combat engineer and was sent to South Vietnam in August 1970. SP4 Gehrt was assigned to Company B, 26th Engineer Battalion with the Americal Division. He was killed on November 24, 1970 in a non-hostile helicopter crash. The Army OH-6 helicopter experienced engine failure shortly after taking-off from Binh Son, South Vietnam. The pilot attempted an emergency landing, yet upon impacting the ground the chopper rolled and burst into flames. SP4 Gehrt and two other Americans were killed in the accident. He was 25 years old at the time of his death and he left behind a young wife.