GEORGE CURTIS
05-14-2003, 10:06
On 15 September 1966
HMM-363 aircraft were diverted at 1300H to coordinates YD 170653 for an emergency recon extraction. On final approach into the zone the lead aircraft encounted intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. The lead aircraft sustained three hits before waving off. One hit damaged the engine oil cooler which necessitated an emergency landing at Dong Ha. During this action, the aircraft's crew chief was wounded. The aircraft remained down at Dong Ha for the remainder of the day for battle damage. but eventful landing , it was learned the aircraft's servos had been extensively damaged by enemy fire.
Four additional UH-34DS from HMM-363s LUCKY RED LIONS were diverted to YD 170653 to retract the pinned down recon team. All four aircraft encountered intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire entering the zone and were forced to wave off. During this time, the aircraft gunner of the number two aircraft then diverted immediately to the ship with its medevac. Approaching the LPH-2, control difficulties were experienced by the aircraft, after a safe, but eventul landing, it was landed the aircraft's servos had been extensively damaged by the enemy fire.
HMM-363 aircraft were diverted at 1300H to coordinates YD 170653 for an emergency recon extraction. On final approach into the zone the lead aircraft encounted intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire. The lead aircraft sustained three hits before waving off. One hit damaged the engine oil cooler which necessitated an emergency landing at Dong Ha. During this action, the aircraft's crew chief was wounded. The aircraft remained down at Dong Ha for the remainder of the day for battle damage. but eventful landing , it was learned the aircraft's servos had been extensively damaged by enemy fire.
Four additional UH-34DS from HMM-363s LUCKY RED LIONS were diverted to YD 170653 to retract the pinned down recon team. All four aircraft encountered intense enemy automatic weapons and small arms fire entering the zone and were forced to wave off. During this time, the aircraft gunner of the number two aircraft then diverted immediately to the ship with its medevac. Approaching the LPH-2, control difficulties were experienced by the aircraft, after a safe, but eventul landing, it was landed the aircraft's servos had been extensively damaged by the enemy fire.