Hmm 263 Bailey Mcbee

[GARY ALLS]

I RECEIVED THIS LETTER TODAY FROM THE WIFE OF BAILEY MCBEE.

"I HOPE YOU AND ALL THOSE WHO ATTEND THE 2004 REUNION HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME. MY HUSBAND BAILEY AND I MADE IT TO 2 REUNIONS IN PENSACOLA IN THE LATE '90'S. HE DIED MARCH, 2001 OF MALIGNANT MELANOMA AFTER A COURAGEOUS THREE YEAR BATTLE (AND THAT IS NOT AN OVER STATEMENT) WITH THAT AWFUL DISEASE. BAILEY LOVED TO PARTY, ESPECIALLY WITH HIS USMC BUDDIES. EVEN THOUGH HE'S GONE FROM OUR MIDST, I KNOW HE WILL ALWAYS BE THERE IN SPIRIT. I MISS HIM VERY MUCH. PERHAPS YOU WILL RAISE A TOAST TO HIM AND OTHERS WHO HAVE FALLEN AT THE REUNION. BLESS YOU, MEREDITH MCBEEE."


GARY ALLS
HMM 263 '66-'67

[pm3777]

The last Quaterly Semper Fidelis lists the death of LtCol R.P. Guay Jul 03. Some may remember he was the first Marine along with our Sikorsky Chief Test pilot to Loop & Roll the CH53D. This requires certain prepartions regards the HyD Systems. Cannot remember the Chief Test pilots name in spite of the fact he was my Maintenance officer as a Major In H&MS-36 back in 1955. He was a Reserve Major From WWII that got rift when he had over 18 years active duty. SF PM

[Bill Phillips]

I believe that the Sikorsky test pilot was Pat Quinn. At least that's who I talked to about the loop and roll flight when I toured the Sikorsky plant in 1976.

[pm3777]

That is not the name I was thinking of. However I have requested the name from Sikorsky. Thanks SF PM

[Pogy Pogany]

The Sikorsky Chief Test pilot at the time of the loop and roll was Byrum Graham ( Spelling may be wrong ) The good Lt.Col. was the co-pilot not the PIC - He was attached to the DEPRO at Sikorsky and that is why he was on the acft