Rescue Gone Wrong... We Remember

The following is an account of the accident that occurred on October 9, 1969, taking the lives of 6 of the 7 men on board the Bell UH-1H Huey that were attempting a rescue near the Song Dong Nai river in South Vietnam.

On October 9, 1969, a UH-1H helicopter crew and passengers were attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River. During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck a bamboo thicket, causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds. Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and 19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions. No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified. The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to survive, later drowned or was lost in the incident. The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft commander, was lost and his remains were recovered. SGT Dallas A. Driver, SGT Jimmy R. Garbett, SGT Raymond G. Moore, SGT James L. Suydam and SP5 James H. Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor among the missing. [taken from pownetwork.org]

We remember and honor those 6 men that were lost trying to save the lives of others. They should be considered heroes of the highest order.

James W Bailey

Dallas A Driver

Jimmy R Garbett 

Raymond G Moore

James L Suydam

James H Turner

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.

66th Rescue Squadron

The LA Times said, "the two Pave Hawk Helicopters were nearing the end of a routine four-hour training mission".

There is no such thing as a routine training mission. Two helicopters, capable of speeds up to 220 MPH, being flown over mountainous terrain using night vision goggles is anything but "routine". The members of our nation's military face constant danger.

The twelve members of the 66th RQS were indeed flying a nigh time training mission. Their job was rescuing others who become lost behind enemy lines. Throughout our history, these units are some of the most revered members by all branches. They have saved many lives on the battlefields of the world. Many have died in the process. What they do is far from routine.

These twelve were flying out of Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. This night, they were practicing low level flying to avoid enemy radar and anti-aircraft fire and surface-to-air missiles. It was also raining this particular night. They were expected to return to base at 12:30 AM. When they failed to arrive by 1:00 AM, search crews were dispatched. About four hours later, the wreckage of both Pave Hawks was found. There were no survivors.

These twelve men that we lost 17 years ago today gave their lives while striving to make sure that other downed pilots would have a chance of survival if they were ever downed in hostile territory. They should be considered heroes for what they did, even if it was a "routine training mission".

We thank them for their service and vow never to let them be forgotten.

Capt. Gregg W. Lewis

Capt. Phillip Miller

Staff Sgt. Kevin M. Brunelle

 Staff Sgt. Kenneth W. Eaglin

 Senior Airman Jesse D. Stewart

Master Sgt. Matthew Sturtevant

Lt. Col. William H. Milton

Capt. Karl Youngblood

Tech. Sgt. Jeffrey R. Armour

 Senior Airman Adam Stewart

Airman 1st Class Justin Wotasik

 2nd Lt. Michael Harwell