Epilogue – from HMM-364 website:
(www.HMM-364.org/armenio.html)
Eye witnesses to the crash indicate it probably was due to both hydraulic boost systems being shot out which caused the aircraft to crash uncontrollably. Colonel Schoener indicates that to this day he has a vivid memory of his last face to face meeting and conversation with Lt. Armenio.
Roger Birmingham, former LCpl. USMC was a Squad Leader with Lima Co. 3/7 and was present when YK-10 was shot down. I hate to keep adding to these but I have some more eye witness information on Lt. Armenio's death. My best friend, Roger Birmingham, was a LCpl with Lima Co, 3/7 and they were there when we lost Lt. Armenio. After several days of heavy fighting they found that the gooks had heavy caliber weapons and communication wire running from their shooting holes. The army had been patrolling the area from the air and Fox Co 2/7 walked into a hornets nest. They had 70-75 % casualties when they called for a medevac and that was Lt. Armenio. He never had a chance.

Personal Narrative:
Shot Down on Emergency Medevac Mission - The HMM-364 Command Chronology states: "On 27 July 1969 at 1530 hours, 17 miles SW of Da Nang, Quang Nam Province, RVN. Crew of YK-10 (bureau number 154018) of HMM-364 flying on an emergency medevac mission. Upon departure from the pick-up zone the aircraft received intense small arms fire and automatic fire. Aircraft impacted uncontrollably, exploded and burned. Aircraft consumed by fire. All crew and Passengers were killed. Eleven lives were lost." Eye witnesses of the crash indicate it probably was due to both hydraulic boost systems being shot out which caused the aircraft to crash uncontrollably.
Submitted by Charles J. "Chic" Schoener, Colonel USMCR(Ret)

Personal Narrative:
We were returning to MMAF from a resupply when we heard an aircraft was having problems, a CH-46 with medevacs and hydraulic system damage due to ground fire. We flew to the grid and observed the H-46 attempting a roll on landing on top of a plateau. Radio transmissions indicated hydraulic failure and flight control problems. As we hovered I observed the H-46 approach the hillside and abruptly drop below the rim and fly directly into the hillside. Aircraft rolled to bottom of the ravine and burst into flames.
I attempted to lower my gunner on the hoist for survivors. JP [jet fuel] was burning and ammo cooking off. The entire aircraft burned in a matter of minutes. No survivors were recovered. The pilot of the aircraft had indicated via radio that he was loaded with medevacs. Darkness was setting in and we were advised to return to Marble, which we did. I was unaware of the squadron this aircraft was assigned to.
Submitted by Mike Everett, former CrewChief, HMM165

Personal Narrative:
This crash happened on Operation Durham Peak on 7/27/69.

Medavac chopper was called in after our point man was shot and killed; another grunt, Ralph Storm, made a rescue attempt but was also shot and killed. My fireteam leader, Leon Barickman, whom was suffering from a terrible leg infection, was taking the chopper back to the rear to seek treatment; he was also aboard and killed on impact.

I was a part of the retreval team that made our way to the crash site down the mountain. Our company was Lima 3/5 out of Combat Base An Hoa (not Lima 3/7 as posted by another commenter). I still find it extremely painful to relive this day in my head. These were brave men both on the ground and in the Medavac crew them came to our aid that day.

There was a whole chain of events leading up to the crash that played out on the ground prior to the crash. Prior to the 46 landing directly at the site of the battle, we were under fire not only from the NVA but also some short rounds from a Cobra gunship that was putting suppressing fire on the enemy position.

If I can help anyone reading this, contact me. I will tell you the story of that day on the mountain and the brave Marines both on the ground and in the air who lost there life.
Submitted by Richard Ker, Marine grunt at the site of the crash that day

Personal Narrative:
Would appreciate any pictures of him from personal files. Thanks.


Submitted by JOHN HARRIS, JOHN H HARRIS WAS MY UNCLE

Internet Information:
Daunt Sanders graduated from Seattle University, Seattle WA, Class of 1966 with a B.A. in Psychology.

He is remembered at http://www.facesfromthewall.com


Submitted by Darilee Bednar, researcher

Personal Narrative:
My wife was born after her father, 1stLT Daunt Brunell Sanders was KIA during this incident (co-pilot). Did any one know him while he was over there that might contribute to helping her understand what he was like?


Submitted by Michael Brickner, MSgt, USAF, Husband of Christina Brunell Sanders

LCpl Michael F Gramlick:



Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

Cpl John Henry Harris Jr.:



Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt Daunt Brunell Sanders, HMM-164:


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt Robert William Armenio:

http://www.hmm-364.org/

Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

Cpl John Thomas McDaniel:

http://www.hmm-364.org/mcdaniel-j.html


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin