Gunnys Bonney and Oldenburg

Gunnys Bonney and Oldenburg accompanied by Gunny Bonneys father-in-law pose next to a CH-53E. The plane worked hard in Afghanistan and had a lengthy yellow sheet. Both Marines were wearing their new Combat Aircrew Wings, earned in Afghanistan, by the time the Peleliu reached Camp Pendleton.

---

Comment by: LtCol Pete Pedro Zoretic on Feb 14, 2007 05:23 PM
Two Great Americans/Marines I had the privilege to serve with during the commencement of hostilities in Afghanistan. Aircraft 21 does not have aux tanks because during a hasty medevac, the bird suffered an engine failure over Camp Rhino, Afghanistan. The tanks were pickled in order to make the landing. The aircraft suffered damaged blades, FODded engine and some cowling damage. I flew the bird home (USS Peleliu) after some extreme maintenance in the field. I landed with one engine up and two back after they rolled off line while feet wet with no gas to RTB. Gents, thanks for putting her back together.