Seven Men of HMM-163

While reading through the names for the Daily Wall posting, I noticed an unusual pattern. There were 7 names from 1962. That early in the war, it is unusual to find that many on the same day. I knew there had to have been a single incident that took them all.

Here are the details of that incident:

On October 6, 1962 this aircraft from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM 163) was operating in the Quang Nam Province (I Corps) when it suffered a mechanical failure and crashed and burned on a hillside 15 miles southeast of Tam Ky. The helicopter was flying search and rescue, covering a 20-plane helilift of 2nd ARVN Division elements. It carried several mechanics and Navy medical personnel and was equipped with a hoist. Unable to land near the downed aircraft because of the thick jungle, other helicopters landed troops at the base of the hill with instructions to proceed to the crash site on foot. When the Vietnamese soldiers reached the downed aircraft after cutting their way through dense vegetation, they found the copilot, crew chief, and five other members of the task unit dead. The pilot, 1LT William T. Sinnott, who was seriously injured, was hoisted through the trees and evacuated by an HUS-1 (UH-34D) which came to the rescue. The five Marines killed in the crash were 1LT Michael J. Tunney, SGT Richard E. Hamilton, SGT Jerald W. Pendell, CPL Thomas E. Anderson, LCPL Miguel A. Valentin Jr. Two Navy personnel, 1LT Gerald C. Griffin, a doctor, and hospital man HM2 Gerald O. Norton were also dead. These were the first deaths suffered by Marine Task Unit 79.5 since deploying to Vietnam. Posted by W. Killian[Taken from vhpa.org] 

All of these men died in the service, not only of the country, but to their fellow man. Search and rescue teams were, and remain, some of the most highly respected by the people the served with. They placed their lives on the line, every single time they went in to try and save someone else.

They are truly missed, and remembered fondly. Take a look at some of the comments from people who knew them.

CPL Thomas E Anderson 

Andy was an "old salt" when I joined HMR 361 in Tustin, CA. He helped me find my way in the squadron...none of that, "I've been here longer, so stay outta my way," stuff. He asked if I needed help finding places on base, or rides to town, the kind of things that perplex the new guy. He left first for Nam with HMM 163. When I heard his chopper went in, the reality of "serving your country" became apparent. I joined HMM 362 as a replacement from Japan and couldn't quite get over the feeling that Andy would never again come around a corner or walk across the flight line. I've never forgotten his friendship and sacrifice. My wife and I visited him on the Wall in D.C. Andy, you may be listed as missing, but you're not forgotten. - LTC George Rogerson, USAF (RET).

1LT Gerald C Griffin

An infectious smile, a gentle manner, a kind person - Ed Healy

Gerry was more than a Naval Officer. He was a Navy doctor and was in-country as a healer of the sick and wounded. I was proud to have known him while we were both stationed at the Naval Air Facility, El Centro, California just before his assignment to Vietnam. God Bless you, Gerry! - Sam Angelico

SGT Jerald W Pendell

It was 49 years ago today that you gave that ultimate sacrifice. Every singe day for those 49 years, I have thought of you. My memories of you have always given me the strength and courage to see me through many challenges in life. You have many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It's amazing how a few of them strongly resemble you or have your mannerism. You will always be remembered and in our hearts. Love You. - Teri Moore(daughter)

The rest are missed no less. Everyone of them touched the lives of others. They all, are dearly missed. They will not be forgotten.