HMM-161 Command Chronology:
HMM-161 Command Chronology - 30 June 1965:
“6 June 1965 – Continued normal RLT-4 support. Two squadron aircraft and crews were lost in an aircraft accident, which occurred at 0510H [5:10 AM]. Launched from LPH-2 for a pre-dawn SAR [search and rescue] mission, the two helicopters apparently collided in mid-air and fell to the sea. The accident claimed the lives of eight squadron members: Capt. P.F. McNally, 1stLt. A.C. Hertz, 1stLt. G.O. McKay, 1stLt. N.A. Doeden, Cpl. F.W. Wilson, Cpl. G.D. Tracy, LCpl. C.B. McBee, and PFC C.L. Foster. May their souls rest in peace.”

Official Narrative - Report of Casualty:
From the official “Official Report of Casualty” prepared 10Jun65, Department of the Navy:
Cpl. Frank W. Wilson “Died 6Jun65 near Chu Lai Republic of Vietnam result of injuries received when the helicopter in which he was crew chief collided with another helicopter shortly after take off from the USS IWO JIMA and crashed into the sea.”

Submitted by Dept of the Navy,

US MARINES IN VIETNAM:
Corporal Frank W. Wilson was involved in the preparation for the initial invasion of South Vietnam by the USMCR as a crew chief of a UH-34D (Sea Horse). Prior to the landing, his squadron was a part of the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3rd MEB) assembled in Okinawa. The amphibious flagship was the USS ESTES. HMM-161 boarded the USS PRINCETON in Okinawa.

"HMM-161 supported RLT-4 from the USS PRINCETON until 7 May 1965. On May 7th 1965, at 0800, the squadron flew two companies of troops from the USS PRINCETON (LPH-5) (Cos. A and B, 1st Battalion/ 4th Marines) to Landing Zone ROBIN after Battalion Landing Team (BLT) 1/4 – Cos. C and D and BLT 2/4 began an amphibious landing over Red Beach near Chu Lai. This was the initial landing of Regimental Landing Team 4 (RLT-4) to establish the airfield at Chu Lai. On that day, the Navy changed amphibious assault ships (LPH's) substituting the IWO JIMA (LPH-2) for the USS PRINCETON. Lt.Col. Gene W. Morrison's squadron (HMM-161) moved to the USS IWO JIMA, which remained positioned off of the Chu Lai coast until 7 June 1965. During that period, the squadron provided helicopter support for Col. Dupras' Marines (RLT-4) in the form of resupply and medevac.

Capt Paul Francis McNally:

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Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt Gerald O. McKay, HMM-161:



Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt Allen Conrad Hertz, HMM-161:




Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

1stLt Nicolaus A. Doeden:


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1stLt Allen Conrad Hertz, HMM-161:


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LCpl Carl Edward McBee:




Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

Cpl Gary Dale Tracy:


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

Cpl Frank W. Wilson:


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

PFC Curtis L. Foster:


Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin