Received January 7, 1999 from Larry Pius

Larry writes: I was with the 360th TEWS at Tan Son Nhut from May 1969 to May 1970. Thank you for taking the time to put this outstanding site on-line. I have some pictures at home that I'll send in to you in the next few days.

Received January 8, 1999 from Fred Ziemer, Severn Maryland

Fred Writes: Great Homepage. Brings back alot of memories. I was a member of the 6994th Det 2 at Da Nang in 1972 and a member of the 6994th Det 3 at Ubon in 1973. During this period I flew as an Airborne Analyst and Flight Examiner (was a prior 292) working with Jim Luther at both locations. You have a great site and will review it weekly for old friends.

Fred's Email Address: fhziemer(at)pa.net

Postal Address: 6899 St. Annes Drive, Fayetteville, PA 17222

Phone: (717) 352-7780

Received Janurary 9, 1999 from Rodger Curnow

Rodger writes, I'm just writing to say that I'm so grateful to you for the web page on the EC-47!!!!! I served as a navigator with the 362nd TEWS at DaNang between 28 September 1970 to 27 September 1971; was a 2nd, then a 1st lieutenant and was 22 years old when I went over. Now I'm a lawyer in California. I'm planning to attend the reunion this May and will talk it up with my old TEWS buddies!

Rodgers Email Address: dodger82(at)SBCglobal.net

Received January 10, 1999 from Merle Vernone

Merle writes, I saw an entry in the Chicksands page run by the Bedford County people about a reunion for ec47 folks. I was the commander of Det 1, 6994th at Nha Trang and later at Phu Cat July 1969-1970. I would be very interested in any particulars that are available or in the works.

Received 12 January, 1999 from Norm Taylor

Norm says, HI I got your e-mail/web sites from Joe Martin. He and I flew together in Vietnam. I was with the 6994th at Phu Cat and flew with the 36lst TEWS. Photographed almost all of the EC-47s during ,my tour Jul70-Jul7l. If you know of any one wanting to purchase photos, have them get in touch.

Received January 13, 1999 from Charles Haram

Have really enjoyed your site on the EC's. I spent a year (Jan 72 - Jan 73) on the EC-47's at NKP. Was in maintenance and ran the night shift for the whole year. When I found your site I started looking for photo's I have somewhere of the operations at NKP during that year. Will e-mail some to you when found. I remember I spent most of that year in the 362 TEWS and shortly before I rotated maintenance was put under the 56th OMS.

I noticed you spent 66-67 at Nha Trang. I did my first tour in SEA at Nha Trang also, was on the C-123's however.

Anyway, I have enjoyed your site, it brought back some good and not so good memories but that's what makes life life. Keep up the good work!

Email Address: haramc(at)gmail.com

Received: January 13, 1999 fro Michael W. Vanandre

I was in the 362 TEWS from 8/72 thru 1/73 when we were moved to NKP. I ended up in C-141s (FE) and left the service at McChord in '77. I have been working for Boeing 21 years. There's talk of a reunion? How can I help? I have lost touch with everyone. So glad I found your pages, great job!

Received from Ed Benningfield, San Antonio, Texas, January 15, 1999

Ed writes: Congratulations on an excellent WEB site. It provides a great place for former EC-47ers to reminisce, stay in touch, share experiences and possibly renew old acquaintances. I was at Pleiku and DaNang 70-71 - a Morse Backender and, on occasion, an AMS. Hello to Bill Christian and Dick Burda. Keep up the good work and stay healthy - we need and appreciate your continued support. P.S. I have several in-flight (formation) pics of the beloved AN Balls 9 with AN681 (out of Da Nang). I'll send them to you if interested.

Received January 21, 1999 from Neil Sides

Neil Writes, I was with Det 2, 6994th from Sept 70 to Aug 71 and ran the scheduling section. A brief history of that time frame follows: Col Blackwell was the commander, Chief Naylor (in cypher) was NCOIC of ops. Bill Christian and Mike wilson ran the training and evaluation program. Art Silvn and Don Boston were two of our mentors and really good people. Todd Melton arrived shortly before I departed and I only flew with him once. (He was the Linguist on the last bird we lost in Laos) Bill knew him quite well and always spoke highly of him. When I get the time, I will look for some pictures and get them to you.

I have requested an E-MAIL list of FTV members and when it arrives I will start contacting others that flew the Goon and start promoting a good turn out for our first reunion. Bill and I for two are really looking forward to it. Also, on the history, some of front end people I remember are Lt Ron Sergot, Lt Steve Stahl, and Lt vatali. Three good men that was always fun to R.O.N. with in Thailand.Keep in touch.

Neil's Email Address: [email protected]

Received January 21, from Roger Hubert, San Antonio, Texas

Roger writes, J.C., I just signed onto AOL and was looking for a history assignment for college and stumbled on to your excellent page. It's great to find familiar names (Dave Eddy, Ed Benningfield, etc.) I flew with them as a 202 at Ton Son Nhut from July '71 to May '72. It was the best assignment of my 25 + years in the Air Force. I saw Grover Mc Maken at this years FTV (USAFSS/ESC) association reunion in Oct 98. Does the 6994th EC-47 group have a separate reunion? I thought about joining the S.O.B. Society of Backenders in San Antonio, Texas. It has been great to find your homepage. look forward to hearing from other "Combat Cougars". Thanks for a great job!

Received January 22, from Joe Simpson

Joe was a Navigator with Chuck Miller and his crew with the 361st at Nha Trang, 67/68. Some how I lost him, I assume when I had a hard disk problem. I appologize to the oversite. Joe says he will have the tour data back to me, probably this weekend. J.C.

Received January 23, 1999 from James A. Jones, Dover Delaware

James writes, I was at Danang Feb 71 Feb 72 with the TEWS. I crewed 43-49771 "Crackers" MSgt Bard was my boss. Pete Randolph crewed 4349570 "Judy in da sky". Best web site I have found about the goons. Will try to send photos later. I am looking for more photos of Danang, Gunfighter village ... welcome home bros..Jim

Received January 25, 1999 from Henno Uus

Henno writes, Please add my name to the "crew roster". I was a Navigator in RVn with the 362 TEWS from May 70 to March 71. (Pleiku AB and Danang AB)

Received January 27, 1999 from David Bassett, San Antonio, Texas

David writes: I was a navigator in the 362nd TEWS at Pleiku and Danang starting in March 1970 and was turned onto your very informative web site by Rodger Curnow. I would appreciate your adding me to your mailing lists.

Received, January 28, 1999 from Joe. E. Hogg

Joe writes, Helped set up the Det. 2, 6994th at Pleiku in 1966. I was a SSgt and worked as standeval for X1's. Completed @ missions before rotation. Capt. Ernie Short was the CO and CMSGT A.C. Chamblee was NCOIC OF OPS. It's been over thirty years - time to get back together.

Joe's Email Address is: hogg3792(at)gmail.com

Postal Address: 400 Heartland Dr. Russellville, AR 72801

Joe left a Phone number, (479) 880-1561.

Received February 1st, 1999 from Charlie Martin, Fond du Lac, WI.

Charlies says, I was a 203 with the detachment of 6994th SS at DaNang from July 1970 to February 1972. Todd Melton of Baron 52 was my first student, my roommate and my friend. 209 Missions. Balls 9 sucked. A previous reunion was held in Seymour, IN in 1986. We had about 22 former 203's and many family members. Another one is tentatively scheduled for Monterey, CA in August of 1999 - thirty years after we graduated from language school. Maybe we will reconsider and go to San Antonio.

Received February 2, 1999 from Jack A. Brown, Port Arthur, Texas

Jack writes, I taught EC-47 aircrew familiarization and EC-47 ground maintenance, plus Flight Engineer familiarization at England AFB LA. Was transferred to Tan Son Nhut and the 36hth TEWS in 1966-67. Was on flight line ground crew. Returned in 1969-70 to Phu Cat and the 361st TEWS, was assistant phase dock chief. Finally retired in 1975.

Received February 6, 1999 from Walt Suksta, San Angelo, Texas

Walt says, I'm a 'Dogger" that is, a Vietnamese linguist. 175 sorties from Tan Son Nhut & NKP with the 6994 SS in '71 & '72. I remember returning from a mission and seeing '937 is the grass between the runways at TSN. Lots of was stories (of course!) but will save them for another day.

Really appreciate the time & effort put into this, especially the "Baron-52" data. Todd Melton was a close friend and a classmate of mine in Vietnamese language training. Also taught Matejov & Cressman at the ARDF class taught at Goodfellow AFB (Where I spent several years). Made the trip from San Angelo, TX to Arlington a few years ago for the internment of the "remains". (Also know several of the guys on the Joint Casualty Resolution Team - including one who participated in the on-site excavation/examination - really glad the lay those ghosts to rest!).

6994SS was my first operational duty station. Another 225 missions in RC-135's/130's, retired happily as a CMSgt in 1992. Keep in touch!

Walt Suksta

Received February 2, 1999 from Bill White

Bill writes, Thanks, JC, for the invite and adding my name to your addressee list. Can't promise will be in S.A. in May, but certainly will look hard at calendar and see what's available. Was in S.A. in Oct 98 for "washed out 50th reunion"; missed a lot of the side reunions that always take place. At '97 gathering signed a 6994th and Dets member book...don't know what was done with all those names.

I was assigned TSNhut July 68 to Feb 69. Most of tour was TDY to Pleiku. Punched holes in sky on Combat Cougar and Sentinel Sara missions, escaping to Kadena for pleasure trips aboard Combat Apple RC-135M birds from Feb 69 thru Sep 72. Spent entire AF career in USAFSS/ESC (30 yrs 1 mo 26 days...who counts!) Enough jabber...thanks again and plan on visiting EC-47 site soon and often. Bill

Received February 8, 1999

James L. Rogers of Colleyville, Texas was a navigator with the 361st TEWS at Nha Trang in 1968-69.

Received February 8, 1999 from Art Silvin

Art writes, I heard about the EC-47 reunion scheduled for 29-31 May, 1999. I heard about the reunion from Neil Sides out in California. He said you might be interested in my involvement with the program. I was an AMS/IRO at Pleiku and SEFE at DaNang during my 5 consecutive tours. I flew mini-mod and maxi-mod tests on the AN-ALR-38's at Pleiku, flew 635 missions, and re-enlisted during a mission on my 500th mission.

Received 07/25/00 from: Art SilvinUrl, Stewartstown, PA

Art says, I was Stationed at Pleiku and DaNang with Det 2, 6994th as an AMS/IRO/SEFE. I was in Southeast Asia in 1969, 70,71,72.

Comments: With fondest memories of a very significant time in my life and an association with the finest men the AF had. My special best wishes to "Wee Willie" Christian, Neil Sides, Don Boston, JJ Pitzeruse, Mike Wilson, Ron Swan, Hy Brock and many others too numerous to mention. Health and business kept me from the last reunion but I am trying hard to clear the way for this years'. Would like nothing more than to renew old friendships and pay respect to our fallen comrades. Hope to see you in Texas the 28th, 29th, 30th, 1st.

Received February 8, 1999 from Paul Kirkwold

Paul writes, I served from 1970-71 at DaNang and I am interested in hearing from anyone who flew as an X-1 during the period.

Received February 12, 1999 more, from Paul Kirkwold of Starbuck, MN

Paul writes, Just wondered on in to see if anybody recognizes my name. If so anybody that want's to talk with fellow "back-ender" ,or so we are called now, call me up on my E-mail.

I was also in the P.I. from 1968 to early 1970 before my tour as an X-1 from 1970-1971. I've got some fond memories and some not so fond memories (namely the time "someone" got us 25 miles into North Vietnam when Mig's were scrambled and the race between the Phantoms and the Mig's was the only thing that kept us from biting the dust.) But I've gotten past that now and have enjoyed your page and the memories that it brought back. Thanks to my son I found this page and was able to recognize a couple of names. So don't hesitate to write in. Thanks for the generous amount of interest in the page. Lets keep a good thing going.

Received February 9, 1999 from John A. Ritner Jr. of Columbia, SC

FINALLY, a tremendous link with the past! Thanks for setting this up. Went through Goodfellow AFB and graduated from class 690730 in December 1969. Served at the 6949th at Offutt from Jan 70 through April '71. I was the Operations Officer at Det 3 in NKP from June '71 to Dec '71 and then PCS'd to Danang @ Det 2 from Dec '71 to Jun '72. I saw Dave Eddy's entry and also saw references to Todd Melton. Both familiar. Todd was at Danang with me as was "KIWI", both of whom I understand were on Baron 52. Came back to the HQ USAFSS Command Post from Jul '72 - Mar '74. Then cross-trained into the transportation career field. I've been wondering if the 6994 ever had any reunions -please let me know. Other names I recall: Skeeter @ NKP, Bob Sherwood, Kermit Wegner, LTC McMakin, Art Silva, "JJ" Pitzeruse, Junior Barnes. I've got a picture of the "Moon Goon" somewhere here at the house. Thanks again.

Received February 13, 1999 from Ed Bendinelli, San Angelo, Texas

Ed writes, Flew out of Det 1, 6994th (Nha Trang) from Sept 66 to Dec 67 and then out of the 94th at TanSonNhut from 71/72. Was there when both Ray Leftwich and Fred Sebers were killed out of Det 1. Fond memories of both tours. The site is great and I'm sure I'll be visiting it again now and then to check out your guest book. Fascinating stuff and I'm so glad someone out there is keeping these memories alive. Regards-Ed.

Received February 14, 1999 From Ed Bendinelli

J.C.-Your message was appreciated. I arrived in Nha Trang in September 66.The Det commander was a captain named Lester Mellott. He put on major several months after I arrived; we made him an oversized pair or Major's leaves and he wore them all over the base that day. I'm going to have to put my brain in high gear to try and remember some of the names you dropped. I remember a lot of things from those days but names of the front-enders isn't one of them.

I do remember that in those early days, all our cockpit crews were Majors, LtCols or Colonels; when I went back to Nam in 1971, the majority of our pilots were 1st or 2nd Lieutenants. They had little experience in flying goons; after an unusually bumpy landing now and then, I used to ask the pilot how many landings he wanted to log for the day. Be that as it may, I do remember several of those early pilots quite well. One's name was John Gray (sp); he had a snow-white crew-cut and had quite the history in goons. Another pilot was Major John Ayala, aka "Shaky John", who always looked like Don Knotts on the ground but was as solid as a rock in the cockpit.

The first front end crew I ever flew with was Major Bohrer's crew, the one lost over BongSon on March 9, 1967. I vividly remember my mission with him, not only because it was my "cherry" flight but because we had a near miss with an Air Vietnam Goon. I can still hear Major Bohrer's voice talking, so calm and cool after the incident while the rest of us were trying to scrape ourselves off the goon's walls.

The tribute to the crew of 201 was touching, believe me. Ray Leftwich, the NCO on board that day, wasn't even supposed to flying that day. Dan Resse, the junior RO on board, was having difficulty mastering the "X" position so Ray went on board to help. The rest is history. Ray was one of the NCOs who lived with us at 8 Le Lai, one street over from the main drag in downtown Nha Trang. 201's loss was a blow to everyone.

I still remember the memorial service held in the base's open air theater --fly over and all. Over the years, I have spoken at a number of NCO Academy graduations and almost always talk about Ray's crew and about Fred Sebers, another member of the 94th who died as the result of wounds received in a terrorist attack on the Vietnamese NCO club on the beach road. I had known Fred for years. Fred drove landing craft in WWII, was in Korea and although he could've retired, he once said that he couldn't see leaving the Air Force while it was involved in Vietnam; he felt he had to be part of it. It cost him his life!

In 1975, now Colonel Lester Mellott arrived at Misawa AB, Japan as the new Wing Commander. One of his first actions was to contact me and we began work on memorializing the backenders of 201 at Misawa AB. Months later, all three were memorialized in formal ceremonies. One of those in attendance was the USAFSS Senior Enlisted Advisor, CMSGt Tom Echols. Back in 1967, Tom, then a TSGT, was one of the two men from the 94th to go out to the crash site to recover the remains.

I came to San Angelo in 1978 from Japan and as things would have it, I met Ray's wife, Betty; she worked at the local BX. She passed away a number of years ago, but not before Ray was again memorialized, here at Goodfellow AFB. A new student dorm was named Leftwich Hall. Another dorm is named after Jock Ryon who was killed in the crash of a goon later in the war. Several years later, I was attending a Boy Scout dinner with my wife one night and sitting directly across from me was Ray Leftwich, Jr.

One other bit or irony. About a year ago, I met a Vietnamese gentleman who lives here in San Angelo and attends my church. Found out he grew up on Le Lai street in downtown Nha Trang, not many doors down from where I lived while I was there. Sadly, Colonel Mellott, who was retired and living in Colorado Springs, passed away quite unexpectedly this past January. He was a remarkable man, one of the great influences on my life, and I will miss him. Well, enuf is enuf. Again, I appreciate the personal touch and I hope I didn't bore you with all this. Just felt like writing down a few memories. Regards--Ed Bendinelli

Received February, 13 from Roger Hartman

Roger writes, I flew the EC-47 out of DaNang during Oct 70-Oct 71. It was quite an experience. Started out as a brand new 2Lt right out of pilot training and left an instructor.

I've been looking over your web site and thinking about the reunion. Thanks for putting this together. I know it's a lot of work.

Received February 17, 1999 from Bob Graham, Satellite Beach, FL

Received letter re EC-47 reunion, San Antonio in May. Flew with the 360th September 1966 to October 1967. Jim Jelley was our Commander followed by Bill Horn. Have lists of most of the Crew members who were assigned to the 360th during that period of time. Would be happy to furnish if you need it. Designed the original insigna of the Antique Airlines.