Personal Narrative:
On 670618 and 670619 I had flown the CH-46A, #150936, as HAC and had experienced a power loss on one engine shortly after takeoff from the ship on the 19th. My co-pilot, Tom Bowditch, was at the controls at the time and skillfully recovered very close to the surface of the water and we slowly gained altitude after which power was regained. Our hover check prior to flying off the deck was uneventful. I downed the bird until maintenance could check it out. I am pretty certain that Gary experienced the same problem on his flight the following day, but was not able to recover before striking the ocean.
Submitted by Dale Cors, pilot, squadron mate.

Personal Narrative:
I flew with Les. We were from the same hometown. I was door gunner on the bird behind Les. Looking out the port window over my 50cal mg, I watched his bird slip over the side of the ship on takeoff and hit the water. Les and Capt. Gary Porter were lost. I visited them at the wall in D.C. Tears still come to my eyes when I think of Les.
Submitted by Mark C. Schildknecht, Witness to incident

Internet Information:
I'm attaching a picture of Leslie Eugene ENGELHART
who graduated from Ingraham High School, Seattle WA in 1962

He is honored on http://www.facesfromthewall.com/1967jun.html
Faces From the Wall.
Submitted by Darilee Bednar, researcher

Family Narrative:
I am a younger cousin of Captain Gary Porter. I entered the military almost three years after his death, and have always felt a special affinity for all those who gave the full measure of devotion for our country, especially as I had the honor to train and serve with some of them.

As a computer technician who often helps people struggle with the harmful effects of senseless virus code, I want to say what a wonderful use of the Internet it is to maintain a site like this to honor the finest who have lived among us, and thanks to those who do so.

I have just shown the information about Gary to my younger daughter, now 20 yrs. of age, who never knew him, as I did. It was also interesting to learn about LCpl Leslie Englehart, who was lost with him.

Gary's (one twin and three younger) brothers have given us many beautiful children over the years, and I have been honored to attend the weddings of some of them. I know for a fact that his presence is missed among them to this very day, and have more than once heard this thought voiced.

I believe that his wife did not remarry for a good many years after his loss (I don't know if she ever did . . .), and was told that she kept photos of him in every room of their house.

May God bless all of those He reclaims in our horrible wars, and those who live on with the memories.

East Falmouth, MA
May 11, 2008

Submitted by Donnie Davison, Family Member

Family Information:
Just want to thank all of you that keep these wonderful men in your thoughts & hearts. It's so important that we never forget what they gave up for us. The ultimate.

I was married to Leslie Engelhart when he lost his life on 6-20-67. He was my childhood sweetheart that I was lucky enough to marry. I'm so proud of him; more so after reading his praises from his fellow Marines. He was a good man doing what he felt was the right thing to do. I know he was a good Marine because I saw it first hand while we were stationed at LTA in Santa Ana, CA. Our life there was frugal but so much fun. I cherish the memories from that 13 months that we were there before he was sent to Viet Nam. Everyone we lived around was in the same boat, so we all chipped in together for drive-in movies, bar b'ques, trips to the beach, etc. It was a simpler time than today. Even with the war, we enjoyed our life. I will never forget him. My current husband of 30 years, Kirk, is so understanding regarding Leslie & his family. I've been blessed with two wonderful men in my life.

Thanks again to all of you; Semper Fi!!


Submitted by Sheri (Engelhart) Quintoa, Wife of Leslie Engelhart

LCpl Leslie Eugene Engelhart:



Submitted by MGySgt George Curtis, Popasmoke Admin

Family Contact:
I am trying to contact Mrs, Sharon Quintoa. This was the wife of Leslie Engelhart. I would like to send her a photo I have of Leslie prior to his death in June of 67.

Submitted by Robert Tremaine, friend, HMM-164