Ugly Angel Ugly Angels, Past & Present

June 2012 Memorial Foundation Newsletter

Message from Reunion Inside this Issue President Billy Ray Ugly Angel Squadron McNair Dinner in Orlando  Presidents Message th 1  Ugly Angel HMH-362 Final Friday the 13 Squadron Dinner Deployment Legacy July, 2012

Patch  Ugly Coins Squadron S3, Capt. M. French has Dick Moser  Return to Base 2 provided us with details on the  FNG’s As of this writing we have 74 squadron’s patch which is available reservations for the squadron dinner for ordering. He has 25 of the Panel Discussion (Archies/Ugly/Charlie’s Angels).  subdued patch and 50 of the color Many squadron mates and guests 3 Celebrates 50th patch at a price of $5.00 each. Add Anniversary of $1.50 for postage. are signed up (see list next page).

First Marine If you wish to help the squadron out

Helicopter by ordering a patch or more, email I know there are a lot of folks who

Deployment to me at: [email protected] are coming to the reunion or

Vietnam planning on coming to the reunion  Early History Make your check payable to Bill who haven’t yet logged in for dinner McNair. Send it to me at 6208 reservations.

Dovenshire Ter. Fort Worth, TX 4  Return to SVN 76112. Now’s the time to remedy Personally, I think they really hit a that.  Is this the Parade home run with the design based on we missed? 5 the Archie’s Angels original patch. Dinner will be at American Legion  Plane Funny Post 286 in Orlando, just about five

YL miles from the hotel. Transportation

will be available for those who don’t

One of the most important have cars or don’t want to drive.

things that the Ugly Angles MemorialYL Foundation does is $22 per person gets you a great communicate with its buffet dinner and two drinks. If you members! An informed want more, the bar prices are membership means a stronger ridiculously low. and healthier organization for all! We recognize this fact, and our own Romy Myszka has The Dinner Get-Together is sure to "stepped up to the plate" to be one of the Highlights of the provide the Ugly Angels with a reunion. Don’t miss it. truly first-class, professional newsletter. You can make The following have signed up for the submissions to the newsletter Ugly Angel Squadron Dinner. Plan by sending email directly to to join us. [email protected].

Publisher: Bill Greenman ......

June 2012 The Ugly Angels Memorial Foundation Newsletter

Cascio, Ben 2 support we are actively engaging Ugly Coins McNair, Billy Ray 4 various active duty units to see if their schedule/budget will support Lt. Col. "Piglet" Pecina 1 Bill McNair/Dave Hugel Doug Blowers 2 their presence in Orlando.

John Bowman 2 We will also have the Silent Auction. The 50 Year Anniversary coins are Mike Carley, Jr. 3 All proceeds are added to the all gone – sold out. The squadron Gerald Clark 2 current scholarship fund which is in S3 officer had orders for 30 coins, Calvin Cormier 2 the name of Captain Stephen Pless so he ordered 50 and sold them all Ron Gall 2 (MOH). All auction items are out upon their arrival in Afghanistan, Garret Hatcher 1 graciously accepted either in person so he ordered the remaining 30. Richard Houghton 1 or mailed to the Orlando Inspector This brought the total to 600 coins. Ralph Jones 1 Instructor staff. I have to apologize for not fully Dave Luhrsen 2 For those interested the Reunion understanding the importance of the Rick Kersey 2 Golf Outing contact Bruce Colbert at South Vietnamese flag on the Dick Moser 1 951-788-9468 or arthur- Archie’s Angels patch. The coin George Zamora 1 [email protected] vendor dropped the flag and I didn’t Frank Duda 2 If you’ve let your membership lapse catch it till too late. If I limp at the Wally Waldridge 2 and as an enticement to renew, drop Orlando reunion, it is from the huge Del York 2 Dick Moser a line and he will send bite marks on my butt from the LaFontaine 2 an electronic copy of the current chewing I took for my oversight. Don Martin 2 Popasmoke newsletter. Lesson learned! John Sigman 2 Ben Cascio pointed out that owing Willie Sproule 5 Lastly, hotel room cost is $109. That is a negotiated rate. Their current to the huge size of the coins, they Col. Tom Hewes 1 pre-pay rate is $174 and regular rate would probably work as manhole Robert Sheehan 2 is $249. The POPASMOKE covers at the very least. Jim Street 2 Association rate is guaranteed thru Norb Derylak 2 This note came from Dave Hugel mid June and after that based on who as most of you know is an Rick Sarmiento 1 availability. Don't be locked out at Tom Kane 2 author and former Marine combat this great rate- book now. photographer from the early days of Don Fergusun 2 Frank Matucheski 2 HMM362 in South Vietnam. Dave ordered several coins and shared Scanlan 2 Return to Base Sergeant Roy Edward Newman, Sr. with me the following: Ron Ice 1 died February 24, 2012 in Tulsa. Dan Houglum 1 I presented one just last week to After high school Roy served his CMC, Gen. James Amos at a Wilbert Waldridge 2 country in the Marine Corps where Frank Walters 2 ceremony celebrating the he retired after twenty years of Centennial of Marine Corps Del York 2 service. Upon his retirement from Roger Glenn 2 Aviation; the Marines Roy relocated from KD Logue 2 California to Oklahoma, where he also gave one to former ACMC,

and Hazel met and were married. Gen. Jack Daily who now runs the Orlando Details They moved to Checotah and Roy Smithsonian Air & Space Museum, worked as a heavy equipment who actually visited Soc Trang As in the past, we have a number of mechanic. briefly while he was at Iwakuni vendors as well as displays. The Roy Edward Newman, Sr. back in 1962; displays include one being provided and another just last night to former by the Public Affairs Division of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Headquarters Marine Corps as well Staff, Gen. Pete Pace. as a personal uniform and Marine Corps memorabilia collection graciously being provided by LtCol. John Ruffini. Additionally, HQMC has designated our event as a “sponsored” event. While this doesn’t guarantee any static display

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June 2012 The Ugly Angels Memorial Foundation Newsletter

had never before been shown FNG’s publicly. An Early History 3rd Welcome to those who have Recon in Viet Nam recently joined up (or rejoined) Near the conclusion of the program Neil Grissom Popasmoke: Jim Perryman read a note from Charlie Company 1963 Ben Cardamone Archie Clapp’s widow, Shirley, who expressed her regret at not being (3rd Recon newsletter) Boulder, CO 1968-69 able to attend the event and James C. Henderson In April 1963, 47 Company C extended her best wishes to rd Bushnell, FL 1968-69 Archie’s Angels and everyone Marines from the 3 Reconnaissance Battalion were sent Sidney Orr attending the program. Perryman to Viet Nam to guard the Da Nang Woodstock, GA 1969 also introduced Archie’s son Jeff, who represented his family at the Airbase. The platoon was also George L. Williams event. assigned as the first “Chicken Hawk” Kansas City, MO or “Eagle” fast-reaction-force utilized in Viet Nam as part of Operation In addition to the panel members, several Archie’s Angels who served Shufly. Panel Discussion th on the Soc Trang deployment The platoon was comprised of Celebrates 50 attended the panel discussion. riflemen, a small group of demolition They included Dave Leighton, Jim experts and a couple of radiomen. Anniversary of First Losey. Hank Mattia, Tom Murley, Two squads from the platoon were Marine Helicopter Larry Shirley, Frank Walters, Benny required to be on duty at all times to Whaley and Chuck Wimmler. provide security for Da Nang Deployment to Airbase. During hours of darkness, Vietnam Numerous other Marines and history fire teams were assigned to patrol buffs attended the program, the perimeter of the living compound David H. Hugel including a number of family and and the area composed of the Da friends of the Ugly Angels. Among Nang Airbase. A Marine from the A near capacity crowd attended an the Ugly Angels attending was the platoon was additionally assigned, April 12 program at the National father and son team of Larry and along with several ARVN soldiers, to Museum of the Marine Corps, Nick Turner. Larry served with guard the back gate of the airbase featuring four of the first Marines HMM-362 during a 1965-66 tour in at night, which was used by vehicle deployed to Vietnam 50 years ago Vietnam, while Nick, an HMX-1 pilot traffic. If threat levels were high, the as part of Task Unit 79.3.5, code served with HMH-362 in Hawaii, platoon would be placed on full alert named SHUFLY. Iraq, and Afghanistan from 2004- status. The platoon was informed 2009. that if the Da Nang Airbase had to Panelists included Jim Perryman, be evacuated, it would be their duty Tom Hammack and Joe Eke, all According to the Marine Corps to hold the base it until all major members of HMM-362, widely Heritage Foundation (MCHF), the assets could be redeployed to other known as Archie’s Angels, and Jim program was the best attended in locations. Kizer, a member of the SHUFLY the lecture series that began last command staff. summer. The “Walk Through Another duty assigned to Recon Dave Hugel, who served as a History Evening Dinner Series” Marines in the security detachment Marine Corps combat photographer highlights various aspects of Marine involved its one specialty of covering later SHUFLY operations Corps history. To learn more about “rappelling” out of helicopters into out of Da Nang, moderated the the MCHF and for information on inaccessible areas to set up make- panel that regaled the audience with future programs visit shift landing zones. On occasions, their personal accounts of www.marineheritage.org members of the platoon were experiences during the deployment U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The required to spend several days on to Soc Trang, and early operations Advisory & Combat Assistance Era, government outposts helping in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. 1954-1964 Vietnamese troops clear fields of fire

The program also featured a http://ehistory.osu.edu/vietnam/book with explosives. During troop lifts number of color slides, some taken s/acae/ More Operation Shufly info flown by the Da Nang based Marine by the panel members during their Helicopter squadrons in support of tour at Soc Trang, many of which the Vietnamese government counter-insurgency operations, ...... 3 June 2012 The Ugly Angels Memorial Foundation Newsletter

platoon members would stand-by at assist in the delivery of supplies and The heli-lift from another nearby LZ a “staging area”, or, be inserted into ammunition to outpost and camps went off as planned. However, LZ the landing zone if things got hairy which were being operated by U. S. ZULU was completely encircled by a on the ground. Army Special Forces, CIA rim of hills. When the troop lift was paramilitary and RVN government almost complete and the 105mm On one occasion, in late April 1963, forces. During those re-supply howitzers were being pulled out, the during a heli-lift of members of the missions the helicopters would UH-34Ds started to draw fire from 2nd ARNV Division, a helicopter frequently come under enemy fire, the nearby ridgeline. As the platoon was shot down about 35 miles many times, at extremely close was leaving LZ ZULU following the southwest of Da Nang. The crew range. It was nothing unusual for an heli-lift of the ARVN personnel and and passengers were immediately UH-34D to return to Da Nang from a equipment, attack aircraft began picked-up and the helicopter was re-supply mission with several bullet bombing and strafing the positions stripped of all usable parts. A squad holes in it. where the enemy fire came from. from the platoon, which included Platoon members were also given In early September 1963 the demolition experts, was rushed to the chance to interact with U.S. platoon’s fast reaction force was the area to burn the hulk of the Army Special Forces. They visited again called into action to provide crashed helicopter so it couldn’t be various U.S. Army Special Forces force protection for a UH-34D that used by the Viet Cong. camps to see firsthand how they landed in a farmer’s peanut field On another occasion, August 1, operated. During one visit to a newly about 40 miles south of Da Nang 1963, a small plane with an Air opened U.S. Army Special Forces due to mechanical problems. For Force pilot and his Vietnamese camp at Cheo Reo (II Corps), Viet security, the platoon set up a observer went down in mountainous Cong attempted to ambush a squad perimeter around the downed terrain 28 miles south of Da Nang. from the platoon by cutting a tree helicopter and dug-in for the night as There was a Viet Cong position down to block a road leading to the the area was heavily controlled by approximately 200 yards from the LZ where they were to be picked-up the Viet Cong. Mechanics planned crash scene. Two members of the and taken back to Da Nang. Platoon to repair the UH-34D the next day platoon’s fast reaction force members and Army Special Forces and have the crew fly it back to Da (Edwards and Carter) and a Navy personnel withdrew to the camp and Nang.

Corpsman were lowered into the returned to the LZ later that day Before the sunset that evening, crash site. After pulling the seriously without further incident. black dots that were Viet Cong injured men from the wreckage, In mid August, after a three-week would occasionally appear under Edwards and Carter stood guard offensive by battalions of the 2nd trees in three separate locations on while the Navy Corpsman ARVN Division against Communist the jungle mountain slope across administered emergency aid. infiltration routes along the Laotian the river from the peanut field where border, a decision was made to heli- the helicopter had made the While the group waited to be lift some 1,300 ARNV troops from emergency landing. While gun fire extracted, Viet Cong could be heard that area, along with their artillery was occasionally heard during the attempting to get down a hillside and equipment to Thoung Due a night, there were no serious probes through heavy brush searching for government town 30 miles of the perimeter. The helicopter was the crash site, a small island in a southwest of Da Nang. Although not quickly repaired the next day and river. The injured men and team completely encircled, ARVN forces flown back to Da Nang. were successfully evacuated before had come under a great deal of the Viet Cong reached them. In late September 1963 a decision pressure by the Viet Cong and it was made to begin rotating was feared they might be cut off The pilot of the rescue helicopter, members of the platoon back to from the few landing zones in that Okinawa. Apparently it was decided Capt. Theodore A. Heister, was area. subsequently awarded the that larger forces were needed to Distinguished Flying Cross for the The fast- reaction platoon was flown combat an upswing in enemy mission. Platoon members, Edwards to a landing zone code named activity. Marines from the platoon and Carter, were recommended for ZULU about 5 miles from the viewed Da Nang as “good duty’’ as it the Bronze Stars with Combat “V”. Laotian border to provide security gave them a chance to apply their for crews from the Da Nang based training to actual combat zone Marines from the platoon were also Helicopter Squadron HMM 261 that conditions. utilized to “strap-hang” (serve as were going to heli-lift about 200 extra crew members) on UH-34Ds ARVN troops and two 105mm to provide additional security, and howitzers from that landing zone. 4 ......

June 2012 The Ugly Angels Memorial Foundation Newsletter

Return to Thua Thien Charlie into the local old car P: Friction locks cause throttle parade. Home field is the Sandpoint levers to stick. Province, South Vietnam Airstrip……. a work in progress CC: That's what friction locks are Ben Cascio for.

Received this photo from Jack Plane Funny P: IFF inoperative in OFF mode. Piddington, who had requested Ed CC: IFF always inoperative in OFF Garr from Military Historical Tours to Some pilots like to remind the mode. return and bury 26 year old Sgt Dan Crews…”generally it takes a college P: Suspected crack in windshield. Pesimer’s dog tags and Air Crew degree to fly a Helicopter or any Military aircraft, but only a high CC: Suspect you're right. Wings at the site where Dan and Cpl Ken Yantis, 19 at the time, crashed school diploma to fix one”; a P: Engine missing. 31 Mar 68. reassurance to those who fly S: Engine found under cowling after routinely in their jobs. (Only a pilot brief search Our thanks to Jack Piddington for talks this way). setting up this wonderful tribute and P: Aircraft handles funny. to Ed Garr and the fine people at After every flight, pilots fill out a CC: Aircraft warned to straighten up, MHT for taking the time to locate & form, called a 'gripe sheet,' which fly right and be serious. tells mechanics about problems with carry out the mission. P: Target radar hums. the aircraft. The mechanics correct the problems and document their CC: Reprogrammed target radar with lyrics. repairs on the form, and then pilots review the gripe sheets before the P: Mouse in cockpit. next flight. CC: Cat installed.

Never let it be said that Flight and And the best one for last... Ground Crews lack a sense of P: Noise coming from under humor, even in a combat zone. instrument panel. Sounds like a Here are some actual maintenance midget pounding on something with complaints submitted by pilots a hammer. (marked with a P) and the solutions CC: Took hammer away from

recorded (marked with a CC) by midget. Semper Fi from all the members Crew Chiefs. of the 362 Brotherhood Who just re-enlisted in the P: Left tire almost needs replacement. Ugly Angels? CC: Almost replaced left tire.

P: Test flight OK, except auto-land Ben Cardamone1968-69 very rough. CC: Auto-land not installed on this aircraft.

P: Something loose in cockpit CC: Something tightened in cockpit

P: Dead bugs on windshield. CC: Live bugs on back-order.

P: Autopilot in altitude-hold mode produces a 200 feet per minute descent. CC: Cannot reproduce problem on ground.

We missed the parade. P: Evidence of leak on right landing gear. From Bill Collier, Vietnam Veterans CC: Evidence removed. Welcome of America Chapter 890, Sandpoint, P: DME volume unbelievably loud. back, Idaho. Ben!

CC: DME volume set to more …..after 13 months of hard work and believable level. preparation, VVA 890 got their H-34 ...... 5

June 2012 The Ugly Angels Memorial Foundation Newsletter

Career change at 62—Update from UAMF, Inc. President McNair

41 years ago, the GI Bill put me through computer technology school after my discharge from the Corps.

Three years ago I got laid off from ITT and entered a VA vocational rehabilitation program called Chapter 31. The Veterans Administration paid my tuition, books, supplies, and provided a monthly stipend for me to get a masters degree in social work towards a job at the VA helping veterans. As a VA student, I was able to be a work study student and earned some extra income in the executive office of the Fort Worth VA Outpatient Clinic where I made a ton of career contacts.

I did two internships; one at the homeless veterans' shelter called Liberty House in Fort Worth and the second in the VA clinic as a student social worker. This May, I graduated with a 3.84 GPA. And yesterday I accepted the job of running Liberty House as the behavioral interventionist/case manager.

I hope to take my state licensure exam in late July and apply for one of those good old GS-11 positions at the VA as a licensed social worker. For me, the VA Vocational Rehabilitation program has been a real Godsend, giving me a chance to work with and for veterans. Check us out on Facebook at the Liberty House page.

President Billy Ray

Photos from Andrews AFB Air Show on 05.19.12, courtesy of Ugly Angel Ben Cascio

The Commandant of the Marine Corps & his grand-children, the Marine Corps Silent Drill Team, the UH34 Crew& The Osprey Crew - Celebrating 100 years of Marine Aviation w/ the centerpiece of the show - a 50yr old helicopter flown in Vietnam 45 years ago. Doesn't get much better than this...Ben Cascio

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June 2012 The Ugly Angels Memorial Foundation Newsletter

Next edition feature?

Your stories--Everybody is sure to have at least one. Submitted by Ugly Angels who can still remember part of the story. Or only know part of the story and are looking for other perspectives.

And dig out those photos and slides. We can scan the originals and return them to you along with a digital version.

Send your thoughts, ideas, and photos to Romy Myszka, Editor and/or Bill Greenman, Publisher [email protected] [email protected]

Romy Myszka 1816 Kern Mountain Way Antioch, CA 94531-7598 [email protected]

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