TEWS Ground Crewmembers and 6994th Maintenance
All who participated in the "EC-47" operations in SEA
Read from Left to Right, Top to Bottom.
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James C. Wheeler, SSgt, Flight Mechanic with the 360th TEWS at Tan Son Nhut
for about 6 weeks, and 361st TEWS at Nha Trang in 66/67. Was Standboard
Flight Mechanic with the 361st. Was a member of a ferry crew bringing one
of the first of these aircraft over from New Hampshire in August 1966. I
flew with this, the same crew for the year. Despite being temporarily back
in the states for 30 days, (I was in the states when Tide 86 was shot down)
I did get 114 missions. Frank E. Hinkle, Lt. Col., A/C, Harold R. Lagasse,
Major, Pilot, and Robert M. Harris, Captain, Navigator. This entire crew
were Standboard Flight Examiners for their respective crew position.
I am sorry to have to say that I am the sole survivor of my Mission Crew. Maj. Harold R. Lagasse passed away of natural causes on April 17th, 1998. Lt. Col. Frank E. Hinkle passed of natural causes July 15th, 2002. Lt. Col. Robert M. Harris was killed in an automobile accident on April 5th, 2004. All are listed in the Ours Gone Page of the site. Hinkle and Harris were with me at the first reunion in San Antonio in 1999. Harris and I kept pretty close contact from 1986 after running into each other in Little Rock. I missed Lagasse by one year.
James C. Wheeler MSgt Retired September 1st,
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David Steiner, Major, Instructor Navigator with the 361st TEWS at NKP, March
73/March 74. Mentioned his room mate Bobby Wright Major Navigator. If you know
the whereabouts of Bobby Wright, please let David know via e-mail.
David was the first to be added to "The EC-47 History Site". David's Email Address: davidesteiner(at)comcast.net |
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Marvin Howell, Captain, Standboard Navigator, 361st TEWS at Phu Cat AFB, RVN
Mentioned Dave Brooks, Don Featherstone and Gary Fagerberg, all 3 were
Navigators. Also mentioned aircraft 668 (sick sick eight), and the faded one
the Pink Panther.
Marvin was the second to be added to "The EC-47 History Site". Marvin's email address is: marvh(at)cox.net Address: 1305 Red Fern Circle Pampillion, NE 68133 Phone: (402) 592-2054
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Charles L. (Chuck) Miller served with the 361st TEWS at Nha Trang, March 1967 to February 1968. Says, I was a Capt. First Pilot ferrying the 37th airplane from N.H to Vietnam (#0065) with Acft Commander Maj Frank Foreman, 1Lt Dave Dollahite, 2nd Pilot, 2Lt John Hansen, Nav & SSgt James Cavin, Flt Mech. We arrived at Nha Trang on Mar 11, '67 on the day that Tide 86 was confirmed shot down and all crewmembers killed. He served as Squadron Flying Safety Officer with the 361st. I flew 115 missions and left Nha Trang with the DFC, Air Medal with six Oak Leaf Clusters and the AF Commendation Medal. I had nearly 2000 hours in the Gooney Bird and was an Instructor Pilot when assigned to the EC-47 mission but was relegated to permanent co-pilot at Nha Trang due to the squadrons over abundance of Lt. Col pilots (37 of 49 on board).Being, until then, an all-jet UPT career Gooney Bird pilot, I declined another C-47 assignment on departure and ended up (with all my special clearances) as a SAC aircraft commander flying KC-135Qs in support of SR-71 operations at Beale AFB, CA with 1/3 of my time spent on TDY at Kadena. After 5 years at Beale, I was selected for NATO Exchange assignment with the Canadian Armed Forces developing their inflight refueling capability with the Boeing 707-320 modified with Beech hose/drogue refueling pods on each wingtip. After three years in Canada, I completed my 20 year career by spending 5 years as the AFLC C/KC-135 Weapon System Manager and 707 Presidential Fleet Manager based at Tinker AFB, OCALC, OK. Added - February 8th, 2004 Charles (Chuck) L. Miller Capt.-[LtCol. (Ret)] 361st Nha Trang Pilot, Flying Safety Officer 1967-68 Ferried #37 RC-47N, T/N 00665 (subsequently redesignated EC-47N) from Grenier Field, N.H. to Nha Trang Feb '67, with Maj. Chuck Foreman and crew. Arrived with almost 2000 logged hours in C-47/TC-47 and instructor rating. Crewed with LtCol Crozier, Maj Ayala, Maj Gallion. In the EC-47 I flew 115 combat sorties, and 999 flight hours. I also served as Squadron Flying Safety Officer during my tour. Through the course of the tour, I was awarded the DFC, 7-Air Medals, and the AF Commendation Medal, plus the usual Vietnam ribbons and Squadron recognition medals. More of my experiences and photos can be found detailed on this website. Chucks Email Address is: [email protected] Postal Address: 7271 West Hartford Ct. West Chester, OH 45069 Phone: (513) 874-1199
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Timothy G. Michaud, Sgt, Morse Intercept Operator, worked X and Y positions.
Det. #2 6994th SS Danang, April 72/December 72. Some guys remembered, Steve
Larson, Dave Langely, Steve Makela, Al Roney, Jerry Dun and Barney. Friends
Lost, Joe Matejov, Pete Cressman, Todd Melton and Dave Brandenburg.
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David M. Brooks, Captain, Navigator/Intelligence Officer with the 361st TEWS
at Phu Cat 1969/70 I believe he said he was a friend and roommate of
Marvin Howell while at Phu Cat.
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Bob Batchelar, SSgt, Airborne Mission Supervisor, AFSC 20270 was with the
Detachment of the 6994th SS at Tan Son Nhut in 1966/67. Some 130 missions were
flown on operation Drillpress aircraft. A few names that came to mind included
Bob Lovett, Byron Boeckel, James Cotton, Ken Dezotel, Kirkpatrick, Major "Crash"
O'Malley, Lt. Fink, Lt. Almquist, Lt. Finkel and Col. Wallender (spelling ??).
He remembers he had a good pinochle partner but can't remember his name, was it
you? Also shares a memory I have of the morturary at Tan Son Nhut. It was not
right behind my barracks but I do remember the fluids running down the ditch.
He remembers living on canned hash and Louisana Hot Sause. Bob Batchelar --
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John P. Baskin, SSgt. John was assigned to the 6994th SS, at this time, I do
not know which Detachment nor where he was stationed. He was in country in 68/69
I hope to have this soon. John was a 3rd cousin to me and I had never met him
until about 3 years ago. He was the DAV Service Officer for Johnson County,
Arkansas. John was on a routine visit to the VA Hospital in Little Rock when
he had massive heart failure and passed on, July 7th, 1997.
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Ken Versele, Served with the 6994th SS from July 66 to August 67. Flew primarily
out of Tan Son Nhut but also flew out of Det.1 at Nha Trang and Det.2 at Pleiku.
Ken sent me the three photos with the Drillpress and the Antique Airlines signs.
Received this from Ken May 27, 98: SSgt Kenneth J. Versele says, I was in 6994th SS at Tan Son Nhut, "backend" ("x or y" - q and z was way after my time), Airborne Mission Supervisor from middle of July 1966 to about August 1, 1967. It's been almost 32 years now, so most of the details are a little fuzzy. I was on active duty from December 1960 to Jan 10, 1969. I vividly remember most of the guys and experiences, but for the life of me, Can't remember names. My Supervisor was a TSGT Thompson. When I arrived in- country, the squadron wasn't but 2 months old and the whole unit had less than 2 dozen personnel. I believe there were 3 aircraft at the time, and one of those was being sent to Nha Trang to start Det1. Does anyone remember Balls Niner (tail #009)? One aircraft commander I'll never forget was Lt. Col. Lauderdale. What a character! Remember those 3 or 4 day TDY's to Da Nang, He'd help us close the NCO Club, then tell us to tell Base Ops we couldn't go out today (for a 5 AM frag time) because his "rheumatism" was acting up! (Ha!) But we were there and he was always sharp as a tack. I can't begin to tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed the history project written by MSGT Bruce Nelson. It really sums up ARDF and "Phyllis Ann". It's a document I'll always treasure and something to pass along to my kids and grandkids. After leaving "Nam" in Aug "67, I was also one of the original instructors of ARDF at Goodfellow until I took my discharge in January, '69. I even went back in March/April 1968 (TDY) to follow up on our effectiveness with the school at Goodfellow. Instead of it taking the guys a month to become proficient with OJT, they became operational faster being trained in the states before they went over. It was sad reminiscing about the crew that was shot down 9 Mar 67. I knew those guys and had flown with them. I was stationed with some of them at Kelly. In fact I had played cards with Dan Reese in the barracks at Tan Son Nhut just a few days prior to the tragedy (they were there TDY from Nha Trang). It was a real shock, because it is the first time a "292" (one of us) was killed in combat. You asked if I had any more pictures. Well, I dug back in the box and found a few personal shots. Not very interesting to anyone else, but they take me back. Once again, I really enjoyed finding you and your web site. I'll monitor your progress and try to keep in touch. Good luck, Ken Versele Ken's Email Address is: versele(at)wowway.com
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Robert Wilhelm, Served with Det.2 6994th SS at DaNang as an Analyst 20250 on
the EC-47's flying out of Danang, arriving in August, 1972 and Det. 3 at Ubon,
Thailand in 72/73. The first EC-47 he saw was what was left of 009 sitting in
a revetment damaged by the fire and explosion of the bird in the next revetment.
Remembers 645 with the shark mouth and 702, "Margaret Ann". A few folks he
remembers are Joe Matejov, Todd Melton, Pete Cressman and Dale Brandenburg.
Also Steve Michael, Paul Amato, Kevin Merriman. MSgt George Payne, Sergeant
Schmidley, Fred Ziemer, Tom Perdue, Pat Kious, Don Iszler, John Foxworth and
Capt. William Shea and Lt. Lionel Blau and many faces with names now faded.
Robert was on duty the night Baron 52 was shot downm Feburary 5, 1973,
Robert's Email Address is: [email protected]
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Fred was a Crewchief. A couple of weeks ago, I received, verbatum, this
e-mail with no name, it read, "I read the analysis on the loss of BARON 52.
I think I was the crew chief that launched the bird for that mission. I
remember the pilot was a Capt George Spitz. I remember him because he was
a go by the book pilot. I still have Capt. Spitz bracelet. I will always
remember the helpless feeling waiting on the flight line for the plane to
return from the mission. I will NEVER forget it........." --
Fred Lewis, an E-4 at the time, provided the following information. Served in the 362nd TEWS as a Crewchief on an EC-47 at Da Nang and also worked out of NKP Thailand. He was there in 1972/73. Fred says he remembers doing the pre-flight inspection, speaking to Capt. Spitz, and watch them taxi out. His next memory is of the long wait for its return that never came. Fred says, "I don't believe we were ever told it went down, but after a while they advised us there was no need to standby any longer. It seemed like we waited forever. I've been to the WALL and have Capt. Spitz bracelet. Fred's Email Address is: dogcop29(at)comcast.net
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| Rick Davis arrived at Nha Trang in November 68. Served with Det.1 6994th
Security Squadron and was there when they were relocated to Phu Cat in August
69. Rick had been at Grenier Field New Hampshire during the flight testing
of the Aircraft and Equipment prior to its delivery to the Air Force. He also
supplied me with quite a number of names of those folks that did not make the
return trip home as did we, the fortunate. Rick is also the one that provided
me with the Research Paper on the operations of the 6994th and the EC-47.
This research paper is available elsewhere on this site. - -
Rick's Email Address: rick46(at)tx.rr.com
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| Jim Hart, Brenham, Texas
SSgt Jim Hart, served with Det.1, 6994th Security Squadron from Sept. 1970 until Sept. 1971. Jim was a backender with about 150 missions. Some of the other backenders from that time he remembers are Joe Martin, Stan Long, Leon Wilson Greg Shake, Guy Fox who later served at NKP, Harvey Goldstein, Tom Glass, Charlie Wright, John Lloyd James James and Larry Guise just to name a few. You will probably see some of Jims photos on this site soon. Jims Email Address: Jim.Hart(at)fluor.com Postal Address: 2250 Country Club Road, Brenham, TX 77833 Phone: (979) 421-9061
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George B. Montague, TSgt, Flight Examiner. Flew on birds from all sites mainly
giving check rides for the local SEFE's. Arrived at TSN 6994th in November 1967
as a SSgt after spending a year at Danang, and flew my first mission on the 21st
of that month. Spent the next few months in Awards and Decorations as an extra
duty, then I became an IRO in July 69 and in the same month I was appointed as
a Flight Examiner and worked for Lester Kimball. Stayed as a Flight Examiner
the rest of my time at TSN. When Lester left to set up the unit in Korea, I
became NCOIC of the Squadron Stan/Eval Section and when I left in September, 1970
turned the job over to Charles McFarlane.
When Det.3 was established at NKP, I flew the first mission bird up there from TSN and stayed just over 30 days getting the Det. operational. It I wasn't at TSN I would have loved to have been at Na Trang. I was up there several times. I finally flew my last mission in September 1970 and finally left the country after 4 years. I retired in July 1971 and came to Australia to live and have been here ever since. Updated, 11 August, 2007 George was a TSgt and NCOIC Stan/Eval with the 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut in 1967-1970. Flew missions out of all sites. I was part of the crew that flew the first mission bird into NKP when we started permanent operations there. George's Email Address is: gbm6994 (at) bigpond.net.au Postal Address: 160 Minchin Drive Minchinbury, New South Wales 2770 Phone: 02 98321981
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Jon C. Ohman. Jon was an aircraft Crewchief and only flew on functional check
flights. Jon was a Sergeant with the 362nd TEWS starting out at Pleiku April 1970
and then moving to DaNang in May of 1970, staying there until April, 71. I assume
Jon was Crewchief on tail number, 570 because he included in his information, "
By the way, I called for the whereabouts of my old bird just as you did. To my
surprise, I received an e-mail from Bob Wilhelm, including a picture of 570 sitting
on the Ubon flightline in 1973. Good to know she was still flying two years after
I last saw her".
March 2000, Jon added the following. Jon C. Ohman - Sargeant - 362nd TEWS - Pleiku/DaNang - 1970/1971 My experience with the gooney bird started at England AFB Louisiana (4412th Combat Crew Training Squadron). I guess all of us who worked on reciprocating engine aircraft at England were destined for a tour in the Nam. Arrived at Pleiku in April of 1970. I remember well the nights we lost aircraft due to incoming rocket/mortar fire. I still have a tape recording (friend was taping a letter to his wife when the GIANT voice sounded the attack) in which you can clearly hear the incoming rounds and shrapnel raining on the tin roof of our barracks. The following June the unit was transferred north to DaNang. My first aircraft was the unit's only nonEC-47. I believe her tail number was 773. She was used to ferry personnel/equipment from place to place. I dubbed her OVERBOOST because her smaller engines were constantly on the mend (I will send you a picture.) Later, I crewed EC-47 acft. #570. Don Klatt (my roommate) had her before me and Louis Gonerosky before him. She was a delight. Hardly ever out of commission. A real work horse, so it comes as no surprise to me that she flew the last mission for TEWS operations in SEA. I still remember her white and black braided control yokes! My worst recollection is the day we witnessed a Marine Corps Chinook helicopter crash behind our phase dock hanger. Prior to the crash, the helicopter was hovering at a very low altitude, directly above our flighline. Chief Master Sargeant Auchanbach (forgive a misspelling) was on the line trying to wave off the copter (our birds were bouncing at the tail from the down drafts.) I recall looking up and seeing the face of the rear door gunner just before the chopper flew off just over the roof of the hanger. Seconds later, we heard a loud explosion followed by a large fireball. The flightline was peppered with debris including a large portion of a propeller. The helicopter had crashed just off the perimeter road and was burning intensely. As I recall, there were no survivors despite the efforts of rescue personnel. My best memories are of the acquaintances I made while in country. TEWS types were special people. Pilots, backenders and ground crew personnel were dedicated professionals who worked under difficult and dangerous circumstances. They can all be proud of their contributions in service to their country. I know I am! Jon's Email Address is: [email protected]
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Jim Trozzo (Troz) Flew EC-47 Antique Airlines Electric Goons from December 1970-71
as a Backend Crew Intel. Analyst. Flew from Saigon and DaNang, with the 360th
TEWS/6994th and 362nd TEWS/Det.2 6994th. I would like to connect with others
from old Squadron or others whom this airplane brought back many times. Flew
122 missions over Southeast Asia. Many fond memories.
Jim's Email Address is: trozzophoto(at)zoominternet.net
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Allen Simmons says, I was a 1st Lt. in the 361st TEWS at NKP, Thailand, from
April '73 to April '74. Started as a copilot with Maj. Ray Marquez and later
Capt. Mark Race. In Feburary 74, completed his upgrade to Aircraft Commander
(as a 1st Lt.) and flew until April, 74. While flying as Aircraft Commander,
his copilot was 1st Lt. Terry Crist, and his Navigator was Lt. Col. Clyde
Hollingsworth. He flew 115 missions in the EC-47N,P& Q. In April 74, returned
stateside to Blytheville AFB, Arkansas, to fly KC's.
He Continues, "My father also flew C-47s in WWII -- 94th Troop Carrier Sq.
439th TC Gp, 9th TC Command in the European theatre, participating in all the
airborne operations from Normandy through the Rhine Crossing. According to Col
Charles H. Young, 439th commander, my day and Phil Hecker are the only 439th
pilots to have flown every operation the 439th was involved in. I've also
flown ('81-'89) N710Z, ex-USAAF C-47 s/n 44-76582, for the Combat Air Museum,
Forbes Field, Topeka, Kansas. We're currently getting "Kilroy," as it's called,
back up to flying fettle and plan to have it in the air in the not-too-distant
future.
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Paul A. Brady, SSgt Served with the 6994th SS at DaNang as a 20250. Flew his
last mission in Feburary, 1971, Photo on Photos page. Hope to get more on Paul
shortly, don't know how I have overlooked him.
Paul's Email Address is: pabrady(at)hal-pc.org
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Bob Bonn was a young 1st Lt. Pilot flying EC-47's with the 360th TEWS out of Tan
Son Nhut from March 71 to March 72. Says "It was my first operational tour out of
Pilot Training-- I volunteered to go to Vietnam, and never regretted it. Best tour
of my career. Also says, "I witnessed the Vietnamization of the EC-47 squadrons.
It was a great experience for a young man. Made Instructor Pilot over there.
Came back and flew HH-43s, C-141s, T-39s and C-21s. Am now living in Montgomery
Alabama.
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David Piper was stationed at DaNang and flew with the 362nd TEWS from September
22, 71 until August 31, 72. David was a Pilot and a Captain. As the year passed,
became an Instructor Pilot and finally a Flight Examiner. Says, "My name in the
Air Force was Waringpiper, because that's what was on my birth certificate, even
though my family had and has not used that name for generations.
Says, " I remember fellow pilots John Soule' from Louisiana(?) who was the Aircraft Commander of the bird that lost an engine shortly after takeoff right after I got to DaNang, and who saved our butts with a masterful flying job down one valley and up another as we found our way to recently closed Phu Cat, where he put us down safely in a strong crosswind. Remembers Burt Jones from California; Randy Bailey from Washington, (Randy, did you ever open your restaurant?); squadron Flight Surgeon Sid Schwab from Oregon, and wild man Flight Mechanic, Billy Schlafke (did you stay a free man?). Also remembers a John, Gage and Dave.
Finally, although there little interplay between the 6994th SS folks and the
non Navigator TEWS folks, I remember the professionalism and dedication of the
SS people. Many of them seemed to love their mission, while most of us TEWS
people were just doing our jobs.
David would like to hear from anyone there during this time.
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Bruce Obermeyer. I just found out you were looking for former EC-47 folks. After
USAF UPT, I flew C-119s for 18 minths at Richards Gebaur, AFB in Kansas City, Mo.
My experience flying the DC-3 came after my assignment to C-119 gunships was
cancelled when the C-130's took over that role. I was assigned to the 362nd and
the 361st Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadrons from November 1972 through
November 1973. I was stationed at DaNang, RVN and at NKP and at Ubon in Thailand
as an istructor pilot in the EC-47N, P and Q. I held the rank of Captain. Thank
you for hosting a web site preserving the memoroy and the history of this fine
aircraft and for helping those of us who flew it to reminise.
Bruce's Email Address: bobermeyer(at)cox.net
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James Line (Bob) Served with the 6994th SS at Tan Son Nhut in 1966-67. Says he
missed the The Phyllis Ann missions but flew as a Backender on the Compass Dart
and Combat Cougar missions. Knows a Pilot, Captain Harold Businger and a Navigator
Major Dave Eddy.
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Charles Van Zandt. Says "I was stationed in all 3 locations (I assume by the
date involved he meant Tan Son Nhut, Nha Trang and Pleiku) in 1968 as a Radio
Operator". "I flew mainly out of Nha Trang and Pleiku. I believe the EC-47 #681
is the one plane I flew on a lot, the name was Big Jean". Says he has a few
pictures that he will try and dig out. Says he would like to stay in touch as
this represents a big part of his life and that he is still very proud of the
6994th. Ended his tour with 107 missions, the Distinguished Flying Cross and
four Air Medals.
Charles Email Address: cvanz61072 (at) aol.com
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Bill Boltinghouse writes, Welcome home! I found your web page today and I really
appreciate it! I noticed that these were some of the earlier models with the
AN/LR-34 systems. The Navigator did stand or sit on a stool as you described.
However, on the N, P and Q's the Navigator had a console with his navigational
equipment mounted in it. It was located just in front of the jump seats on the
port side and he faced forward. The ARDF was the AN/ALR-35 system. We had two
aircraft at Pleiku which had the AN/ALR-38 Mini system. One A/C was 208, but I
cannot remember the other tail nimber. The aircraft lost out of Pleiku from the
shot down on April 22, 1970 was 402. I was "Bravo" maintenance and 402 was always
having problems. I was supposed to go with it that morning but at a later time.
Aircraft 133's engines would not start as usual so they moved 402 up almost an hour
early. The guys could not come get me in time to go with it! So, I was spared!
I had more flights than most other electronics guys. I had 38 missions and was
awarded the Air Medal. I got my second and third clusters from flights on the
RC-130's and RC-135's.
Bill's Email Address is: [email protected] Postal Address: 242 Bennett Ave. Apt 3B Council Bluffs, IA 51503 Phone: (712) 256-0136
Bill has some system diagrams
HERE.
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John Hockemeier, says, I was at NKP from Aug 72 to Aug 73. Flew as a
Navigator on the Electric Goon. I can update one aircraft loss at NKP. The
Aircraft crashed during touch an go. Co-pilot was making the approach. The
Aircraft struck structure between the runway and taxiway, bending the propeller.
The Pilot took over control and told the Co-pilot to feather the engine with
the bent propeller. The Co-pilot feathered the good engine!! The Aircraft
went down just off base facing opposite dircetion from approach. One backender,
(name unknown) and the Pilot were killed. The Pilot was my next door neighbor
in the hooch. His name was Captain Robert A. Kohn, a 1969 graduate of the
Air Force Academy. Thanks for making this site available. It is well really
well done!! (Thanks for the compliment, J.C.) This Crash Information is
located on the page with the other losses also. Thanks again John.
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Bob Lung says, I was a back-ender in the EC-47 and was stationed with Det. 2,
6994th Security Squadron at Pleiku. I was in Pleiku from March 1969 to March
of 1970, but during that time I had also spent 3 months or so TDY at NKP because
they desperately needed instructor radio operators when they opened Det.3. It
was actually a labor of love because not only did I enjoy my 3 month tour there,
but I spent some fun times with buddy, (Ken Stengel) that I was stationed with
at Misawa prior to that. Also says, "Wouldn't it be great if a bunch to us,
regardless of whether we were in the front end or back end could have some
kind of reunion?"
Bob's Email Address: rlung(at)q.com
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