Personal Narrative:
I was flying north from Hill 55 when I noticed two H-34's turning on the ground in front of us just south of Hill 10. I watched them as we flew overhead to make sure they did not take off underneath us.

As soon as we cleared them to the north, I switched to DASC to report mission complete. DASC asked me if I had seen a midair that was just reported near my position. I said I had not and turned the aircraft back toward the south.

I saw the two columns of smoke and headed toward the area of the mishap. Marines from the ground unit had already rushed to the area but could nothing due to the intense heat from the burning magnesium. We only found one body. No survivors.

The FAC with a ground unit, an H-34 pilot from that squadron, knew all the pilots and crew. They had stopped to say "hi.” He stated, through tears, that as they took off dash two ran up underneath lead and, raising the nose, cut off the tail rotor of lead. Lead nose-dived, then pitched up before impact, shuddered and exploded. Dash two burst into flame in the air and the wreckage fell to earth.
Submitted by Terry M. Curtis, Pilot of CH-46, first aircraft on scene

Personal Narrative:
My names is Lance Corporal Stephenson. I'm a Marine stationed in Fuji, Japan. My Uncle was LCPL Harrington, John Dee. He was killed in this incident. This site was the first time that my family learned of his death. Apparently they were told a different version. I wanted to thank whoever posted this incident. And I was wondering if anyone knew my Uncle or anyone in his Unit. I know he was an Ugly Angel...HMM 362. That's all I know. If anyone has any information I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks and Semper Fi


Submitted by LCPL Stephenson, My Uncle was killed in this incident

Research Narrative:
HMM-362 was under OPCON to MAG-36 01-13 Feb 1969. The MAG-36 Cmd
Chronology (Texas Tech 1201078302.pdf) places the mid-air at AT990650
which is 11 KM south of Danang City (not air base).

For reference, Hill 10 was at AT923691 and Hill 55 at AT970620.
Submitted by Ken Davis, Researcher, The Virtual Wall

Personal Narrative:
I stumbled upon this site tonight while surfing the web and just doing a little research on Marine units I'd been assigned to. What a surprise when I found this information.

I was a proud member of the Ugly Angels of HMM-362 from July '68 thru May '69. The mid air collision described in this incident involved the bird I was assigned to fly as a gunner that day; however, shortly before we were due to depart, I was reassigned to another bird for another mission to the North.

When I returned to the line shack that night, I was met with surprised stares from those present. A glance at the flight board showed why. No one had updated the crew assignments and I was shown as a crew member in the mid air - "KIA" had been written at he end of the line. I have recently retired from a very active 33 year career in law enforcement with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and I can honestly say I've never experienced the feelings that went through me on that night. I only knew Brubaker and Green a short time, but they were good guys and it hurt to loose them. I did not know the others very well, but as fellow Marines, I will always keep them in my memory.
Submitted by Patrick Soll, Friend of deceased

Cpl Joseph Harold Brubaker Jr.:

http://www.popasmoke.com/visions/image.php?source=1098




Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt Lawrence E. Houck II:

http://www.popasmoke.com/visions/image.php?source=1126


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt James Dean Opsahl:

http://www.popasmoke.com/visions/image.php?source=1135


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

Headstone - Arlington National Cemetery:

"BROTHERHOOD" - Buried togeather at Arlington

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/rdknudtson.htm

Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt Lawrence Emanuel Houck II:

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.net/lehouck.htm


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

Family Information:
Semper Fi! I too, am a former Marine & am wondering if anyone can add anything to the narrative describing this crash. My Brother, LCPL Niccoli was in country only a couple of months but maybe someone that survived Nam knew him. The official Report classed this as a hostile action incident.
It appears from the pilot that it was not.

Many thanks to whoever created this site.

Seattle, WA
Submitted by Mark Niccoli, Gregory Niccoli-my Brother

Family Information:
I was only 4 years old when my brother Otis was killed in the Marines. I know very little about him and barely remember him as a little girl. Any one who knew him please contact me. I am anxious to know all I can about him.
Submitted by Yvonne Green, my brother was Otis C. Green