Rescue of Misty 51

(The picture of the flight crew is: Lt to Rt - RS SSgt Eugene L. Nardi, AP Sgt Donald M. Lester, FE TSgt Charles D. Severns , AC LtCol Henry E. Simpson , and CP Capt Robert A. Reichart/ The picture of the Misty pilot is: Maj Ronald G. Standerfer.) Photos (are courtesy of Chuck Severns)

We were performing airborne alert in the vicinity of DaNang on 1 April 1969. I was on Jolly Green 04 (low) along with Jolly Green 27 (high) when we over heard a "May-Day" from Misty 51.

The pilot reported that after completing a "marking pass", he experienced a complete loss of engine oil pressure and "an overheat" light, but after an attempt to get "feet wet" he was forced to eject.

Our helicopters were held adjacent to DaNang AB pending the "go" message. When the word came we flew to an orbit point and were placed in orbit.

We were cleared to the survivor area and the survivor position was marked by Spad 11 during the decent of our aircraft.

We made a pass over the immediate area, dumped fuel, and made a 180 degree turn onto the final approach and initiated a hover. The smoke signal failed to penetrate the vegetation during the approach and as a result our hover was established beyond the first survivor.

We made a 360 degree turn with the survivor providing inbound corrections. Although the survivor was not immediately observed I lowered the penetrator and as the survivor moved to the penetrator I located him. A successful recovery was accomplished and we went on to the second survivor.

We were able to locate the second survivor through his providing us directions by sound alone. Although he was not able to physically observe the helicopter due to dense foliage, he placed the aircraft almost directly over his position by sound and observing the vegetation disturbance caused by the rotor wash. I lowered the penetrator and grounded it approximately 12 feet from the survivor. I was only able to see him when he reached the penetrator. A successful pickup was accomplished through dense underbrush, trees and bamboo.

We departed the area, hit the tanker and returned to DaNang.

Both survivors were in exceptional condition, with only minor abrasions to number 2, caused by being hoisted up through the dense jungle.

At some time during the pickup, my aircraft took one round of small arms fire in a tail rotor blade tip.

(Chuck Severns) (Note: the mission report may be read by clicking on the link to the web site and clicking on "mission reports, then Misty 51)