


Phil and I  went to Kit Carson Junior High in Sacramento. One day a kid a grade above me (6th) grade called me out. Phil came along and put his books down and said try me out. Phil took one swing at him and the guy said see ya. We would often laugh about that while he worked on his knives in the garage over a couple of beers. God I'll miss him! Rest in peace my  brother and good friend. I hope to see you again, God willing. Love you! Tom











Phil was one of my highlight 174th Reunion memories. He always had a clear memory of our times flying together in one of Hueys he Crewed. His insight and recall was uncanny. A conversation with Phil was not an idle one. He was a man of many talents and could hold your attention with detailed clarity on a broad range of subjects. Always a delight and always the gentleman. God bless you Phil and may you rest in peace, you’ve earned it.

I was at Camp Holloway Pleiku Vietnam in May of 1972 when Phil came to us from the 174th AHC. We were the 1st Combat Aerial TOW team consisting of two NUH-1B helicopters with the XM-26 TOW missile system. We consisted of 6 pilots/gunners and two crewchiefs. I crewed 62-12554. The other bird was 553. And 4 Hugh’s Engineers that designed the system. It was the 1st test of the Airborne TOW in combat. Phil took my job when I left for home in Oct 72. Easter Sunday while the battle of Kontum was raging Phil conned the Air Force out of a case of ribeyes while we were flying. He got some Vietnamese charcoal which he had difficulty lighting. So he went over to a warehouse and got some cedar floor sweeping compound.  But he got a bucket full of the stuff that had been used to soak up aircraft hydraulic oil. We came in from flying about five after killing 6 enemy tanks. Phil had beer iced down and the steaks grilling. Man they smelled good as we were walking up. We all grabbed a beer and phil plated each of us a ribeye. The first bite I took tasted like hydraulic oil. We started laughing and ragging him.  Be we ate every bite. It was the first steak I had in 6 months. We never let him live it down.   Phil and I stole a  jeep one night bought the owner came looking for it the next day. Phil was a great guy and I reconnected with him after 50 years thru a fellow member of the 174th. I loved Phil like the brother he was and one day we will soar in the heavens under those rotor blades beating the air into submission and enjoy a cold one or two for eternity.  Soar high brother until we meet again 

Carla and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys through these hard days.  May your memories be a comfort to each of you.  Phil was a delightful character and we will always cherish our time with you guys.  He will be missed by all. 
Love you guys,
Ron and Jodi Conner-174th AHC 

OBITUARY

Phillip Lee Daneau

July 13, 1948 – May 3, 2022

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