Jonathan Ross Vars

Warrant Officer Jonathan Ross Vars was born September 28, 1943 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Harry Morton Vars and the former Hildred Minerva Ross. His family moved across the river to Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Jonathan Vars was married. He was trained as a helicopter pilot, with MOS 100B Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot. Warrant Officer Vars began his tour of duty in Vietnam on February 28, 1969.

Warrant Officer Vars was the pilot and aircraft commander on a medevac mission which required use of a hoist to retrieve the wounded. While hovering, he was hit in the throat by a single AK-47 round, and despite the aid given him by the on-board medic he died before his copilot could get him to the nearest hospital, on July 17, 1969 in Tay Ninh Province, Republic of Vietnam. His body was recovered and brought back to the United States. He was survived by his parents, a sister, and his wife and child.

Jonathan Ross Vars was buried at Mountain View Memorial Park in Boulder, Colorado.

Warrant Officer Vars was awarded the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross. He is honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on Panel 20W, Line 12.

“We grew up together and I was with his father when the Army drove up to the house with the news of his death. We were best friends, almost like brothers. I still think of him often. He is truly missed.”

— Jim — January 20, 1999

On behalf of fellow DUSTOFFers, please accept my condolences to the family of our comrade, Jonathan Vars. I invite family and friends to visit the official webpage of The DUSTOFF Association, a nonprofit organization for Army Medical Department enlisted and officer personnel, aviation crewmembers, and others who are (or ever were) engaged in (or actively supported in any capacity) Army aeromedical evacuation programs in war or peace. Many loved ones of our fallen comrades have found solace in visiting the site, found friends who served with their loved one and enjoyed having their family become a part of their loved one’s DUSTOFF family, a relationship that we fellow DUSTOFFers cherish and respect. All the best —

— Si Simmons — November 19, 2003