LZ Crow 15 July 1966

Was in the first wave of choppers that landed in Helicopter Valley as a Squad Leader in K Co 3rd Bn 4th Marines. Observed these choppers crash into each other and one hitting what was left of a tree. This picture brings back memories of that day and a few days later when then SSgt McGinitys' platoon was ambushed and assaulted by a large number of North Vietnamese regulars estimated to be of Regimental size. L DRE -Submitted by: Retired Mgysgt Russell M Barber [Emptyjarsales@aol.com] 2007-01-14

I disagree with the information on this account. The picture IS NOT on page 165 of U.S. Marines In Vietnam An Expanding War as stated. It is on page 164 of that publication. The picture on page 165 is of a (CH-46) going down in flames. I was re-designated to Fox Co. 2/1/1 60mm mortar gunner after Charlie Co. 1/4/3 became ineffective after May 20, 1966 fire-fight in the Don-O area. We, Fox Co. was to move up a revine to the crest of the mountain to the west of LZ Crow. We got ambushed on our way to the crest but, made it just the same. After getting to the crest I looked out over the valley from which we came...only to see the CH-46 shown on page 165 going down in flames and men jumping out on fire. I was on Operation Hastings and this my account! Larry W. Nelson -Submitted by: Larry W. Nelson [m_sixtygunner@yahoo.com] 2009-01-04

I was on the 4th chopper going into the valley. the 1st 3 choppers got shot down. the 2nd & 3rd crashed into each other and the tail sections of each were cutting men up as they ran out the back. We got out ok and took to the high ground. Later is when another chopper was shot down and burned all nite long. All nite long we took small arms fire. The next day we left the valley, and had to double time back when we hweard the rear got attached. A day or two later is when we lost some men to friendly fire (f-4 dropped bombs early). -Submitted by: cpl. steve holgate I co. 3/4 [steve@shelbran.com] 2011-07-24