Brothers (& Sisters) Killed in Action in USMC Helicopters or while assigned to USMC Helicopter or Tiltrotor Squadrons
19680827HML-167 Vietnam
Download PDFIncident Date 19680827 HML-167 UH-1E 151880+ - Hostile Fire, Crash
Wagstaff, James Donald PFC Crew Chief HML-167 MAG-16 1968-08-27 (vvm 46W:045)
Stockburger, Arthur Lee Capt Co-Pilot HML-167 MAG-16 1968-08-27 (vvm 46W:045)
Becker, John Bertram Cpl Gunner HML-167 MAG-16 1968-08-27 (vvm 46W:037)
HML-167 Squadron Command Chronology 6Sep68
27 August 1968:
One HML-167 gunship while on a "FireFly" mission, Took fire at BT011608; reported streaming fuel, exploded, and crashed nearby. The co-pilot, crew chief and gunner were KIA, while the pilot was rescued with Bravo injuries. The aircraft was a total loss.
3.Casualties:
a. Captain Arthur L. STOCKBURGER 081350 KIA Da Nang TACAN Ch#77 180
degrees at 7 miles.
b. Corporal John B. BECKER 2218428 TACAN Ch#77 180 degrees at 7 miles.
c, Private First Class James D. WAGSTAFF KIA Da Nang TACAN Ch#77 180 degrees at 7 miles.
d. Captain John Henry KEY 086585 WIA Da Nang TACAN Ch#77 180 degrees at 7 Miles.
s/Major G.H. Dunn,
Lt. Col. T F. Miller
MAG-16 Command Chronology - Sept 1968
One HML-167 gunship on the Fire Fly mission received fire at BT011608 and the pilot reported streaming fuel. The aircraft soon exploded and crashed, killing Capt A L Stockburger, copilot; Cpl J B Becker, aerial gunner; PFC J D Wagstaff, the crew chief. Captain John Henry KEY, 086585 miraculously escaped with severe injuries. [Maj John Henry KEY, USMC(Ret), died 20 June 2009.]
Submitted by: Alan H Barbour, Historian, USMC Combat Helicopter Association, 20030831MAG-16 Command Chronology - Sept 1968
HOSTILE 27 August 1968. 7 mies south of Danang, Quang Nam, RVN. UH-1E aircraft was hit by enemy fire, crashed and burned while on TAOR mission. Copilot, Crew Chief and Gunner were killed. Pilot was WIA (critical).
Submitted by: N/A, 20030831Command Eulogy
This is the Eulogy I gave at Marble Mountain Helicopter base, Danang, Vietnam on August 27,1968:
"We are gathered here this evening to pay out last respects to three of our brother Marines who gave their lives in combat early in the morning last Thursday, the 27th of August 1968.
Captain Arthur Lee STOCKBURGER
Corporal John Bertram BECKER
Private First Class James Donald WAGSTAFF
These three men were crew members of a UH1E "Huey" gunship that was escorting the night searchlight aircraft. Their aircraft had received hostile ground fire which set the aircraft on fire and caused them to crash, about seven miles south of Danang, RVN.
At a time like this - - No eloquence of words can describe our loss. No amount of sadness or emotion can adequately express our sorrow and grief. No amount of benevolence or condolences can ever cushion the shock, or ease the pain being felt by their loved ones back home. We can only sadly, yet proudly say that we have had the opportunity to know, to have worked with and served with three of the finest.
To most they were more than just squadron mates,they were dedicated Marines and proud Americans.
We remaining can only hope and pray that those at home and elsewhere in the free world will undestand, will appreciate and will respect the sacrifice these and thousands more have made for our country, our way of life and our ideals.
We in Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167, our Corps and our country have lost three more outstanding young men.
It is our duty now, and in the years to come, to insure that these men did not give their lives in vain, but that their supreme sacrifice was for the benefit of freemen everywhere and that their deeds will be remembered."
Thomas F. Miller
Lt.Col USMC
Personal Information
Major John Henry Key, USMC (RET), the pilot and only survivor of this incident died in Texas on June 20, 2009 at age 68.
Submitted by: Doug Frank, AO he flew with in RVN Jul-Sep 64 in O1Bs - SHUFLY, 20090621Personal Information
Contact me at 563-209-2701(H) or 563-391-0633(C) for information.
Submitted by: Alan C. Lefler, I was in another huey behind WAGSTAFF AND BECKER, 20090708Friends and Family
John "Sloop John B." Becker and I went through Avionics school together at Memphis in '66 and served in the same Avionics shop at H&MS-26, MCAS New River. I was at MMAF when J.B. was KIA. John was one of the good guys and an outstanding Marine! SEMPER FI!
Paul O. Hunt,Sgt.,H&MS-16,MAG-16,1st MAW, '67-'68
Personal Comments
After leaving Vietnam, and being sent to MCAF Tustin, I questioned all the returning people for news of JB until someone said he had died. For years I refused to believe that JB had been killed. I continued this refusal until 2000 when I visited the wall and found his name. One of the saddest days of my life.
Submitted by: Sgt Steven Bassett, MAG-16, J.B. was one of my best friend in country., 20110110PFC James Donald Wagstaff
http://www.popasmoke.com/visions/image.php?source=1345
Submitted by: POPASMOKE Admin, 20050206
The years stretch into decades, but the memories remain.
On the 50th anniversary of J. B. Beckers death in Vietnam, I was able to pay my respects at Johns gravesite in Cold Spring, KY. Sloop has been joined by his parents over the years. Rest with the knowledge that your fellow Marines will always honor your sacrifice. Once a Marine, always a Marine! Hand salute! Ready, two!
Semper Fi!!
I was the gunner in the Huey behind James Aircraft that night, I was assigned to VMO 2 and we all served in each squadron aircraft. I only knew James from around the hanger and a few time at the enlisted club. I do know one thing for certain he loved his job and was 100% Marine. RIP Brother. Semper Fi
Submitted by: Roger Collins, Served with James in Viet nam, 20200404Family Commentary
MY OLDEST BROTHER WAS NAMED AFTER WAGSTAFF. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I HAVE SEEN A PICTURE OF HIM. MY FATHER DOES NOT HAVE A PICTURE OF HIM.
Submitted by: JERRY HESTER JR, Wagstaff was my father's best friend, 20061119Family Narrative
I am a first cousin to Jimmy Wagstaff and would welcome anyone who wishes to contact me about Jimmy. Jimmy's father is still living, and is in his 80's.
The death of Jimmy was a terrible tragedy for all our family. You may be interested in knowing that my father, Arnold Wagstaff, was eating in a restaurant many years ago when he noticed two military officers come into the restaurant and sit down to eat. During his meal, my Dad felt a strong impression that he needed to go see his brother Don, who is Jimmy's father, and who lived nearby. He finished his meal, and proceeded to Don's home, where he lived alone.
Very soon after he arrived, while talking to his brother, they noticed a car pulling into the driveway. It was the same military oficers my Dad had seen at the restaurant, and they were there to inform Don of the terrible news. My Dad has always said that he believed God had impressed him to go see Don in order that someone of the family would be with him as comfort to this tragic news.
I also have an Uncle, Wayne Posson, who was very close to Jimmy and also a Vietnam vet. I know he would appreciate hearing any memories of Jimmy. I can be reached at 704 433 4648. Thank you all for your contribution to this page. I am sure no one in our family has ever seen this picture of Jimmy.
Personal Request
Personal Reference:
I cannot help but to think about the past. I truly believe I can make contact with the brothers involved in the rescue mission from "G" Co, 1st Plt, 2nd Bn, 27th Marines, 5th MarDiv. I also want to make contact with the fallen brothers family members.
As a Traditional Native American (Navajo) my culture and traditional ways are urgently at risk. My healing process (PTSD) will begin with making contact with the brothers and the fallen brothers' family members.
Please make contact with me. I am pleading for your help. Please call me or my very special friend Annaletta Austin at (928) 725-2098.
Submitted by Annaletta Austin, ph 928-675-7628.
Personal Request
Personal Request:(UPDATE 01/10/2012)
I cannot help but to think about the past. I truly believe I can make contact with the brothers involved in the rescue mission from "G" Co, 1st Plt, 2nd Bn, 27th Marines, 5th MarDiv. I also want to make contact with the fallen brothers family members.
As a Traditional Native American (Navajo) my culture and traditional ways are urgently at risk. My healing process (PTSD) will begin with making contact with the brothers and the fallen brothers' family members.
Please make contact with me. I am pleading for your help. Please call me at (928)675-0511(Arizona) or my daughter, Michelle Paulus(San Diego),(858)737-4833.
