November-December 1969-page 12,13,14,15,25

“Southeast Asia”

PHU CAT AB (7AF) - GOES CAREER - Sgt George P. Wheatstine, left, who made the decision to "go career" in the U.S. Air Force. takes the oath of reenlistment from Maj Ernest A. Headberg, Jr. , commander, Det 13, 38th ARRSq. Sgt Wheatstine has three years military service. (USAF photo by Sgt Jack Grisanti)

Six men who bailed out of a crippled aircraft at night were rescued by an HH-43 crew from Det 3, 38th ARRSq, Ubon Airfield, Thailand. Flying in light rain lit by occasional flashes of lightning, Pedro approached the bailout area. A few minutes later one survivor was located. Capt Allen E. Spalt landed and the rest of the crew disembarked to carry the injured survivor up an embankment to the helicopter. The HH-43 returned to base, refueled and then flew back through the darkness to search for the other downed airmen. Landings were made in tree-studded rice paddies, or the forest penetrator was used, to pick up five more survivors. Another man was rescued by one of two HH-53's which had also responded to the emergency. With Captain Spalt were Capt Lamont K. Churchill, copilot; SSgt Avo R. Vanbeuzekom, medical technician; and Alc Roger A. Klaes, flight engineer.

In a second Det 3 mission, an HH-43 scrambled with the fire suppression kit when a C-47 lost an engine on takeoff. Seconds later the downed "bird" was sighted afloat in the Mun River so Capt Ernest L. Neville set the FSK on the shore and the two firemen, Sgts Booker T. McCoy and David R. Oakes, alighted. The helicopter then hovered over the flowing river while Sergeant Vanbeuzekom lowered the forest penetrator to rescue one survivor who was seriously injured and being supported by two other men. He was taken to the hospital and then the HH-43 returned and picked up three more injured men. Four others had been taken to shore in sampans. The survivors were aided at the scene by the firemen from the HH-43. Copilot on the mission was Captain Churchill.

Maj Phillip J. Knobeland his HH-43B crew from Det 2, 38th ARRSq, scrambled when an F-105 burst into flame after blowing a tire while taking off fromTakhli RTAFB, Thailand. A minute later the helicopter landed beside the burning wreckage and the two airborne firemen and medical technician leaped out. They ran to the forward part of the fuselage and cut the trapped pilot out of the wreckage as base firemen concentrated on the flames a few feet away. The injured rescuee was placed aboard the HH-43 and taken to the hospital. The airborne firemen with Major Knobel were SSgt Donald R. Stebbins and Sgt Charles T. Thomas. The medical technician was SSgt Richard L. Smith.

In another Det 2 mission, two seriously injured civilians were evacuated from a remote area to the hospital. Manning the HH-43 were Capt Jack C. Moore, pilot; Capt Charles C. Holman, copilot; SMSgt William M. Mintun, flight engineer; and Sergeant Smith, medical technician.

PLEIKU AB (7AF) - CITED FOR GALLANTRY – Sgt Leif E. Arvidson, a pararescueman with Det 9, 38^th ARRSq here, receives the Silver Star from Maj Gen James F. Kirkendall, deputy chief of staff for operations, 7th Air Force. Maj Harold G. Pierce, center, an A-1 Skyraider pilot, also received the Silver Star. The medal is the United States' third highest decoration for valor.

The citation that accompanied the "PJ's" award read in part, "Sergeant Arvidson skillfully accomplished the combat extraction of eight critically injured survivors from a helicopter crash during a day-night operation in rugged, jungle covered, mountainous terrain in a hostile area.... His calm and professional performance of duties in the face of intense hostile fire was of primary im­portance in the successful accomplishment of the mission. "

Sergeant Arvidson spent more than nine hours on the ground, subject to hostile fire, during the rescue operation. He has flown more than 130 combat rescue missions as a PJ aboard the HH-43 Pedro rescue helicopter, and he has assisted in the recovery of 18 American military personnel -12 downed aircrew members, and six members of an Army Long Range Reconnaisance Patrol.  (USAF photo by Sgt Terry Hand)

Purple Heart For Pedro

The following citation accompanied the Purple Heart presented to "Pedro 51" for injuries suffered during an enemy rocket attack....

HH-43 Local Base Rescue helicopter Pedro 51, under protective cover and husbandry of Det 8, 38th ARRSq, Cam Ranh Bay AB, RVN, distinguished itself while taking damage, abrasions and big dents as a result of hostile, dirty action on 7 August 1969. On that date, Pedro 51 unwillingly but bravely came into contact with a sizeable enemy force which did sorely try to do him in. Damage was sustained about the tail pipe, engine, rotors and right pilot's door which did indeed inflict serious wounds on his newly painted little body and grievously scare the….  out of the glassy-eyed crew nearby in a protected area. Competent medical care and big patches notwithstanding, Pedro 51 displayed unusual and rare fortitude by returning to active duty in direct opposition to the example of his fallen brothers. His willingness to sustain damage, from whatever source happens to be available, typifies the dedication and devotion to duty of all LBR forces in Southeast Asia.

Signed under my hand with
a sharp quill in my back  

Rayvon Burleson
Colonel, USAF
Commander of Occasion, 3rd ARRGp

A medical technician and two pararescuemen won their fight to keep a seriously injured Vietnamese child alive while on the way to the hospital. The tiny patient, who had suffered a fractured skull, was in severe shock when placed aboard the HH-43B Pedro from Det 8, 38thARRSq, Cam Ranh Bay AB. Throughout the 40-minute flight to the 8th Field Hospital at Nha Trang, the child was admin­istered mouth-to-mouth resusitation and external cardiac massage by TSgt Deleon, medical technician; and Alc Donald H. Goodlett and Alc Kenneth J. Musnicki. Pilot of the HH-43 was Maj Calvin W. Capper and Capt John L. Poorman was copilot.

Three other medevacs were also carried out by the Pedro crews from Cam Ranh Bay AB. A Korean civilian injured in a motorcycle accident was taken to the hospital in a HH-43 manned by Major Capper, Capt James L. McAfee, TSgt James L. Johnson, TSgt Thomas M. White and SSgt Donald Occhialini; a seriously-ill Vietnamese woman was evacuated by Maj Richard H. Coan, Capt Horace P. Holland, Jr., Sgt Clint Berg and Airman Goodlett; another Vietnamese woman was taken, at night, to the 8th Field Hospital by Major Capper, Capt Samuel E. Chapin, Jr., TSgt James L. Johnson and TSgt Lawrence Wellington.

TUY HOA AB (7AF) - EMERGENCY RESCUE GEAR--USAF Sgt Scott G. Orloski puts on heavily insulated fire-fighting gear during a practice exercise before take-off in an HH-43 Pedro. The helicopter is as­signed to Det 11, 38th ARRSq at Tuy Hoa. In center background is the large fire suppression kit which is suspended below the HH-43. It is used to suppress aircraft fires so that trapped crewmembers can be rescued. (USAF photo by Alc John Larson)

HH-43's On Alert         To Aid 'Sick Birds'

By Sgt Douglas L. Christy

PICKUP AND GO - An HH-43 Pedro rescue helicopter crew from Det 1, 38th ARRSq (MAC), Phan Rang AB, is given the signal to hover by a flight engineer. After gaining enough altitude, the helicopter will head for the flight line with a fire suppression kit slung below. The helicopter is responding to a "sick bird" alert, in which an aircraft with battle damage or a mechanical malfunction may have difficulty landing on the runway. (USAF photo by Sgt Donald B. Dirksing)

PHAN RANG AB (7AF) - "If an aircraft crashes on the runway, our job is to get the people aboard out alive." This statement by Maj John C. Acton, Jr., commander, Det 1, 38th ARRSq, here, summarizes one of the unit's most important missions: 'sick bird' scramble.

"A sick bird is an aircraft with battle damage or mechanical malfunctions that can cause it to crash on the runway, " Major Acton explained. "Of the several base units scrambled to action when a sick bird is to land, our responsibility is the most crucial."

One of the unit's two HH-43 Pedro rescue helicopters with its five crewmen, and a fire suppression kit (FSK) slung below, is then called to action. The FSK combines chemicals, water and air, and can dispense 1,000 gallons of expanded, fire-suppressing foam. Meanwhile, fire trucks, crash vehicles and an ambulance take their emergency stations along the runway.

"Such scrambles occur on an average of four times daily," Major Acton added, "but fortunately, tragedies are rare." If the aircraft does crash, however, the highly-trained crew of pilot, copilot, medical corpsman and two firefighters is ready.

"As the crippled aircraft begins its landing, we follow it down the runway. We are thus prepared to land behind the aircraft in case it bursts into flames, "the major said. After setting the FSK near the burning aircraft and letting out the firemen and corpsman, the helicopter hovers over the wreckage to suppress the flames with the down­wash from its whirling blades.

One of the firemen, SSgt Kenneth A. Myers, explained the job of removing the crewmen. "We use the foam from the FSK and the chopper's rotorwash to clear a path to the aircraft so we can get the people out quickly and take them to a medic. "

While the helicopter crew is doing its job, fire trucks spray the aircraft with more foam to put out the fire. "Although our FSK has only limited foam, "Sergeant Myers explained, "it is enough to give the trucks time to get to the scene and for us to remove the aircraft crew. "

If the ambulance cannot get close enough to get the victims out and take them to the hospital, the helicopter is equipped to evacuate them immediately. "Most crippled aircraft land safely," Major Acton concluded, "but we must be ready for any eventuality - and that's our motto: "That Others May Live. "

BINH THUY (7AF) - Saving close to a million dollars in just 33 days is quite an accomplishment for anyone, but for the 54 firemen stationed at Binh Thuy AB it was just a matter of performing their duty. Recently such an amount was saved by using their fire-fighting abilities to extinguish two flaming airplanes, valued at $1,010,719, on the Binh Thuy flight line. Damage to the planes was held to a minimum.

Working an average of 84 hours a week, each of the firemen stands by around the clock, ready at a moment's notice to go where his services are needed. Two shifts alternate every 24 hours. Six of the men are assigned to Det 10, 38th ARRSq, where they fly fire-suppression missions in HH-43's. Each of these men has earned Air Medals.

When they are not busy putting out flames, the base firemen keep busy with daily equipment maintenance and various training programs. They receive monthly train­ing to keep current on all types of aircraft and to maintain their proficiency.

"It is essential that we know all the various weapons systems, aircraft ordnance and the time factors for extinguishing the flames before explosions occur," said MSgt William D. Collins, base fire chief. "Each of the men is given an explosion safety test every 60 days."

Crash drills are frequently held so that firemen can effect rescues and simulate putting out engine fires. Prefireplans are established for every building on base and drills are often held at these places for familiarization of the area. 

"The fact that we have a 100% passing rate in our OJT program indicates that our men receive adequate training," remarks Collins.

Besides its responsibility on Binh Thuy, the fire de­partment also assists the nearby Can Tho Army Air Field and the Naval Support Activity when they request aid. Many times during mortar attacks the firemen must brave the incoming rounds in order to combat blazes setoff by the explosives. "We have a command post setup in a bunker so we can keep abreast of damage or fires during the attack," says the fire chief. "Following the attacks we must immediately examine all aircraft for possible fuel leaks caused by the penetrating shrapnel. "

Collins claims that his firemen are probably the most highly decorated ones in Vietnam. Nearly all of his men have received some sort of commendation. In one month, 14 of the firemen received the Bronze Star with the "V" device - for valor - for risking their lives while fighting the flames of an A-1 aircraft that had crash landed with a full load of bombs. Another example of bravery became evident when a F-100 touched down short of the runway and sheared off its landing gears. It was carrying two 750-pound bombs and burst into flames as it skidded down the runway. The pilot tried to leap through the fire but fell to the ground, his clothing in flames. A fireman entered the flames and threw an aluminized asbestos coat over the pilot, smothering the flames and saving his life. The fire was extinguished just 11 minutes after touchdown. Airmen's Medals were awarded for this action.

Commenting on his personnel, Collins states, "These guys are the best I have ever worked with. It is evident by their awards that they are doing a great job. They really earn their pay checks."

PRACTICE DRILL-Airborne firefighters perform simulated air­craft crash drills as part of their training program. Six Binh Thuy firemen are assigned to fly fire suppression missions with Det 10, 38th ARRSq. 

OFF AND RUNNING-Binh Thuy firemen scramble when the call comes. The efforts of base firemen such as these, combined with those of the HH-43 crews, give downed airmen a much greater chance for survival.

BINH THUY AB (7AF) - USAF Capt Philip H. Kammann, a rescue pilot with Det 10, 38th ARRSq, at Binh Thuy AB, recently made his 22nd combat save while flying his last combat rescue mission in the Republic of Vietnam. He was slated for transfer to Det 21, CARRC, Ellington AFB, Texas, the next day.

The captain and his crew were on stand-by alert when the emergency call came from the Navy tactical operations center requesting the medical evacuation of a wounded sailor. The sailor was aboard a landing ship, tank (LST) and had suffered severe multiple shrapnel wounds when an enemy B-40 rocket landed and exploded on the LST's deck. There were no medical personnel aboard the ship to administer medical attention and the sailor was reported in poor condition. Captain Kammann, flying an HH-43, met the ship on the Bassac River about 15 miles south of Binh Thuy.

"We were not able to land because there was equipment on the ship's deck, " explained the captain, "so we hovered above the ship as it sailed down river away from the hostile area. "

The HH-43 was required to hover over or near the ship for more than 30 minutes in order to make the pickup. Holding the rescue helicopter in position despite a 900 right crosswind was difficult and tiring. The copilot, Capt John L. Debevec, relieved Captain Kammann at the controls during part of the operation.

The pararescueman, SSgt Michael F. Dean, was lowered to the deck where he administered first aid to the sailor. A litter was then lowered and the patient was strapped in and hoisted to the HH-43 by Sgt Kenneth P. Johnson, the flight engineer. After picking up the PJ, the rescue helicopter delivered the sailor to the 29th Field Evacuation Hospital near Binh Thuy.

EQUIPMENT CHECK - Sgt Donald C. Steggal, left, dons self-contained breathing apparatus used in smoke filled areas. SSgt Merrill K. Clark is helping adjust it. In the next photo, Alc Walter J. Robinson prepares to test a portable saw used by firemen to gain entrance to burning buildings or downed aircraft. Such saws are also used to cut trees down so helicopters can land. Both the breathing apparatus and saw are checked daily.

MEN BEHIND THE MISSION - Helicopter mechanics from the 38th ARRSq play a vital role in keeping HH-43's rescue ready so "That Others May Live." In first photo, Alc John D. Selfridge, right, Det 10, Binh Thuy AB, receives a plaque and wrist watch from Col Wayne Howard, commander, 632nd Combat Support Group, for being selected as Binh Thuy's "Airman of the Month. " Middle photo, TSgt Richard N. Stone, Det 11, Tuy Hoa AB, inspects windshield on an HH-43 Pedro. Last photo, Sgt Jack R. Champion, Det 8, Cam Ranh Bay AB, works on the turbine engine of another 38th ARRSq HH-43. (USAF photos by 1. Charles H. House 2. Sgt Eddie W. Carroll 3. Alc Bob Mulica)

PHU CAT AB (7AF) - Two HH-43 Pedro crews from Det 13, 38th ARRSq, recently joined a massive rescue effort 10 miles northeast of Pleiku and picked up five injured men. An Army UH-1 Huey had been shot down by ground fire. When an OH-6 Cayuse light observation craft attempted to rescue the Huey crew, it also crashed in the immediate area.

Two Pedros scrambled from Phu Cat. While they were enroute, Cobra Gunships and A-1 Skyraiders worked over the crash site to suppress hostile fire.

"When we arrived in the area, we were told that there had been a lot of enemy activity, " related Capt Richard J. Bouckhout, pilot of the first rescue helicopter. "Enemy troops were within 50 meters of the friendly troops and miniguns had to be used to suppress the hostile fire.

We went in and hovered at about 30 feet in a ridgeline area of mountainous terrain. Our bird picked up two of the most seriously injured men."

As Captain Bouckhout's aircraft moved out, the second HH-43 arrived. The pilot, Maj Dwight C. Hageman, and his crew hoisted out three more survivors, all of whom were injured.

"We were lucky, " said the major. "Before we arrived there had been heavy enemy fire in the area, but we didn't get shot at once. As we lifted, the enemy began to fire once more. "

Other Det 13 men involved in the rescue were: Capts Francis P. Gallagher, and James E. Miller; SSgts Robert A. Twigg, Kenneth C. Meyer, and Larry H. Knefelkamp; and Alc Kenneth A. Murphy.

last update : 06/08/2007