Entry: 99702
Subject: AIR AMERICA
Subject: AIR AMERICA
Joseph Pires wrote on August 31, 2020
City and State: CALABASH NC
Unit: USS BENNINGTON CVS-20
Service or Relationship: U.S. NAVY
Comments: On 31 December 1960 (New Years Eve), BENNINGTON and three other aircraft carriers were deployed from Subic Bay in the Philippines along with Helo Squadron HMR163 for immediate deployment for a “ Show of Force” due to an attempted coup in Laos. It was actually the start of Air America. I’m looking for anyone who can recall additional details of the mission, as I’m friendly with a gentleman from that time frame who was aboard BENNINGTON with that squadron when they flew into UDORN. I can be reached at: jkpires@atmc.net. Thanks in advance and thank you for serving our country when it called.
Keywords: UDORN, BENNINGTON, HMR163, MARINES, 31 December 1960, Air America
Entry: 91512
Subject: HELOCOPTER PAINTING
Subject: HELOCOPTER PAINTING
Kevin McNeese wrote on July 8, 2015
City and State:
Unit: MALS-31
Service or Relationship: Other
Comments: I am a MGySgt currently assigned to MALS-31, MCAS Beaufort. Many years ago I came across a water-color painting signed Haff KOREA 1952 and titled DAMNED MARINE CORPS AIRBORNE ROAD JOCKEYS. It has tree branches and a 3rd Bn 7th Marine sign caught in the skids.
I am hoping to find someone that might know something about the origin or history of this painting.
Sincerely,
Kevin
Keywords:
Entry: 91400
Subject: DOES ANYONE KNOW ORLAND M BERGLUND
Subject: DOES ANYONE KNOW ORLAND M BERGLUND
Laurel Steen wrote on June 15, 2015
City and State: MARSHALL MN
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Looking for anyone that may know ORLAND M BERGLUND - Served in Korea from March1952 - January 1953: VMA 121 MAG 33 1 MAW & 121 MAG 12 1ST MAW & HMR 163 MAG 16 & HME 362 He has passed away and there is not much we know about his service. Does anyone know him? Did someone serve with him? Hear of him? Know anything about him? Id really like to know anything that I can find out.
Keywords:
Entry: 89022
Subject: REGARDING SGT MAJOR JACKDRAPER
Subject: REGARDING SGT MAJOR JACKDRAPER
Don Brown wrote on May 27, 2014
City and State: OVERGAARD AZ
Unit: HMR 163
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: Re: Sgt. Major Jack Draper and his grandsons inquiry about the scarf with the flying pack horse on it.
While the squadron was stationed at an old bombed out Japanese airstrip called Hanshin near the town of Kashiwara in the Osaka Prefecture our squadron artist, Capt. Van Aken designed the squadron patch for HMR163 and we had them made for members of the squadron along with the scarf.. After nearly a year at Hanshin we moved the whole MAG to Opama Navel air base. After a total of 14 months, all of us who were of the original deployment from Santa Anna California, LTA shipped out from Kobe, Japan aboard the USS Okanoggen for San Francisco.
I remember Sgt. Major Draper very well. I spoke with him years ago while I was doing graduate work at BYU near where he lived. I'm glad his grandson is working on his history.
Keywords:
Entry: 86978
Subject: SGT MAJOR JACK DRAPER INFO
Subject: SGT MAJOR JACK DRAPER INFO
David Draper wrote on August 11, 2013
City and State: BOISE ID
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: I am the grandson of Sergeant Major Jack W Draper. He served in
the 1/4 China Marines. When they were shipped to Battan he was
based on Corregidor. After the fall and capture of the island he
was processed at Cabanatuan. He was shipped to Japan where he
spent the remaining of the war as a prisoner in 3 different work
camps. After returning home he re enlisted in the Korean war. As
far as we know he was at Chosin but his records get really hard
to follow. I have over 500 pages of his service in WW2. After he
returned from Korea he brought back a scarf with the logo and
Ridge Runners writing on it. This puzzles me though we were told
he was trained to fly helicopters before leaving for Korea. He
is now 93 and is not in good mental health. I fear I have waited
to long to seek the truth. He is extremely well decorated and
his story like all service men must be preserved and taught to
the younger generations. Can anybody tell me more about this
scarf and how he could have come by it? Does anyone remember my
grandfather or is there somewhere I can look? I have his msn and
other military information but this scarf does puzzle me. Any
help would be greatly appreciated.
Keywords: Sergeant Major John or Jack William Draper, Chosin Reservoir,
First and Forth Marine Corps, China Marine, Korea, Ridge Runner
Entry: 85383
Subject: GOOD BOOK
Subject: GOOD BOOK
Savino (sam) Carrieri wrote on February 5, 2013
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: Cleared Hot a marine combat pilots Vietnam dairy. By
Col. Bob Stoffey. Is a great book mentions lots of
helicopter squadrons, HMR163 and HMM squadrons he was in
HMR163 in 1958 same time as i was also that the HR2S
was still in Vietnam in 1963 used as a heavy hauler to
lift downed helicopters. Read it.
Keywords: PLT.294 Parris Island Jan 1958,HMR163 Oppama Japan
1958, HMR462 Santa Ana MCAF LTA 1962 CPL E4 6481
Entry: 85291
Subject: ANY ONE REMEMBER ME 1958?
Subject: ANY ONE REMEMBER ME 1958?
Savino (Sam) Carrieri wrote on January 23, 2013
City and State:
Unit: HMR163 OPPAMA JAPAN HMR462 LTA
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: Any Body still around remember me. PLT. 294 Parris
Island Jan 1957, HMR163 Oppama Japan [cheap oppama
marines] 1958 till squadron left Japan was sad about
that wound up on Okinawa VMO squadron. Then HMR 462 LTA
Santa Ana CA.[HR2S] till discharged March 1962. Was a
6481 Cpl E4. Spent 35+ years as a licensed A and P Mechanic
with a major airline.Missed flying around in the
Helio's when we did practice auto rotations and he pulled
up on the collective and the ship shook itself to death
bent over and kissed my ass goodbye till we pulled out,
whew survived another one! Am 73 year old gimp now
where did time go.Not sorry i missed that fiasco of a
Viet Nam war sad for our troops that were killed for
nothing.But always felt guilty that i wasn't there.
Semper FI and please take care troops!
Keywords:
Entry: 83238
Subject: HMR 163, 53-54 HANSHIN, OPAMA
Subject: HMR 163, 53-54 HANSHIN, OPAMA
Stan Hemdrickson wrote on June 3, 2012
Email Update Needed
City and State: INTERNATIONAL FALLS MN
Unit: HMR 163,MAG 16
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: Have numerous pictures and memories of those times.
Willing to share them.
Keywords: Stonko. Crew member of HP 3 1953-1954. Participated
in relief operatons following Typhoon Tess. Based
out of Hanshin and later Opama. Tried out aerial
insertions of 3rd Recon for ocean landings with near
disastrous results. And other silly games.
Entry: 80421
Subject: U.S. A/C USED FOR DRONES AGAINST N. KOREAN BRIDGES AND DAMS
Subject: U.S. A/C USED FOR DRONES AGAINST N. KOREAN BRIDGES AND DAMS
George Morse wrote on September 20, 2011
Email Update Needed
City and State: THONOTOSASSA FL
Unit: NAVY-PATROL SQUADRON SEVEN
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran
Comments: In 1952-53 while flying around Japan, I remember seeing
a small airfield lined up with WW2 Navy F6-F Wildcats,
all painted solid RED. I was told they were drone A/C
used to fly into N. Korean dams and bridges. I believe
the base was at Oppalma, Japan. Can anyone confirm this?
Keywords:
Entry: 78653
Subject: CREW HP3, 53/54
Subject: CREW HP3, 53/54
Stan Hendrickson wrote on April 21, 2011
City and State: INTERNATIONAL FALLS MN
Unit: HMR 163, MAG16, 1ST MAW
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: I have original articles from the English language Japanese Newspaper Manichi News and the Japanese language Asahi Press related to the relief operations by MAG 16.
Keywords: Stonko, participated in the relief operations following typhoon Tess in the fall of 1953 from Hanshin air base. Flew with CPT Harold Knowles, CPT Simmons, MAJ Vic Armstrong, MAJ Ratliff. Participated in good will missions after relief operations at schools and villages.
Entry: 76794
Subject: USS PRINCETO CVS 37
Subject: USS PRINCETO CVS 37
Robert Mcfarland SR. wrote on November 15, 2010
City and State: WOODSTOCK GEORGIA GA
Unit: HMR 163/AND VF192
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: hmr 163/and vf192
Keywords: yokuska oppama uss princeton yalu river patrols,close ground suport for infantry acft FG1D corsair.built
by goodyear,1952,1953/
Entry: 74914
Subject: STATIONED AT OPAMMA IN 1957
Subject: STATIONED AT OPAMMA IN 1957
James Behrendt SR. wrote on May 31, 2010
City and State: HENDERSON NV
Unit: HMR 163 OPAMMA JAPAN 1957-58
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: I went to the first proper helicoptor school in memphis tn. I graduated and was sent to 163 in Oppama. Found the people on the line knew much more then I did and learned lots from them. The people I remember was Ed Gaffney, chuy mendoza, martin magee, a old marine that fought on Iwo Jima sgt butcher and he was still alive at 99 yrs of age.
the corps paid for two world class Judo teachers to come and teach at the gym for a year. I made my black belt in competition and the instructor Maseo Ichinoe came to visit me in Chicago when I got out.
Ed Gaffney was a big wig in the marine league and organized the Marine Corps birthday dinners in Boston. He passed on and was a great marine and a friend. Once a Marine always a Marine, we are all brothers in war and peace. Jim Behrendt
Keywords: Had a wonderful experience in HMR 163 and have been able to contact some former members of 163. the chow was good and our barracks were former kamakazi barracks wow.
Entry: 69397
Subject: MY UNCLE, BOB LEMIN, FLEW WITH HMR-163
Subject: MY UNCLE, BOB LEMIN, FLEW WITH HMR-163
Thomas Le Min wrote on March 7, 2009
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: Hello,
My uncle, (final rank of Major) Robert E. LeMin, originally flew Corsairs with the "Devil Dogs" of VMF-111 in the South Pacific during WWII, and with the "Fighting Phillies" of VMF-451 out of Willow Grove NAS (Willow Grove, PA) afterwards. When VMF-451 was recalled to active duty during the Korean War and sent to El Toro to convert to jets, he learned to fly helicopters and joined the "Ridge Runners" of HMR-163.
I'm sure he would be very excited to hear from anyone who knew him or to see any pictures, etc. that anyone might have of the unit from that era. If you contact me , I can put you in touch with him. He currently lives in PA with his son (his wife passed away several years ago).
Semper Fi,
Tom Le Min (former Cpt., IN, USAR)
Keywords: Robert LeMin, Bob LeMin, VMF-111 in WWII, VMF-451, HMR-163 in Korea.
Entry: 66921
Subject: WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE SIKORSKY HRS HELICOPTER
Subject: WEBSITE DEDICATED TO THE SIKORSKY HRS HELICOPTER
Craig Thorson wrote on August 18, 2008
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran
Comments: Please come browse my website and database dedicated to the Sikorsky HRS helicopter. I'd welcome any data you might be able to contribute.
Keywords: HMR-161; HMR-162; HMR-163; HMR-261; HMR-262; HMR-263; HMR-361; HMR-362; HMR-363; HMX-1; HRS
Entry: 62709
Subject: MOUNTED MGS ON H-19 IN THE KOREAN WAR.
Subject: MOUNTED MGS ON H-19 IN THE KOREAN WAR.
Anthony Sherling wrote on October 23, 2007
City and State: BLUE MOUND TX
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: hello fellas,my grandpa served in korea in the war, and i love hearing about his war stories.im 23 years old and am part of a forum of guys that are making an authentic war game in trubute to the men that lost their lives in korea.
http://www.bf-korea.de/eng/index.php
the reason that i am here is becuas i was looking for pictures of the H-13 sioux and the sikorskiy H-19 helios with mounted 30. and 50.cal mgs.we were including the h-13 sioux and the sikorskiy H-19 in the game.my grandfather told me today that the helios had these guns mounted on them for protection.i bileve him but my friends need proof for historical accuracy, we were only going to have the choppers to retrieve wounded solders and take them back to mash sites in game.
i need pics that are actual korean war era photos.i have searched endlesly for pics from 1950-53 and cant find them.i know that in viet nam these choppers were retro fitted with guns,but need only real korean pics.please if you kind gentlemen could provide links or photos of said choppers i would be greatly indebted to you.thank you for listining to me ramble on and have a good day.
Keywords:
Entry: 59584
Subject: HMR-163 CREWCHIEF
Subject: HMR-163 CREWCHIEF
Bruce Adams wrote on January 14, 2007
City and State: SAN MARCVOS CA
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father in law was a crew chief at El Toro and Tustin for HMR-163 during the Korean War. I recently developed some of his films to show marine exercise at 29 Palms with flying boxcars and his HMR-163 and crew members on
maneuvers with camping photos of marines. Let me know if you knew him or was with this unit as he has many photos of different guys. Semper Fi.
Keywords: Bill Berry, crew cheif HMR-163, HP-7,
Entry: 55994
Subject: MAG-16, 1ST MAW, HANSHIN, OPPAMA 1953-54
Subject: MAG-16, 1ST MAW, HANSHIN, OPPAMA 1953-54
Ron Kazimer SR. wrote on February 27, 2006
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran
Comments: Finally, a site where we can reminscent about the good ole days in the Corps with great buddies and Marines. I still have many photos (B/W) in Hanshin, rice patties, downed HRS's, baseball team, basketball team, Marine Corps Birthday cake in the gym, many Oppama photos of Yokuska Bay, HRS's, PBY's, Toyko photos, Mt.Fuji, Ginza,and Marines I can't recall their names.
Hopefully this connects to someone out in cyberland...Semper Fi !
Keywords: Kaz,Yaz aka Gary Yazalina,Joe Dorko, Tom McMullen,
Entry: 49588
Subject: HMR 163; MAG 16
Subject: HMR 163; MAG 16
Joseph Waters wrote on March 16, 2005
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: Ran into this site while "browsing" Served in MAG 16; HMR 163 from 9/53 to 10/54. 1st located at Hanshin, Japan then moved to Oppama, Japan about 5/54. I was the Air Intelligence Officer of HMR 163. Have some old pictures from Osaka newspapers of MAG 16 helicopters doing a "fly over" for opening day of the baseball season.
Keywords:
Entry: 47825
Subject: HMR-163 MAG 16 1954
Subject: HMR-163 MAG 16 1954
Edward Nauka wrote on December 31, 2004
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: Hi,
I am trying to locate my Dad's buddies from when he was in Korea. He was a Ridge Runner HMR-163 MAG16. He is looking for the following men:
Hicks A Smith
Leon A. Mellinger
thaddeuss Ryan
Jack Pitman
Fred E Moria
Irving Carson
Thomas E Campbell
ray G Graves
John Goellers
William M Turner
Kenneth J Perry
Juan Garza
If anyone out there knows these gentlemen please contact me at pmurlick@yahoo.com
Thank you
Semper Fi
Pam
Keywords:
Entry: 42585
Subject: E MAIL UP DATE
Subject: E MAIL UP DATE
Alan Biener wrote on April 24, 2004
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: this is a email up date
Keywords:
Entry: 39389
Subject: NAVY HELO UNIT AT OPPAMA
Subject: NAVY HELO UNIT AT OPPAMA
Don West wrote on December 23, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: Served on the base at Oppama in 1954-56 with you Marines. I was in the Navy helo unit, HU-1, that was in the last hanger on the far end of the seawall. Saw you Marines dump a Navy Admiral in the bay there when one of your helos "miss-fired" just after take off;-) Those wrere the good days! Wishing you all a happy Holiday 2003 and keep hanging in there.
Don West
ADC USN Ret
Keywords: Navy HU-1
Entry: 37208
Subject: HMR 163 OPPAMA JAPAN
Subject: HMR 163 OPPAMA JAPAN
Arthur McKnight wrote on September 28, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State: ORLANDO FL
Unit: HMR 163
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: Wiil send more info
Keywords: i was at oppama 1/02/57 flew to
phillipines 5 days jonied 163
at cubi point 3 days bora USS
Phillipine Sea CV47 crossed equtator
3 mths at sea flew hrs-3
Entry: 34249
Subject: MAG-16 HMR-163
Subject: MAG-16 HMR-163
Al Walker wrote on May 18, 2003
City and State:
Unit: HMR-163
Service or Relationship: Interested Person
Comments: WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM SOME OF THE GUYS I SERVED WITH AT OPPAMA ,JAPAN DURING 1955-56 IN HMR-163.
A GREAT OUTFIT AND A GREAT BUNCH OF GUYS. GOOD LUCK TO ALL
PFC.AL WALKER
Keywords:
Entry: 32446
Subject: LOOKING FOR
Subject: LOOKING FOR
Alan Biener wrote on March 2, 2003
Email Update Needed
City and State: SAN MARCOS CA
Unit: MAG 16
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: Looking for members of MAG 16 Hanchen and Oppoma
Japan 1953/1954
Keywords:
Entry: 29732
Subject: MAG-16 1ST MAW
Subject: MAG-16 1ST MAW
Chuck Hartwig wrote on November 20, 2002
City and State: RACINE WI
Unit: HAEDQUARTERS, MARINE HELICOPTER, TRANSPORT GROUP 1
Service or Relationship: -
Comments: Served MAG-16, Oppama, Japan Feb 54-Apr 55
Headquarters Sq. message center
Keywords:
Entry: 29632
Subject: LOOKING FOR LARRY
Subject: LOOKING FOR LARRY
Jackie Schonewolf JR. wrote on November 16, 2002
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: HI
I AM LOOKING FOR A MAN NAMED LARRY DIMARCO OR DEMARCO WHO MAY HAVE BEEN FROM THE ALLENTOWN PART OF PENNSYLVANIA, I AM TRYING TO LOCATE HIM FOR MY UNCLE SERAFINO LUPI WHO WAS IN THE KOREAN WAR. I AM NOT SURE OF THE YEAR IF ANYONE KNOWS OF LARRY OR MY UNCLE SERAFINO PLEASE E-MAIL ME AT OLDYELLOW@PRODIGY.NET.
THANKS FOR YOUR TIME
WISHING YOU SMILES
JACKIE
Keywords: SERAFINO LUPI, CHESTER PA
Entry: 19849
Subject: MARINE SUPPORTED ORPHANS, MAG 33, K-3
Subject: MARINE SUPPORTED ORPHANS, MAG 33, K-3
James Dolan wrote on October 8, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit: WESTINGHOUSE TECH REP
Service or Relationship: Navy Veteran - Korea
Comments: I recall that the Marines supportedkoreanorphans, I believethey boughtrice paddieds to supply them with food when the war was over. I was at K-3 1953 and 54. This would be a great story that should be told. MAG 33 was at K 3 as wells 1st Marine Air Wing Hdqrts
Keywords:
Entry: 15173
Subject: PHOTO'S OF HMR 163
Subject: PHOTO'S OF HMR 163
James LeMay wrote on February 23, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: DEWITT MI
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father was in the HMR 163 in the Korea war. His name is Carl D. LeMay and has a nickname on a coffee mug from the HMR 163 of Lee. And I have photos of the group and am looking for more.
Semper fidelis
James LeMay OUT
Keywords: Carl D. LeMay Nickname Lee HMR 163
Entry: 14511
Subject: HMR-163 HELOCOPTER PICTURES WANTED
Subject: HMR-163 HELOCOPTER PICTURES WANTED
Bill Fletcher wrote on January 22, 2001
Email Update Needed
City and State: PROSPECT HEIGHTS IL
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Family Member
Comments: My father served with HMR-163 in Japan and Korea
in 1953. John (Jack) C. Fletcher. I am working on
a project for his 70th birthday this summer that
will include origional art work. I would like to
view some photographs of Helocopters that where
assigned to the Unit. (H-19 Chickasaws I believe)
Or if anyone could furnish me with an accurate
decription of the correct color scheam and
markings that would be helpful.
Keywords:
Entry: 4960
Subject: LOOKING FOR ROBERT CAMPBELL
Subject: LOOKING FOR ROBERT CAMPBELL
Gile McWain wrote on November 15, 1999
Email Update Needed
City and State: ONALASKA WI
Unit: HMR163 MAG16
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: Been trying for a long time to find guys I served with.
Keywords: Mac
Entry: 4771
Subject: FINDING BLAZER
Subject: FINDING BLAZER
Jack Gibb wrote on November 11, 1999
Email Update Needed
City and State:
Unit:
Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea
Comments: Trying to find a Marine buddy named Blazer, served in HMR 163
Keywords: Korea 1953
Entry: 4153
Subject: 1954-56 SGT. JIM SCANLAN
Subject: 1954-56 SGT. JIM SCANLAN
James C. Scanlan wrote on November 6, 1999
DeceasedCity and State: BRIGHAM CITY UT
Unit: FIRST AIR WING HMR 163 1954 TO 1955
Service or Relationship: Marines
Comments: Your site is the first I have ever found, that lists anything about the Korean Marine First Air Wing I thought we had been eradicated from all records. this is just great.I was in hmr-163 mag-16,I could find nothing on the outfit let alone any one that served in it.I was in it from Dec53 to Feb55 never have run across, any one that was there at any time.
Keywords:
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Marine Aviation - Helicopter
- HMR 161 Marine Helicopter Transport Sqdn 161
- HMR 163 Marine Helicopter Transport Sqdn 163
- VMO 6 Marine Observation Sqdn 6
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