November-December 1967-page 6

"Unbelieveable Mission Saves Five"

1stLt Frederick D. Gregory and his crew from Det 7, 38th ARRSq, Da Nang AB, scrambled after an emergency medical evacuation was requested for a Marine in a highly hostile area 12 miles from the base. With Lieutenant Gregory were Capt Donald D. Sams, the copilot; Alc Haskell Browning Jr. , flight engineer; and A2c David A. Carl, pararescue specialist. The area of the evacuation was discovered to be on the side of a steep mountain at the bottom of a picturesque waterfall. It was obvious that the HH-43 was the ideal choice for the mission because of its compact size and stability in hover. As the HH-43 settled into hover position, blade clearance was noted at less than 1 foot from the 3 o'clock position counter-clockwise to the 10 o'clock position. Large trees were on the left and a rock cliff on the right with the HUSKIE facing the mountainside. The pickup was accomplished with little difficulty and Airman Carl began giving first aid to the Marine.

As Lieutenant Gregory began to pull out of the area, the armed escort helicopter overhead advised that a second Marine higher up the hill also needed evacuation. Captain Sams took over control of the chopper and flew to the higher position as the escort flew cover. A hover was again established with the same clearance conditions existing and the forest penetrator was lowered. The second Marine was tied onto the device and lifted to the HUSKIE, again with no difficulty. Before Lieutenant Gregory could execute a take off, a third Marine was carried to the pickup area. Airman Carl lowered himself to the ground to help attach this Marine to the penetrator and to speed up the evacuation time. Each of the Marines had full packs weighing close to 80 pounds each. In addition, each had bandoleers, radios, rifles and personal gear. The third was loaded and he, along with Airman Carl, was hoisted by Airman Browning to the cargo door. The Marine was onloaded. Before Airman Carl could get on board a fourth Marine - again with full battle equipment - was carried to the pickup area. Lieutenant Gregory and Captain Sams checked the power available and determined that this Marine could also be loaded. Down went Airman Carl again, and again he secured the Marine to the penetrator. The fourth Marine was then hoisted aboard by Airman Browning.

The escort helicopter could not believe that the HH­43 was able to pick up 4 battle-dressed Marines and still hover in an area that the usual med evac helicopter could barely hover in without a load. The fifth Marine then appeared. Power again was checked and rechecked, and Lieutenant Gregory gave the OK for the pickup. The Marine was hoisted aboard. The penetrator was then lowered for Airman Carl. Some equipment, however, still remained on the ground and had to be taken as the remaining ground party couldn't take it with them. Airman Carl tied the equipment onto the hoist, climbed aboard, and Airman Browning hoisted him to the helicopter. The torque meter indicated 37 inches at this time. Airman Carl climbed into the cabin, but was unable to bring the equipment inside (included were 3 rifles, 1 ammunition box, 4 flak vests, 2 pistol belts, 1 camera and a field jacket) because, by this time, not a square inch of cabin area was available. A normal take off, of course, was not possible. Lieutenant Gregory expertly "slid" down the hill until flying airspeed was reached and then Captain Sams took over the controls and began the flight back to the Marine hospital. The HH-43 arrived safely at the hospital with 4 crewmembers, 5 fully equipped Marines, and Airman Browning hanging out the cargo door holding the equipment secured to the hoist. The hospital commander met the HH-43 as it arrived and his only comment was, "I don't believe it!" 

A pararescueman's prompt action and proficiency has been credited with saving the life of a critically injured pilot. Alc Roger A. Porter was aboard an HH-43F from Det 6, 38th ARRSq, Bien Hoa AB, which scrambled when a plane crashed near the base. When the HUSKIE landed, Airman Porter jumped out and raced to the wreckage. After determining that the pilot was still alive, the Airman had him carried to the helicopter in a litter and then administered medical aid on the short flight back to Bien Hoa. Two Air Force flight surgeons gave additional treatment before he was taken in the HUSKIE to an Army hospital. They said afterward that had it not been for Airman Porter's "immediate and professional treatment," the pilot would not have lived. HH-43 pilot Capt David L. Wiest, added that the success of the mission was "due to Airman Porter's actions." Other members of the helicopter crew were Capt Sheridan K. Hawk, copilot; Alc Thomas M. Alves, flight engineer; and SSgt Otha R. Eddins, rescue specialist.

Less than 15 minutes after bailing out of their battle­damaged plane and landing in the jungle, two pilots were safely aboard an HH-43 from Det 5, 38th ARRSq, Udorn AB, Thailand. The speedy pickup was made by Capt Robert L. Merna and his crew after a flight through the rain to meet the damaged aircraft. Maj James H. Jones was copilot of the HUSKIE and the crewmen were Alc Marvin J. Wolfe and Alc Alvin L. Grothe.
(add by Ragay :  AFHRA doc K318.2411-5 – via TvGeffen :  19 Sep 1967  - crashed F-4C 66-7533  8 TFW ; 55 miles SSW of Udorn)

last update : 11/01/2008