Photo #379
HMM-263 aboard USS Okinawa
April-July 1967 Submitted by Ray Kelley D/1/3
The blade man is Clp.Roger Tate. The fellow with the hand on the hip, at the rear of the craft, is Cpl. Ron Sallee. The flight suited one atop is Cpl.Jimmie Fralin. // Jimmie L Fralin [fralinj@basf-corp.com]
The opening morning of "operation Beau Charger", the 1st helicopter assault of the dmz (as told to us). The marine on top is 1st mech, pfc Hill. The marine "pinning the blades" (far side) Cpl. Gary Flansburg. This plane was the 3rd bird in the initial assault. The first 3 sustained heavy casualties, extensive battle damage, but made it back to the ship. this bird returned with all the fuel cells hit, leaking badly, and the sailors tried to shove it over the side, but were met with "strong opposition". //Gary Flansburg [gary.flansburg@western-equip.com]
Comment by: Russell Thompson on Nov 2, 2006 08:33 PM
I was attached to this unit as truck mechanic. I also flew in Op Beavercage. I do recall that the Navy did want to deep six a couple of birds.
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Image viewed 1404 times since 2006-02-07 |
Posted by Cpl. Beddoe on 2004-07-15; Last Modified on 2010-04-18
Size: 57.49 KB, Dimensions: 600x758Categories: Vietnam, Marine Squadrons, HMM-263
Average Picture Rating: 9.00 (7 Votes)
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