EC-47 Crewmembers, Front and Back, Roster
Received from: Joseph A. Kessler

Joseph say's he was at DaNang from December 1972 until the move to NKP and was there with the 361st TEWS until December 1973.

Email Address: joek63(at)hotmail.co.uk

Received from: Gary E. Williams

Gary, in requesting more reunion information says, I was in the 361st TEWS at NKP in 1973-74.

Gary's Email Address: gwilliams1948(at)verizon.net

Received from: Norm Flemens

Actually this bit of information was received via Gary Williams. Norm was with the 361st TEWS at NKP in 1972-73.

Received from: Dave Ziegler

Actuall this bit of information was received via Gary Williams. Dave was with the 361st TEWS at NKP in 1972-73.

Received from: Wayne Klemme, Machesney Par, Illinois

Received the following information in a letter requesting reunion information. Wayne writes, I was a Vietnamese Linguist and arrived in country I think in April of 1968. Was sent to Pleiku for about 3 months. Came back to Tan Son Nhut for about 6 months and was sent TDY to Okiniwa for about 2-3 months.

Received from: David W. Thomas, Panama City, Florida

David says, I served with Detachment 1, 6994th Security Squadron at Phu Cat 1969/70.

Received from: Roy L. Baker, Malabar, Florida

Roy says, I Love the site. It's about time that the 6994th story was told. Serving with the 6994th in Vietnam from May 69 to May 70 was an experience that I will never forget. However, after reading all if the EC47 site material I find that one group of highly motivated and dedicated 6994th people have not been mentioned, the Airborne Maintenance personnel. Our mission was to maintain all of the Security Service�s electronic equipment. The shop a Tan Son Nhut ran 24 hours a day seven days a week. Maintenance personnel were required to work 12 hour days/six days a week. Like my 6994th brothers, we flew many combat missions supporting the Security Service's role. So don't forget us when telling the Backend Crew history.

I sent Roy a note acknowledging that I am aware of the Maintenance people being a part of the MISSION, but I can only add to the site the information I am supplied. J.C.

Recieved from Grover S. McMakin, Boerne, Texas

Grover writes, I was Commander (Lt/Col) 6994th Security Squadron, Tan Son Nhut AFB, Saigon, SVN. (July 71 thru May 72.) Air evacuated out to Lackland AFB (Wilford Hall Med center) May 21, 1972 for removal of a tumor embedded in my left parotid gland behind the ear. Thank the Lord it was non-malignant. It did get me out of Saigon 45 days early.

Dave Eddy was my Operations Officer and he had been selected to replace me and was home on his 30 day leave for the 6 month extension and was recalled early to replace me. I owe David for that. We closed the Det at Phu Cat (spelling?) while I was commander. After I was discharged from Willford Hall Medical Center we went to Rhein Main AB, Germany where I was the Commander of the 6916th Security Squadron (RC-130) backenders.

Then to Athens, Greece where I relocated my squadron where I had only a Detachment before. (Converted to RC-135's)and went on to be Commander of 6944th SW (Offutt AFB) where we flew missions out of Athens, Mildenhall, Kadena, Eielson AFB, Alaska and a southern mission out of Offutt. Good assignments and great mission, but the EC47's remain in my heart as I flew as Aircraft Commander with the "Front-end" squadron out of Tan Son Nhut (67 missions).

Mac recently updated sending the following to include a Sad Note.

Commander, 6994SS (Tan Son Nhut) July 1971 - May 19, 1972 (Air evacuation for tumor in parotid gland). Was also an Aircraft Commander in EC47's and flew 67 Combat Support Missions until my tour was cut short for the tumor.

It was removed at Wilford Hall Med Center and I was cleared for flying again -- non-malignant.

After release from Hospital - we were sent to Rhein Main (6916th SS/RC130's) for a year and then moved the squadron to Athens Greece. Stayed a year there and was promoted to Col and shipped back to Offutt to take command of the 6944th Security Wing - with all the flying squadrons subordinate to the Wing.

"Pappy" Wallander (first PCS commander to the 6994 SS) passed away about 2 months ago - Mil Honors at Ft Sam.

Nice Site!!!

Cheers,

Mac

Received from Paul J. Szajko (P.J.), Niles, Michigan

P.J. writes, I was an AMS , flew 135 missions and was one of the few who liked "Balls 9". I have a photo of 009 after it hit the C130. Most of the missions, I flew were over Cambodia ( even though we were "never there" ). Made it up to NKP on two TDYs to deliver good "goonies" in exchange for ones needing maintenance.

It was a really strange time. Going through the hostile fire, emergency landings and experiencing good comradeship. I remember how we all sweated our butts off during the pre-flight and then putting on our jackets right after take-off. It was said that the youngest bird we had was made in 1945.

Not all of the heaters worked, we were always watching for oil leaks and checking for the smell of an inverter fire. (it smelled like burning pine). Remember the 6 different colors of smoke that could come from the engine and what they meant?

Those "Steele" birds with the 120 foot wingspans were not "fast movers" ... but they got me there and back each time.

Pauls Address: 3084 Pine Lake Street Niles, MI 49120

Email Address: pjnimi (at) gmail.com

Received from Troy Powell, Tallahassee, Florida

Troy say's I was a 207X1, Code Specialist with Detachment 1, 6994th Security Squadron at Nha Trang from the summer of 1968 until the summer of 1969.

Received from: Tom Hilligoss, Kokomo, Indiania

Tom say's, I was a Sgt with Detachment 2, 6994th Security Squadron as a ditty bop at Pleiku and Danang in 1969/70. Flew mainly in I Corps and II Corps a little in Laos and Cambodia with occasional flights in III Corps and IV Corps.

Received from Byron Almquist

Byron writes, I was in the 6994th during 1966 and 1967 stationed mostly at Tan Son Nhut and at Nha Trang. I am just amazed that after all these years there is an effort to locate members of the 94th. You are to be commended for this effort. I will read through the information on the web page to learn more about the association.

Received from John E. Harnist

John writes; I was with the 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam.

Received from Charles McCully

Charles writes, I enjoyed the website and enjoyed all...I served at Phu Cat 70 to 71 as RO. Fond memories of of my career in Air Force. Finally retired out of Anchorage after a few stopovers in Italy, Germany, Turkey and Alaska. Retired in 1981.

Charles Email Address: cmccully(at)embarqmail.com

Received from Mort Orzen

Mort says, Thanks for your message of 12 June. Do you happen to have Edward Cummins on your TEWS list? We were with 360 TEWS from summer 67 to summer 68. Ed is a dear friend, and I have not been able to locate him. If you have any info, I would be very appreciative.

Received from Gary F. Obeck, Hampton Virginia

Gary writes, What a nice discovery it was to find your site! I followed Ernie Short as commander of Det 2, 6994 Security Sqdn at Pleiku AB, from 6/67 to 6/68. He left me a great outfit. My "longest year" was the best assignment I had in 20 yrs with USAF; no Captain could have asked for a better job. Learned lots the hard way; loved every minute of it. Tet '68 was the highlight. The USAFSS guys I was privileged to serve with were simply superb, and the "rocking chair Air Force" (362 TEWS) that flew us around was a great bunch of guys.

Gary's Email Address is: parshooters(at)verizon.net

Received from Chuck Cowman, Everett Washington

Chuck writes, J.C., thanx for all your efforts in maintianing this site. It means alot to many of us. I served with the 6994th SS as a ditty bopper in 1972. Myself, the first shirt, sqd cmdr and one other were the last 4 to leave. We closed the Squadron down. Don't remember to many names but I remember the events and faces of those I served with. GREAT bunch of people.

I remember when I first arrived and was paired with a black Msgt for my OJT and checkout. I was really apprehensive and he did a great job of getting me into the groove. My roomate and best bud was Gary Williams from W. Virginia (did you ever get rehydrated and how many bam bi baa stands were on base?)

Remember the mascot "Charlie"? Sit up, shake, give me 5. Remember those night missions where we played target practice on final approach with ARVN on the ground. We were the targets. They were either very good to get the rounds that close or we were very lucky. Many good memories but they didn't seem so good at the time. Take care and again thanx........

Chuck's Email Address is: cowmanjr(at)comcast.net

Received from: Ken Hollar.

Ken says, I was an Airborne Morse Systems Operator with the 6994th Security Squadron from March 1968 until March 1969.

Received from: Bobby C. Holland.

Bobby writes, a SSgt with the 362nd Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron at Pleiku from July 1967 to July 1968. I was a Flight Mechanic and flew with Lt. Col. Joe Fordham, Lt. Ed Leete and Lt. Col. Joe Sestak.

Bobby's Email Address: scalebuster(at)centurytel.net

Received from: Alexander C. Kuras, Williamsburg, Virginia.

Alexander in a written note requesting Reunion information says, I was a member of the 360th Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron at Tan Son Nhut in 1968/69.

Received from: Louis R. Gentile, Bedford, MA.

Hello, I was reading the Hanscom AFB paper, the Hansconian, about the reunion you all are having in San Antonio, I'm sorry I won't be able to attend but the article brought back memories. My job with the 360th was filghtline supervisor and worked twelve hour shift's the year was 1970,Cmgt Joseph Kelley was day supervisor and I was wondering if you are familiar with the names Gentile and Kelley? Any way, have a great time and maybe the next time you have a reunion I may attend.

Received from: Elmer (Catfish) Wright, San Antonio, Texas

Elmer say's, I was Stationed at Nha Trang and Phu Cat with Detachment 1, 6994th Security Squadron as an RO, IRO and StanEval. I was there in 1969-70.

Strolling through the guest comments brought back many memories. And now that I've signed on, I look forward to hearing from quite a few of my old friends. It is a pleasure to have been a part of this history. Matter of fact I can't seem to get away. At present I'm in the company of the ANG's F-16 program at Kelly. I'm still having fun. Good luck to all.

Received from: Tom Smith, Anchorage, Alaska

Tom say's: I was stationed at Tan Son Nhut with the 6994th Security Squadron as an RO Sup and Scheduler in 1970-71.

Really appreciate all the work that has been put into this. I will have to take vacation to read it all. Just had a good chuckle when I read the message from Col Mac as he provided my most exciting mission of the tour. Col Mac had the 2nd seat, we lost engine, landed at T (something), C47 arrived to pick up all crew but myself(RO sup). Col Mac wouldn't go back with them and stayed with me and the aircraft. Guess he figured if he did not stay I would be there all night. Yep, another C47 showed up with SPs and picked us up, just ahead of a huge storm. Guess he caught H..... from everybody and their brother for staying with the aircraft. Well anyway, it is good to chuckle. Thanks Com Mac whereever you are... Ret E-8 Smith

Tom's Email Address is: [email protected]

Received from: Robert Rockey, Framingham, MA.

Robert says, I was a Mechanic with the 360th Tactical Electronics Warfare Squadron at Tan Son Nhut in 1966/67.

Robert's Email Address: REAL(at)GIS.NET

Received from: Rodney Teuscher, San Antonio, Texas.

Rodney says; I was with the 6994th Security Squadron flew at the X and Y positions on the EC-47 Bravo birds in Vietnam, Da Nang and Ubon 1972/73. Our crew was the one that got shot down over Laos.

Matejov was normally our AMS. I was on emergency leave when the EC-47 was shot down. Our crew normally flew together on most missions, at that time we were flying night missions. I retired from the Air Force in 1997. I was the SEA for the Electronic Warfare center. Other than that not too much to say. My wife and I live in San Antonio. I see Ron Schofield about once a week. We work at the same job.

Rodney's Email Address: rodneyteuscher(at)sbcglobal.net

Received from; Jim Glenn, Yorktown, Virginia.

Jim says, I was an Airborne Analyst with the 6994th Security Squadron at Tan Son Nhut from Jan. 1969 to Sept. 1970.

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