The folks mentioned in the following account were from units I worked closely with during my SEA tour. Although I don't specifically remember these particular men, they are representative of the Special Forces LRRP (Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol) teams we helped provide air cover for in the tri-border area of Laos, South Vietnam, and Cambodia during 1968-69. MACVSOG/CCC was located at Kontum in South Vietnam's central highlands, just north of where I was stationed at Pleiku. I flew many missions out of Kontum in support of teams just like this one.
This article was forwarded to me by fellow Covey FAC, Don Fulton.
Regards,
Deane Burbank
Subject: RETURNING WARRIORS
On 24 March 1970, RT Pennsylvania, MACVSOG OP-35 from CCC consisting
of three U.S. and five Indigenous long-range reconnaissance patrol members
were being extracted while under heavy enemy contact by a UH-1H helicopter
flown by members of the 170th Aviation Company, 17th Aviation Group, lst
Aviation Brigade. Immediately following the extraction, Major Michael D.
O'Donnell transmitted that he had the entire eight man team on board and was
departing the area. As the aircraft began its ascent, there was an
explosion in the aircraft. The helicopter continued for about 300 meters
when another explosion caused the aircraft to crash. Aerial search and
rescue efforts were initiated, however, there was no sign of life at the
crash site.
In January of 1994, a joint search team interviewed Le Thanh Minh of Kontum.
Minh reported that in April 1993 while searching for aluminum, he located a
crash site in Cambodia. He stated he found human remains, three dog tags, a
first aid kit and a rucksack. He also heard that people from Laos had
discovered a watch, a gold ring and an AR15. He further indicated that the
crash site was spread over a 100 meter area. He stated that the tail
section of the aircraft was visible and engraved with the number "262". He
gave the dog tags to the team, two were Berman Ganoe, Jr. and one belonged
to John C. Hosken, (both crew members of the Huey). In January of 1998, a
joint search team entered the area of the crash site and this time they were
successful in locating the aircraft. The remains of all of the crew and
team members were recovered, along with dog tags, weapons and other personal
effects. After many years, the brave men of Bikini Red Three and RT
Pennsylvania were on their way home.
At 1300 hours, 16 August 2001, A group funeral service was conducted at the
Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, Virginia the for:
Michael D. O'Donnell - Major, Aircraft Commander, 170th Aviation Company.
John C. Hosken, CWO-3, Pilot, 170th Aviation Company. Jerry L. Pool,
Captain, RT Pennsylvania - "One-Zero". John A. Boronski, SFC, RT
Pennsylvania - "One-One". Gary A. Harned, SFC, RT Pennsylvania - "One-Two"
Berman Ganoe, Jr., SSG, Door Gunner, 170th Aviation Company. Rudy M.
Becerra, SSG, Crew Chief, 170th Aviation Company.
Interment at Arlington National Cemetery followed the funeral service. There
was one casket containing the remains of some of the above honored men.
There were some family members who elected to have their loved ones remains
interred near their homes of record. For instance, SSG Rudy Beccera's
family is having him interred at Greenlawn Cemetery in Rosenberg, Texas with
full military honors on Sunday, 19 August 2001 at 1400 hours.
Family members of both the aircraft crew and RT Pennsylvania participated in
the services with full military honors. Seven National colors were
presented to family members in a very somber interment service.
May God rest their souls. Welcome Home to all of them.
