Aircraft UH-34D
 | ARVN outpost
Somewhere west of Dong Ha, Ca Lu maybe. Summer of 1967, picture taken from an HMM-163 H-34 by myself.
Posted by hugh smith on 2010-07-21 |  | HMM-163
YP 2
Crew Chief Ron Klinker
Comment by: Vaughn Goodwill on Feb 13, 2008 03:42 PM
Photo taken by Vaughn Goodwill - I was Ron's gunner.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-21 |  | Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum Restores an H-34
The Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at MCAS Miramar has recently restored a UH-34D in the colors of HMM-163.
Posted by Roger Herman on 2010-07-15 |  | YL-37 FLIES AGAIN!
SENT TO US BY POPASMOKE MEMBER GARY DOSS
http://www.garydoss.123ts.com/
On October 23, 1999, a chilly morning in northeastern Oklahoma and near the town of Inola a segment of history was unveiled. Sixty-two Vietnam Veterans and former members of Marine Medium Helicopter squadron 362 (HMM-362) came together to reunite for the first time in over 30 years. They were drawn to this tiny town to see an old friend, YL-37, a UH-34D, a survivor of the conflict. These men were also to be a part of a dedication service for the old girl as she was designated as a Flying Memorial, not only for the 33 squadron members killed in action but also for all Vietnam Veterans who perished and those that survived. YL-37 bears the evidence of over 50 battle damage repairs making her the only known flying UH-34D of the era. During her role as a combat helicopter she flew many diverse missions: med-evac, re-supply, troop insertion, refugees, (or just about anything able to pass through the cargo door and get airborne) In addition to supporting the hospital ship Repose, she operated throughout the I-Corps area and from LPH"s such as the USS Okinawa and USS Iwo Jima. This historic aircraft is flown today with some of her surviving crewmembers, bringing to life the role in history she played to a new generation of young people, as a part of the "hands on" educational process.
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-05 |  | screen shots from "Vietnam's Helicopter Heroes" video tape
screen shots from "Vietnam's Helicopter Heroes" video tape
Posted by Admin on 2010-07-02 |  | UH-34D
Posted by Terry Basham on 2010-06-29 |  | Medevac
An H-34 from HMM-361 sits in an LZ awaiting the boarding of a wounded Marine. The picture was taken in early "67.
Posted by Roger Herman on 2010-06-29 |  | HMM-362 & VMO6 aboard LPH-8 / USS Valley Forge 1965
Photo by Sgt. Wayne "Chunk" D. Bachiniski, F/O & R/O for H-2-3, 65-66. This photo shows two VMO6 UH-1E Hueys and one Navy UH-34D along with two of HMM-362s UH-34Ds aboard the LPH- 8 / USS Valley Forge 1965.
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-28 |  | HMM-362 "Ugly Angels"Tail Paint
photo submitted by BP // Woodcamera@aol.com [email]sgtmajz@san.rr.com[/email] > > > > Semper Fi, > > > > Mike Zacker
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-27 |  | HMM-261 / EM-18 / UH-34D
EM-18 - The photo was probably during 65-66. Knew I had seen it before, and there it is. The inside cover of our cruise book.
Bill Edwards stationbreak261
Comment by: Rich "Hip" Hippner on Mar 1, 2006 09:21 PM
This photo sums up a "strike" in an H-34.
Comment by: Guy Gordon Young on Jul 21, 2007 12:16 PM
This was probley taken on 18 Aug. 1965 on operation Starelight.
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-13 |  | Yankee Romeo 9, very shortly before it's destruction
Taken August 6, 1966, 2 or so miles southwest of Cam Lo. YR-9 was third of a flight of four H-34s on a recon team insert by HMM-161. Due to major power loss, the aircraft wound up in a treeline just downhill from this position and was destroyed by fire, fortunately with no loss of life.
A big favor request here: this was taken by a Marine photographer and the original copy is labeled on the back:
Official U.S.Marine Corps Photograph
Informational Services Office
1st. Marine Aircraft Wing/Marine Unit Vietnam
FPO San Francisco, Calif 96601
And on the front: Cleared for Release by MACOI
If anyone, preferably the person who took the picture, has any feedback I would be amazingly grateful; there are several more shots of the actual crash and resulting fire that I would dearly love to have copies of, as I am the one in the left seat in the picture and would like to know if it looked as bad as I remember.
Comment by: Bud Dean on Dec 17, 2006 07:17 PM
remember me?
Posted by hugh smith on 2010-06-06 |  | YL-37 Lifts off after rescue
YL-37 relives her days in combat as she demonstrates her abilities.
Posted by Gary Doss on 2010-06-05 |  | HMM-162 UH-34D
HMM-162 UH-34D Submitted by: Oliver G. Wiley
Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Posted by Admin on 2010-06-02 |  | Last active duty UH-34
I"m submitting this picture for Bruce Willey. According to Bruce, this picture was taken at NAS Glenview in early spring 1972 prior to it"s departure for the bone yard at Davis-Monthan AFB. From what Bruce recalls, it turned out to be President Eisenhower"s aircraft and has been restored. Bruce would like to know if any of our members know where it is now.
Comment by: john darby on Oct 9, 2007 11:25 PM
this aircraft arrived at Quantico in 1972
Posted by John Barber on 2010-05-28 |  | HMM362 Okie II Reunion
YL 75 fully restored and flying. HMM362 reunion 2003 Mr. Gerald Hail gave all who wanted a ride in the YL75. Both Ugly Veterans and their family. October 10, 2003
Posted by Charles Thomas on 2010-05-25 |  | UH-34 rescue Beaufort
This is an official Navy photo dated 23 June 1970 of George Greene (Crew
Chief) and his CH-53D rescuing a UH-34D from a marsh near Beaufort South
Carolina after an engine failure. It was taken to MCAS Beaufort.
Posted for Joe Reed jrcr@adelphia.net
Comment by: Joe Reed on Jan 28, 2008 10:24 AM
Left off when originally posted for me was the Crew Chief's name on the CH-53. He was George "Nash" Greene, a squadron mate of mine in HMM-165 RVN 1968. I used to know the name of the CC from the UH-34, it was retired from service after the hardlanding subsequent from engine failure.
Posted by Admin on 2010-05-12 |  | HMM-361 UH-34 heads for landing zone
HMM-361 UH-34 heads for landing zone south of Con Thien, 9 Feb 68. The 34 was transporting Special Landing Forces of 2/4
Submitted by:Gary Prewitt HML-167, 68-69 - The following are photos that I acquired while on recruiting duty. All DOD photos are in B/W. Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / NOV 2002
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-29 |  | HMM-362 YL-5 NOSEART "WARLORD"
I was the maint off of the last two 34 sqdns in country. The only nose art of which I am aware occurred as the last sqdn (362) was about to breakup. I do not remember the other two pictures but seem to recall "warload." As a guess "war lord" was YL-5 crewed by a Cpl or Sgt Daniels. Have no idea why I remember (If I do). Richard Hooton City, State pensacola,fl Primary "In-Country" Squadron hmm-361 All Squadron(s) and Years hmm-361(65)hmm- 161(66)hmm
I was the gunner for Cpl J. P. Nose in an earlier picture. The one here was redone from what I remember. One of the best flying aircraft around. Still is because they are still flying. Lcpl Rick (Frenchie) St. Pierre. 68-69
There were many art forms on the nose of the chopters. Another one was "Good Vibrations" named after the Beach Boys song. I served with John Nose. Also Daniels. Was in HMM 362 for two tours. From 67 to 69. Was with 362 when it broke up. I was sent north to another squadron in Quang Tri, Not sure of the spelling, was a long time ago.
After my first tour I was at New River. The place was pretty chicken shit after Nam. A buddy, Frency La Fourtaine convinced me to go back over. Some guys I remember were Lil' Dickie Cowy and Tom Post ( who took one in the head when he replaced me while I was on R&R). Lil' Dickie meet up again on our second tour. Was surprised how many went back over for a second tour.
Chuck Robinson (Boston) Rboomer46@aol.com
Comment by: Bill Greenman on Apr 27, 2010 08:06 PM
I Painted the clamshell nose art for a number of birds while I was with HMM-362 in '69. War Lord was one of them and I thought Nose was the crew chief at the time. I was crew chief on YL-21.
Semper Fi!
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-28 |  | UH-34D
UH-34D
MISC 1969 MMAF/DANANG PHOTOS Submitted by:"DOC" Hackworth Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / NOV 2002
Comment by: Roberto E. Banda on Sep 6, 2006 08:08 PM
I flew as a door gunner on 34's during 68-69 while serving with H&MS 16 at MCAF Marble Mountain. I served as an Operations Clerk, moved up to Operations Chief, and then to Awards Clerk after a SSgt was assigned to the Chief's slot. I earned my ticket back to the world after a 122 mm rocket attack on 17 Apr 1969.
Semper Fi !
Roberto E. Banda
Sgt. USMC Retired
Comment by: John P. McKenzie on Oct 10, 2006 11:32 PM
In VN in 1965 or 66 as a member of Company B, 2nd Bn, 327th Parachute Infantry Regiment - 101st Airborne Division I was picked up in one of these. On the way out the engine quit and the piolet calmly announce "Relax me I can land this son-o-a-bitch but it is gonna be rough".
It was.
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-16 |  | Crew replacement flight
Taken while dead-heading Phu Bai to Dong Ha in an HMM-163 H-34; another type down low in the picture, wasn't one of our squad though.
Posted by hugh smith on 2010-04-06 |  | Cua Viet River
Taken during the winter 1967; halfway between Dong Han and the sea. Some sampan activity below.
Posted by hugh smith on 2010-04-06 |  | HMM-264 UH-34D goes overboard, 1966 (2 of 2)
Dennis V. Cooper was a member of Kohler"s Klowns HMM-365 that served in Vietnam from Sept 64 until Sept 65. He and I were sent to the east coast upon return to the world as members of HMM-264. he was serving as crew chief on 85 that day flying off the USS Okinawa. His plane was not spotted to the liking of the crew of the Okinawa and they requested that the pilot pick up and move more toward the edge of the ship. When they picked up, the wind or ship or aircraft shifted, who knows for sure, and the left gear went over the side. The pilot was not able to recover and the aircraft fell over the side. Coop was not able to get his belt off before the aircraft hit bottom but was able to get out a window and pop his vest. If anybody knows the whereabouts of Coop, please contact George McKee Submitted by: George McKee Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Comment by: Wally Beddoe on Mar 8, 2006 08:44 PM
see also image 1 of 2
Comment by: Kenneth C. Alvers on Jun 30, 2006 09:49 PM
I remember this incident as though it was yesterday. I was on Fire Watch at the time of the accident. I remember running to the side where the Chopper went in. We tossed life rings in towards the point of entry hopeing everyone on board could retrieve one. I never new the true outcome of the accident, or how many Marines were on board the chopper, and would like to know if someone has the answer. I think of this on occasion and hope everyone made it out of the water ok.
Shipfitter 2nd Class
USS Okinawa LPH3
1965-1969
Comment by: Eric on Oct 21, 2006 03:00 AM
so sad...
Comment by: george mckee on Aug 17, 2008 07:33 AM
sorry, i have never read comments on pic of overboard aircraft. in answer to question. the aircraft was a full bird that day. we were bringing the grunts aboard from exercises ashore. all crew members made it out. coop went to the bottom before getting out and suffered eye and ear damage. i can still see his ever present vacuum bottle popping to the surface. i don't remember exact number of grunts lost but four comes to mind. it was a reinforced platoon which meant they had a mortor team. one of them had the mortor base tied on his back and actually made it to the surface but couldn't stay up. the seal team aboard was in the water almost immediately or the loss might have been greater.
Comment by: James Sparrow on Feb 9, 2010 12:28 PM
Holy Crap!! I was one of those grunts that day. We were members of Lima Co. 3rd Bn. 6th Marines.We lost four guys that day as I remember. They were a 60 machine gun crew. The crew leader's name was DeBenitto from Phily. He was also the Co. swimming insturctor. Real sad. His a-gunner was from Camden N.J. and they competed against each other in High School football. We had a mock burial at sea for them. A Marine burgler was flown in from somewhere. This all happened off the coast of Viegues P.R. I belong to the USS Okinawa Assco. and they have no record of this in thier Ship history.
Comment by: george mckee on Feb 27, 2010 06:04 PM
i am so aware the report on this incident doesn't seem to exist. coop was airlifted to nearby airforce base for treatment. they too appear to have no record. coop tried to file for benefits later in life but even with photo evidence and my notorized letter attesting the accident, he wasn't able to get help as up to the time i lost contact with him. very glad you made it out.
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-03 |  | HMM-264 UH-34D goes overboard, 1966 (1 of 2)
Dennis V. Cooper was a member of Kohler"s Klowns HMM-365 that served in Vietnam from Sept 64 until Sept 65. He and I were sent to the east coast upon return to the world as members of HMM-264. he was serving as crew chief on 85 that day flying off the USS Okinawa. His plane was not spotted to the liking of the crew of the Okinawa and they requested that the pilot pick up and move more toward the edge of the ship. When they picked up, the wind or ship or aircraft shifted, who knows for sure, and the left gear went over the side. The pilot was not able to recover and the aircraft fell over the side. Coop was not able to get his belt off before the aircraft hit bottom but was able to get out a window and pop his vest. If anybody knows the whereabouts of Coop, please contact George McKee Submitted by: George McKee Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / OCT 2002
Comment by: Wally Beddoe on Mar 8, 2006 08:43 PM
see also image 2 of 2
Posted by Admin on 2010-04-03 |  | HMM-363s YZ-67 MEDEVAC
YZ-67 lands with MEDEVACS at the NSA STATION HOSPITAL, MARBLE MOUNTAIN, DANANG The NSA was just off the beach and treated over 21,000 wounded in 4 years (65-70)
Photo by Doc Rockett,
Doc served as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (Veteran) at NSAH, Danang, Vietnam from August 1967 to August 1968.
Posted by Admin on 2010-03-23 |  | HMM-362 aboard ship
LPH-8, USS Valley Forge, October 66 in Danang Harbor. This was the beginning of 3 months journey for HMM-362 to Okinawa, the Phillipines and numerous operations in Vietnam including Deckhouse V where John Mooney was killed. The Valley Forge was only one of many ships we were aboard during this period. updated from email on 16 Feb 2003 It may have been the Hancock or the Princeton. I do believe it was the Princeton not the Valley Forge. I took pictures of both Aircraft Carriers with our '34 aboard. Those mountains you see in the background is the shore of the Philippines. Memory fades but I have the copy. Robert D. Nickens Gunner
I was with HMM-362 on LPH-8 from Jan.66-until we disembarked and awaited the Princeton in March 66. I do not remember a turret gun of that type on the Valley Forge during my stay on board. Nor does one show up in any of my pictures. Bob Patrick
the guns were there from 1964 on http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/u100000/u104168.jpg // and still there in 1968 http://www.history.navy.mil/photos/images/h96000/h96947.jpg // Semper Fidelis George T. Curtis MGySgt USMC Ret
I served as Air Operations Officer on USS Princeton (LPH-5) from 1965 to 1967 and I have several pictures of Princeton in my cruise book. The radar and communication antennae arrangement on the “island” is different on each ship. The arrangement shown in this photo is definitely that of the USS Valley Forge (LPH-8), not the USS Princeton (LPH-5).
William Richards, CDR, USN (Ret)//William Richards [wlrich@adelphia.net]
Comment by: Joseph Williams on Dec 1, 2009 02:03 AM
We were on the Iwo Jima When we lost John, I was his crew chief on that terrible day. Joe
Comment by: Richard Cole ABH-2 on Mar 16, 2010 09:20 PM
This is the Valley Forge. I server as a Flighjt Deck signalman on the Valley from 1962-1966. The guns were quite loud during the firing exercises we had. My brother was the gunner on this forward mount. Can't say I miss them firing. We both lost our hearing from the loudness and closeness during general quarters.
Posted by User Deleted on 2010-03-18 |  | A Beautiful UH-34D
This picture was taken by Faustin Wirkus sometime in August 1962 over the Mekong Delta (Operation Shufly) at sunrise, and was sent to me by Joe D"Arcangelo.
Comment by: Mike Layman on Aug 15, 2006 12:53 AM
This picture was used on Cristmas cards sold in Danang in 1964-I bought some to use that year aand made a large copy for my office wall.
Comment by: Eric Coady on Nov 12, 2006 08:01 PM
This photo was taken by 1st Lt. Faustin Wirkus in August 1962 while flying out of Soc Trang RVN. The helo is one of HMM-163's, the second Marine Corps Squadron in RVN, and part of "ShuFly". The squadron moved north to Da Nang in September 1962 and operated in the entire I-Corps area.
Comment by: Gerd R. Naydock on Jul 31, 2007 06:53 PM
1st Lt Faustin Wirkus eventually became Lt. Col Faustin Wirkus and was my Commanding Officer at Marine Corps Air Station, New River, Jacksonville NC in the late 70s - early 80s. He was a very fine gentleman and his father by the same name was a sergeant in the Marine Corps in the 20s and went on to become a \"King\". Colonel Wirkus went on to fly Boeing CH-46 Sea Knights when he wasn\'t flying his desk. I believe he eventually retired from the USMC to live in Hawaii with his lovely wife, Debbie. This photograph serves as a fine tribute to \"Fausty\". Semper Fi!!!
Comment by: MARIAN PAYNE DICKSON on Dec 6, 2009 05:06 PM
WHILE SURFING THE WEB FOUND MY OLD BOSS'S NAME. AT THE TIME HE WAS PERSONNEL OFFICER AT MCAS(H) NEW RIVER, N.C. AND I WORKED FOR HIM AS A CIVIL SERVICE WORKER, ISSUING TDY AND PCS ORDERS. HE WAS A MAJOR AT THE TIME AND AS A BOSS WAS NUMBER ONE. HIS WIFE WAS FROM HAWAII AND HE RETIRED AND MOVED THERE WITH HIS FAMILY. GREAT PICTURE BY THE WAY.
Comment by: Moniq on Jan 29, 2010 01:52 PM
Welcome
I search ancestor who is mentioned on this internet part / web side...
Colonel Faustin Wirkus was been son Sergeant Faustyn Wirkus vel King of Gonava on Haiti.
I write from Poland
I am family, search roots, ancestor root ...
Futher Colonel Faustin Wirkus , Sergeant Faustyn Wirkus was been brother my grand- grandmother...from Poland
Grand-grandmother was born in Poland...
I search contact Colonel
Help me...
andaluzja0@op.pl
Witam
Poszukuje przodka ktory wymieniony jest na tej stronie internetowej
Pulkownik Faustin Wirkus syn sierzanta Faustyna Wirkusa Krola Gonavy
Pisze z Polski
Jestem rodzin± ktora szuka korzeni, korzeni przodka Faustyna Wirkusa.
Ojciec pulkownika Faustina Wirkusa , sierzant Faustyn Wirkus byl bratem mojej prababci z Polski
Szukam kontaktu do Pulkownika
Pomozcie mi
andaluzja0@op.pl
Posted by Roger Herman on 2010-03-11 |  | Sgt. H.E. Bennett HMM-163
1965
Posted by Admin on 2010-03-09 |  | Group Maintenance Hanger at Ky Ha
Photo taken by 1stLt Robert Peter Schena, "KIA" Pilot HMM-363 MAG-36 670111 (vvm 14E:012) Submitted by his nephew CW3 Tom Schena Incident Date 670111 HMM-363 UH-34D 148785+ / YZ-76 Mechanical Failure
Comment by: Donald M. Wead on Sep 11, 2006 01:07 PM
I was @ Ky Ha 66-67. I was in Avionics in H&MS-36 and also eather 363 or 364. I don\\\'t remember a lot about this period of time, and have really tried to forget. This picture brings back a memory of a UH-34 that I had to work on after a grunt\\\'s granade went off in a LZ and killed the crew. I\\\'m not sure if it was 364 or 363. It was brough back for repair and the chopper had shrapnal everywhere and smelled of death. I had to repair the wiring harnesses damaged by the granade and got sick from the smell. I\\\'m not sure what happened to the chopper and to this day i remember it. Thanks, USMC Vet. Sgt.D.Wead 1947530
Comment by: David K. Elftmann on Jan 4, 2007 01:00 PM
HMM-161 CH-34
Posted by Admin on 2010-03-08 |  | HMM-163 Khe Sanh July 67
One of HMM-163s UH-34Ds landing at Khe Sanh Combat Base July 1967.
Comment by: Larry Price on Feb 24, 2010 02:09 PM
Wow, brings back memories, i arrived in KheSanh also in July 67. B Co. 3rd Recon
Posted by Admin on 2010-02-24 |  | HMM-365 YM-8 enroute between Danang and Quang Tri Oct. 1964
Posted by User Deleted on 2010-02-03 |  | 362 Flight Line-Soc Trang
In April, 1962, HMM-362, Archie"s Angels, became the first USMC tactical unit to operate in South Vietnam. I aplogize for forgetting who sent me this great photo.
From: BMTC_AZ02@msn.com>, Date: Oct 28, 2005 10:48 PM, The photo is from the back of HMM-362 Cruise book. Titled "Now with the sun setting it's time to fold our blades and head for home." Submitted by Gysgt Bill Brooks With HMM-362 only for a short time in Soc Trang Then with HMM-163 and then with HMM-162 in Da Nang.
Posted by User Deleted on 2009-12-23 |  | Portraits
This has always been a favorite shot for giving an excellent idea of the size of the H-34; taken in summer of 1967, EvilEyes just showing on the nose of the aircraft, parked just above Lang Vei.
Posted by hugh smith on 2009-12-22 |  | HMM-363"Lucky Red Lions" MEDEVAC Under Fire
a UH-34D from HMM-363 picks up 4 MEDEVACS while under intense Heavy Enemy Automatic Weapons Fire from AK-47s and 12.7s. The Ground Marines can be seen waiting to assist in loading the MEDEVACS. This was always a team effort. These Marines were just inserted and are realizing they are in a "HOT" zone. We would return many times over the next few days to pull out more MEDEVACS and too many KIAS. Photo by HMM-363s Combat Aircrewman, Bob Greer (Avionics), Photo enhanced by John P. Dullighan, HMM-165s boeing Tech Rep & Popasmoke member.
Posted by Admin on 2009-12-13 |  | UH-34G
submitted by Brook Stevenson HMM-363 67-68
Posted by Admin on 2009-12-12 |  | Road to Khe Sanh
Taken in January or February of 1967; Route 9 below, showing a multiple river crossing where subsequent bridging attempts had been made. Also indicative of the problems in trying the land route to Khe Sanh with the abundance of ambush sites available. Can't remember too many successful convoys along this road. Taken from the H-34 while with HMM-163, still based at Phu Bai at the time.
Posted by hugh smith on 2009-12-07 |  | UH-34 MED EVAC Vietnam 1965
A UH-34D completing a MED EVAC in Vietnam 1965
Posted by Admin on 2009-11-23 |  | HMM-263, 1966
We were shot down on Sept. 1966, the photo came out in the New York Times via film taken out of the zone by the crew chief Ron Luks for a UPI Photographer. No one was injured, the pilot was LT. Williams, the co-pilot was LT. Cherbonnier and the crew chief was Cpl. Ron Luks, the gunner was an office clerk on his first ride, I can"t remember his name. Ron Luks still has the piece of shrapnel that cut the TAIL ROTOR CABLE and stuck in the pulley, even though there was approx. 40 hits on the aircraft, that was what took it down. Submitted by: Cpl. Ron Luks Relocated from COMBAT PHOTOS by George T. Curtis / DEC 2002
I was the office clerk (operations clerk) on that flight.
I talked to Ron Luks on August 9th, 2004 for about 20 minutes and he told me some things that I had blocked
out of my memory and still can't recall. As he said, it was my first ride -- what a ride!
At that time I was Sergeant Paul A. Rice. I still have some schrapnel from that experience and I was told that
it was from a 500 pounder delivered from our own Air Force but now maybe it was just part of a mortar round.
Who knows ?
Paul
Greensoro, NC // usmcgunny@netzero.net
Comment by: Ron Klinker on Apr 12, 2007 07:10 PM
This photo brings back many memories. Jim Vaughn and I were the crew for Major McCauley...and we made the first ammo re-supply and Medivac pick-up to this LZ. I believe we picked up the original down bird\'s crew ( Luks and Leanard) and two seriously wounded grunts. We took a lot of fire on the way out...and one of the medivacs took an additional hit. We flew them to PhuBai...then spent the next three days repairing the bird (fuel cells, tail rotor other skin repairs). Major McCauley had \"ice\" for blood...I would fly anywhere with him...and did until transfering to HMM-163. I hope all involved are doing well today. Jim Vaughn can be reached @ my email address also. S/F R. Klinker Sgt. 2108448
Comment by: Al Struelens on Mar 17, 2009 12:07 PM
I was there with Bravo and delta 1/4 This bird came down on either the 17th or 18th of September 1966. I have three other pictures, but none from this angle. The 34 came in alright, though drawing a lot of fire, when it lifted off the ground, the NVA shot with everything they had. we were surrounded, and this dilemna was to last two more days, When the bird was about 10 feet of the ground, and attempting to go into translational flight; loud popping noises were heard, then the 34 fell and squatted back on the ground. The pilot co pilot bailed out of their high perches post haste. We were relieved by 2/7 on the 19th, and the bird was picked up by a sky crane that day. After going back to the punchbowl location (between Rockpile and Razorback), using the thickest jungle we could find, and changing routes more than once, because of helo perceived ambushes in our path, we finally made it back to the punchbowl late in the afternoon. The 324B folks re-surrounded 2/7 and played with them a few days. On their way back to the punchbowl they had a battle on top of the razorback where a squad or so of their people got separated from the main body, They had to go reclaim the bodies some night later. The map shws the location of the downed 34 as 962605 (on the way to the summit of Nuy Cai Tre,,,Hill 484 (the highest peak of the three that made up what would be called Mutter\'s Ridge)after 3/4 took the whole shebang two weeks or so later. This map and other cool maps are HERE
Gysgt Al Struelens (ret).
23 Amantes
Rancho santa margarita ca 92688
Posted by Admin on 2009-11-07 |  | UH-34 Troop Lift
Photo taken by M/Sgt. Shiro Fukunaga. He served in UH-34"s with HMM-361, and HMM-263, but didn"t tell me which squadron these photos were of.
Comment by: JD Hunt Sr on Apr 4, 2006 03:06 PM
More than three planes in the LZ at the same time ....
361 had #s 1-24 and we did have many with the white lettering after Jan67 back from Okinawa ....
This photo looks to be a loading of troops for a strike somewhere.
I'm guessing lower ICorp area
Comment by: Dennis Polley on Nov 3, 2009 09:24 AM
Could also be from HMM-365, who had white letters and a blue turtle back in country in '64 - '65.
Posted by User Deleted on 2009-11-03 |  | UH-34D working off an LPH in 1968
here are some pics from my time with Foxtrot Co. 2nd Batt. 26th Reg.
3rd Mar Div(attached to the 9th MAB with 1ts Mar Div in Nov/Dec 1968). These are stills taken while we were "Afloat" on USS Okinawa(LPH3) doing the on and off LZ thing. Semper-Fi. L/Cpl. Kerry Koper USMC VN1968
//cyber ghost [cyberghostx13@yahoo.com]
Posted by Admin on 2009-11-01 |  | CH-34A ( yes CH-34A) VNAF 213th Squadron
VNAF 213th Helicopter Squadron flew the CH-34A ( not UH-34D) . They were a colorful bunch. (Photo: KE 26838 USAF via Wayne Mutza). The 213th operated out of Da Nang in 1964 and moved south as we moved into Da Nang.
Posted by Admin on 2009-10-10 |  | Dong Ha 1967, no protection
This photo of HMM-363s Lucky Red Lions UH-34Ds sitting out in the open without revetment protection shows how it was at Dong Ha in the summer of 67. Photo by SSGT Larry G. "POPS" Powell (GYSGT USMC Ret). Pops was both a Crew Chief and the Flight Line Chief 67-68. Photo enhanced by John P. Dullighan, Popasmoke member.
The reason they didn't put in revetments was some Colonel sitting in the Field Grade Mess in Da Nang decided the NVA didn't have artillery in the DMZ. If we put in revetments to protect the airplanes it would make him look bad. Capt Dave Petteys
Posted by Admin on 2009-09-25 |  | YK22 KY HA, 1965
Posted by Ed Alexander on 2009-09-08 |  | Another Long ride home
This is another long ride home for a UH-34D VIA CH-46A in Vietnam 1966
Comment by: Dennis Craycraft on Jun 11, 2006 12:00 PM
It looks to me like this is one of the planes that they removed the ramp for quicker access during insertions. This had become common practice during opperations in 1967, however it turned out that the ramp was designed as an integral part of the airframe, and because of the continuous vibration of the aircraft it weekened to the point that the plane broke in half at the aft pylon.
Once they figured out why they were falling out of the sky they made it mandatory to keep the ramp on, and in the closed position.
Comment by: Bunnie mccosar on Jan 15, 2008 08:22 PM
I was with HMM-265 at this time as a crew-chief. I kept my aircraft in very good flying condition until one day a multitude of shop personnel came out and started to remove all unneccessary weight from my aircraft (included the ramp)! I was soon informed that my aircraft was going to be a "SLICK". The 46 you see in the picture is a "Slick", possibly from "265" and if it was, that was my aircraft. I think there was only one "slick" in the squadron, and that one was mine. I don't know if other squadron had any slicks but I did its crewing until 265 was scattered into all of the other squadrons in 1967. Being a slick took me out of many other missions but I took my share of bullets fired at the aircraft. The slick was created to lift out downed 34s and Hueys from out of the paddies or haul them back from "up north", and move 105s around. I did go on assaults if the squadron was low on "up" and available aircraft. Many times the VC / NVA knew that we would be coming to get the downed aircraft and they would wait for us about a mile away and on, knowing which direction we would be going. Hueys were assigned to us for protection and we would have to throw out a smoke grenade when we received fire. One trip required at least 5 smoke grenades going out! I agree that keeping the ramp up would help in structural integrity because of all the hard landings perpetrated on the aircraft. I was an original crew-chief from Pax River in 1962, and in 265 until 1967. We tested the aft section problem with Boeing personnel at New River as some of the aft sections were starting to sag even at an early stage at New River in 1964--65.- but it was too little, too late for later crews.
Comment by: John Rodriguez on Feb 9, 2008 03:07 PM
Belive this is a photo of YT-16 from HMM-164. We had two \"Slicks\". This one and YT-10. Notice the white lettering and numbers that had not been painted over yet during the early months of \'66. I remember when we had our first plane go down and we had to call on an Army Chinook to bring it back to Marble Mountain. I think that\'s when someone came up with the idea of a \"slick\". Sgt. John Rodriguez Crew Chief Hmm-164
Posted by Admin on 2009-09-07 |  | U S Navy H-34
A photo of a U S Navy UH-34D in Vietnam, they were used for shipboard SAR duty.
Comment by: Robert Thomas Borreson on Oct 11, 2006 03:11 AM
This photo looks exactly like where our little Naval outfit was located, on Thon Son Nhut Airforce base just outside of Saigon. We were called Air Cofat. It might even be me just inside the cargo hatch of the helo. We were part of NAVSUPACT - Saigon (Naval Support Activity). The three H-34\\\'s we had supported the Navy\\\'s LST\\\'s throughout country, as well as points throughout. I don\\\'t recall us having anything to do with SAR operations, though we might have from time to time. We also had three C-117\\\'s, an S2F, a C1A and a C-45 twin Beech. Those are the Air Force C-47\\\'s in the backround which was where they had parked some of them. Just on the other side of the white fence (which I also remember) looks like the irrigation ditch which ran along the edge of the ramp, and which took a rocket that never exploded and where the fins were sticking out above the mud under the waterline. I know this personally, as I was the one who walked into it while being assigned to clean out the ditch. Not being able to see through the muddy water, I reached down there and started feeling around. I quickly found several fins on a metal object, and could only say to myself - uh-oh! Soon, we had the \\\"bomb squad\\\" out there. It could have been a rocket from the Tet Offensive of \\\'68, but I can\\\'t say for sure. Seems to me, we took several rocket attacks. I was there from 1967-69. 10/10/06
Posted by Admin on 2009-09-05 |  | Khe Sanh.
Submitted by Gene Weresow
Bravo 1/26 from 4/67 to 11/67 at Khe Sanh.
from his web site at http://www.zdh.com/vnpics/thumb4.html
Comment by: Bunnie mccosar on Jan 16, 2008 12:30 PM
This is a CH-46A from HMM-265, crew-chief unknown.
Comment by: MICHAEL COLLINS on Jun 13, 2008 11:23 PM
Saw this pic some time ago. It is,indeed,one of 265's birds. It was posted thru to me by one of my mates. That was my bird & the crewchief would be me. My buddy recognized the side no.,the "well-stocked" survival vest, & the helmet style amongst other identifiers. S/F MIKE "CRAZE" COLLINS
Posted by Admin on 2009-09-02 |  | YL-37 as seen in the September issue of Leatherneck magazine.
ANGEL RETURNS-YL-37, a Sikorsky UH-34D "Ugly Angel" of Marine
Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 during the Vietnam War, flies again as a
memorial to all Vietnam veterans. Restored, operated and maintained by
Marines of the YL-37 Group, she recently landed behind the HMM-362 Memorial
ANGEL RETURNS-YL-37, a Sikorsky UH-34D "Ugly Angel" of Marine
Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 during the Vietnam War, flies again as a
memorial to all Vietnam veterans. Restored, operated and maintained by
Marines of the YL-37 Group, she recently landed behind the HMM-362 Memorial
at Marine Corps Base, Quantico, Va.
Photo by SSgt Antonio Galan Jr.
Posted by John Barber on 2009-07-15 |  | ARVN Recon Insert by UH-34D
This is a DOD photo of a Marine UH-34D inserting ARVN Recon into a zone in 1965(?). I am unable to ID the Squadron ?
-
member comments:
ey Wally,
The Squadron in the photo is HMM-362. Next to the arvins head is the "L".
The only squadron with an "L" was HMM-362, YL-??. Hope this helps.
Don Lockwood
(Woody) YL-35
Posted by Admin on 2009-07-08 |  | HMM-362s YL-41 Phu Bai
screen shots from "Vietnam's Helicopter Heroes" video tape.This screen shot is HMM 362 YL-41 taken in late Dec.'67 early Jan '68 at Phu Bai from viedo info submited by Orm Hall.
Posted by Admin on 2009-07-08 |  | HMM-362 Camp Carroll 1968
Photo taken and sent to us by Warren Atkinson 2/9 Marines RVN 67-68. One of HMM-362s "Ugly Angels" UH-34Ds at Camp Carol April or May 1968.
Comment by: Alan H Barbour on Sep 3, 2006 10:59 AM
This may be the same YL-16 that is being restored by David Cochran (djc@cochranairport.com). David\'s BuNo is 149326. Cannot make out the BuNo on the pictured aircraft. Does anyone have the original picture or know who the crew chief in HMM-362 was?
Comment by: Delman Filmore York on Dec 22, 2006 05:19 PM
I was crew chief of YL 16 at the time this picture was taken. (Delman Filmore York) I was Richard Riba\\\'s gunner on YL 16 from March 68 until I assumed crew chief in May. Crewed YL 16 thru February 69. I beleive this picture was taken in April because I can see a foot hanging out the door and that was the way Richard flew most of the time. I have a picture in my box of pictures. I will try to loacte and see if I can see the BuNo. Del York
Posted by Admin on 2009-07-08 |  | HMM-363s YZ-80 down at Hill 881
HMM-363s LUCKY RED LIONS YZ-80 down at hill 881
YZ- 80 Crewed by
Sgt Willard C. Moyer,
Crashed at 881 ( KHE SANH)
Photo sent by
S/Sgt Bob Adams "HABU" / 66-67 / 1stSgt USMC Retired
[email]WeimAdams@cs.com[/email]
Posted by Admin on 2009-06-05 |
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