Info On 1LT Ed Keeble, KIA 28Feb69

[Cav_Man_69]

Gentlemen:

I am a former Army helicopter pilot assisting Ed Keeble's sister, Lucy, in her attempt to connect with anyone who knew, flew with, or has any information about her brother Ed. She was 15 when he was KIA in Dewey Canyon I somewhere near, or inside, Laos as his gunship flew cover for a medevac mission into an obviously hot area. The entire crew was killed during or after that shootdown. The aircraft was a total loss. I am led to believe the aircraft was a UH-1E, tail number 152424.

He flew with MOS 6, Provisional Marine Aircraft Group 39, First Marine Aircraft Wing. Thank you for any and all data you might be able to provide her. She has never fully recovered from his loss.

Checkmate1
C/229th Assault Helicopter BN
1st Cav Div
III Corps, 1969 - 1970

[ALFAGOLF6]

1stLt Keeble was in Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6), Provisional Marine Air Group 39 stationed at Quang Tri, Viet Nam. A KIA listing can be found in either the left most column on the USMC/Combat Helicopter Association cover page and also near the bottom of the cover page is another link for KIA Incidents . Click either link and you can find 1stLt Keeble on page 5. Click on his name, which is also a link, will take you to the listing of the entire crew that was KIA.

For a list of VMO-6 personnel, select from the left most column of the USMC/Combat Helicopter Association cover page "Mailing List". Selecting that will bring you to the "Popasmoke Mailing List". Immediately prior to the listing of names is a drop down box titled "List by squadron or unit". Click on the dropdown arrow and scroll down; the next to last listing is for VMO-6. Selecting VMO-6 will bring up a listing of VMO-6 personnel with years in the squadron and/or other squadrons. The listing is not too long since it only contains names of members who have updated their information since 10 Nov 2009 (I think that is correct). Contacting any of those personnel should gain more information on your brother.

I was in VMO-6 during part of the period that 1stLt Keeble was there, but, only remotely remember him.

Should any of the above and/or your initial posting not reap results that you were seeking, please feel free to contact me and I will find someone who will be able to satisfy your quest.

Semper Fidelis,
Arthur G Friend
USMC (retired)
"Alfa Golf"
VMO-6 (Dec 66 - Dec 68)

[Cav_Man_69]

Alfa Golf:

Thanks so much for your kind corrections to my garbled attempt at USMC-speak (obviously, I am unfamiliar with the cross-service acronyms), and for your invaluable guidance in pointing me to Ed's actual unit data. I shall pursue your directions ASAP.

Since you were in his unit, do you recall any info on the shootdown? I have discovered that other pilot was decapitated by a rotor blade strike, so I gather that either an emergency landing or autorotation was successfully performed prior to the destruction of the aircraft. Are you aware of any of these details, or is there a USMC incident report source where I might find specifics on this action?

Thank you again for your invaluable guidance! His sister will be thrilled at whatever data I can dig up, as well as hopefully connecting her with guys who knew her brother.

Best regards,

Checkmate 1