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Mission Report
Aircraft Model: HH-43F
Date of Rescue or Mission of Mercy: 8 May 68
First Name, Middle Initial, Last Name, Rank of Rescue Pilot
and Crew Members:
PILOT: Thomas D. Precious,
Capt. CO-PILOT:
Albert E. Tolllefson, Capt.
CREWMEN: RS Edward L. Cartwright,
Sgt. RS James E. Spickler, Sgt. PJ Lonnie G.
Conner, Sgt.
Name and Location of Activity: Det. 10, 38th ARRS, Binh Thuy AB, RVN
Location of Rescue: 5 NM south of Binh Thuy AB, RVN
Day or Night: Day Time: 1600L (0800Z)
Sea State or Description of Terrain: Flat, scrub brush and trees
Altitude: Sea level Visibility: 10 NM plus
Water Temp: Not a
factor Air
Temp: 93 degrees
F Wind
Velocity: Calm
Other Weather Conditions: None
Distance Flown To and From Rescue: 10 NM No. of Personnel Rescued: 5 Assists
Military or Civilian: US Army Names and Ranks: Not available
Detailed Narrative Description of Rescue or Mission of Mercy,
Paying Particular Attention to Any Condition which Makes This Rescue
Outstanding, or "Other-Than-Routine:"
At 0800Z we were notified by Binh Thuy tower that an US Army Chinook had crashed
and was burning on the 190 degrees radial at 10 miles from Binh Thuy. We
scrambled with the fire suppression kit, the Firemen and Pararescueman. As
I approached the crash site, we could see that the helicopter had crashed within
the defense perimeter of a friendly outpost. We realized that there would
be more than likely booby traps in the area. The wreckage was burning
intensely with occasional explosions. During the approach, we spotted some
of the Chinook's crew members lying in a ditch behind some trees. After
releasing the fire suppression kit, I was unable to land the helicopter due to
the close proximity of trees, bushes and barbed wire. As I hovered the
aircraft as close to the ground as possible, I asked the Firemen and PJ if they
could jump. All three went out without hesitation. The PJ
immediately went to the aid of the crew men we had spotted during our
approach. After he was sure they had suffered no injuries, he returned to
the immediate area of the fire so he could cover the Firemen in case hostile
fire was received. The Firemen had immediately gone to the fire
suppression kit and started deploying the hose. In doing so, they had they
had to cross three separate sets of concertina wire and numerous ditches.
They also had to be extremely careful not to puncture the hose. All this
was accomplished in seconds even though both men were dressed in cumbersome
Fireman's Bunkers and boots. When they reached the burning Chinook, foam
was used to retard the fire while Sgt. Spickler entered the forward portion of
the fuselage to check for trapped or injured crew members. After a
thorough search of the interior, which was conducted while the fire and
explosions continued, Sgt. Spickler was certain that all crew men had gotten out
of the aircraft. He found loaded machine guns and numerous belts of
ammunition but no crew members were found. He then returned to help Sgt.
Cartwright expend the remainder of foam on the fire. Throughout this time,
explosions were occurring within the fire. When the fire suppression kit
had been expended the Firemen withdrew. While the Firemen and Pedro 39 had
been fighting the fire, a US Army "Dustoff" helicopter was able to
land behind Pedro 39. The Pararescueman Man helped the crew members of the
Chinook into the Dustoff and they departed. While the Firemen were
returning the hose, a member of the outpost came over and to the PJ and verified
the fact that the area was covered with booby traps.
Report Prepared By: Operations
Name: Capt. T.D. Precious
Activity: Det 10, 38th ARRSq.
Address: APO S.F. 96320
Date: 8 May 68
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