VMO 6 - Marine Observation Squadron 6

VMO 6 (Marine Observation Squadron Six)

Note: our Dad's unit during the war - Ted and Hal - we would love to hear
from anyone that ever served with our father, Edward L. Barker, Lt. Col USMC
(ret).

Dad never said much about his service during WWII and Korea, except for vague references. We know that most men who served under combat situations do not talk much, but it is important for younger generations to know what their family members experienced.

Ed note: from Hal Barker, Director KWP;

Our father was operations officer of VMO-6 in the fall of 1951, arrived there on September 25, shot down in an HTL-4 on September 26, Silver Star in an HO3-S1 at Heartbreak Ridge on October 7 while attempting a rescue of a downed F4-U pilot hit by friendly fire.

Later he handled operations in the HMR 161 move to the west in 1952. At the time, he was Major Edward L. Barker, and went by "Lee".

I ran into Ed Modjelewski (spelling?) about 10 years ago by letter, and he sent me a photocopy of the 1952 yearbook for VMO-6.

Unit Casualty List By Last Name

Unit Casualty List By Date

Marine Corps BBS

Marine Corps Command Records

Legacy Messages - 1995-1999

---

---

Chuck Barth wrote on July 17, 2024

Send Email To CHUCK BARTH

---

City and State: PEKIN IL

Unit: TACP

Service or Relationship: USAF

Comments: Hi. I’m restoring a VMO-6 Birddog OE-1 that served in Korea with VMO-6 from 1952-1955. I’m looking for anyone who served there then in VMO-6 and any photos that may be available of the OE Birddogs. Even if the birddog isn’t the focus of the photo any data contained may be of value to the restoration. I am a retired USAF Forward Air Controller.

Keywords: VMO-6 OE-1 Birddog

---

---

Abram Karl wrote on May 21, 2023

Send Email To ABRAM KARL

---

City and State: DEFUNIAK SPRINGS FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: USN

Comments: I am looking for pictures for VMO-6 aircraft, during the time when they were in Tsingtao, China. I own a Stinson OY-1 that served with the unit in that timeframe. I am just looking for imagery, anecdotes that are for a specific airframe. Any help you can forward would be greatly appreciated.
Aircraft: Stinson, Model: OY-1 (L-5E), Serial Number: 44-17812 (BuNo: 03956)
This airplane was built in 1944, and purchased by the USAAF, then given to the USMC, where it was sent to an artillery school, then Quantico, Va., then finally it was shipped over to China, where it served until 1950, then the airplane was given the Civil Air Patrol in Miami, Florida and served until 1968.

Keywords: Pictures, VMO-6, 1945-1950

---

---

John Weliver wrote on May 26, 2020

Send Email To JOHN WELIVER

---

City and State: FORT MYERS FL

Unit: VMO-6 (KOREA)

Service or Relationship: USMC

Comments: The picture of the flight line was taken at A-9, Tonga-ri, Korea before the revetments were built for the OE's and the tower was erected. I left there as a GySgt (E-6) sometime early in 1953. I also worked with HMR-161 when it was at a strip close to the 1st MARDIV Headquarters at X83. The engineering officer was CWO-4/2ndLt Bill Lane. I have been trying to locate my friend GySgt (E-6) Leon B. Strahan who was there at the same time and wonder if anyone who is knows of him is in contact with this list.

Keywords: A-9, Tonga-ri, X83, Bill Lane

---

---

Tolly Spence wrote on July 30, 2019

Send Email To TOLLY SPENCE

---

City and State: NC

Unit:

Service or Relationship:

Comments: My father T T Spence Jr VMO - 6 1952-1953. Dad did not say much about it but he was helicopter medical pilot in Korean War. He earned his wings in Naval Air Corp in WWII. Navy reserve until Korea and moved to Marine as Captain during Korea. We have flight logs from his time in Korea. Limited info but almost daily flights. Thanks

Keywords:

---

---

Dan Michener wrote on May 14, 2018

Send Email To DAN MICHENER

---

City and State: ST PAUL MN

Unit: N/A

Service or Relationship: N/A

Comments: I am seeking information on my Great Uncle, John Macray BAKER. He survived the attack on the USS Arizona. He served in the Pacific and in Korea. He is credited with leading the first Helicopter Attack in military history. I believe this was Operation Hoseburner. I have newspaper clippings that put this around 10/26/1952. During the operation he was awarded the Silver Star and a Purple Heart.

Keywords: Hoseburner, Silver Star, Purple Heart, John M Baker, John Baker, John Macray Baker, Helicopter

---

---

Casey Mcvicars wrote on November 24, 2017

Send Email To CASEY MCVICARS

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for photos of my father Capt Andrew McVicars

Keywords: VMO-6 ,

---

---

Michael Gooden wrote on February 22, 2017

Send Email To MICHAEL GOODEN

---

City and State: MOREHEAD CITY NC

Unit: VMO 6

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, Capt David Gooden, was kia 7 February 52 while serving with VMO 6 . I was just going through some papers my mom had and came across a very nice letter from a squadron mate of my dad's. it was signed Zig. Anyone know who this might have been?

Keywords:

---

---

Jim Smurda wrote on February 16, 2017

Send Email To JIM SMURDA

---

City and State: WINTER HAVEN FL

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Any one out there from VMO=6 in 1951-52 would like to hear from you. I know its been a long time ago but hopefully there are still a few of us still kicking!

Keywords:

---

---

Michael Beatty wrote on February 12, 2017

Send Email To MICHAEL BEATTY

---

City and State: VILLAS NJ

Unit: VMO-6 (DAD'S UNIT!)

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Hello to VMO-6 Veterans and their families.
My Dad, Eugene J Beatty, was a member of VMO-6 during its deployment to Korea in
1952-53.
I have inherited his property, sadly, and among his possessions were a number of
photographs taken during his tour there.
I would be very pleased to add his photos to any online collection that might
exist, any moderators reading this feel free to contact me about these photos.I
have at least one photo of a group of the guys and Dad wrote their names on the
back.

Michael R Beatty.
(Marine Brat born at Quantico!)

Keywords: VMO-6, Gene Beatty,

---

---

Casey Mcvicars wrote on January 9, 2017

Send Email To CASEY MCVICARS

---

City and State: WILDOMAR CA

Unit: VMO 6

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Info pictures of my father Mac Mcvicars

Keywords:

---

---

Casey Cvicars wrote on May 8, 2015

Send Email To CASEY CVICARS

---

City and State:

Unit: USMC

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for any information about my father, Andrew L. Mcvicars (Mac)

Keywords:

---

---

Raymond Britt wrote on September 13, 2014

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: MI

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I was a member of the original unit member of VMO-6 that went to Vietnam landing
at Ky Ha, Republic of Vietnam on September 1, 1965. I was with her until
September 12, 1966.

I invite all members that ever served with VMO-6 to go to
marines.togetherweserved.com and view the VMO-6 Unit Page, as well as family
members. You will have to register to see, but I can assure you when you
register, you can also have a Profile for you or your family member. If your
military family member is deceased, their Profile will be free.

In addition, you may be able to see all Marine member's Profiles, which you
probably will also find Marines you may have served with. For those that have
never heard of marines.togetherweserved.com, I can assure you, you have never
witnessed anything like this website. It is run by military men and women, for
the Marine Veterans. This site is made for the honoring of all Marines that have
ever served.

Hope you visit!

Keywords: VMO-6
MAG-36
1st Marine Aircraft Wing
3d Marine Aircraft Wing
Captain Steven Wesley Pless, Medal of Honor Winner
Major William Joseph Goodsell, Navy Cross Winner, killed-in-action
Ed McMann, Johnny Carson's co-host

---

---

Bill Peterson wrote on April 30, 2013

Send Email To BILL PETERSON

---

City and State: AUBURN WA

Unit: 340TH AREFW

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I would like to know where he crashed. The
information is a little vague, and there was
no North or South Korea at the time. All I know is
that he crashed in the river near Sinchon. The
only Sinchon I can find is in North Korea, but
there are no airfields listed in that area.

Also, I would like to know more about my uncle
Bob's WWII service. All I know is that
he served at Guadalcanal, which does tell me a
lot, but there must be more than just
that.

Thanks for your help.

Keywords: VMO6, USMC, Sinchon, L-19A

---

---

Abram Karl wrote on November 23, 2012

Send Email To ABRAM KARL

---

City and State: DEFUNIAK SPRINGS FL

Unit: 3-101 BSTB

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments:

Keywords: I am currently, restoring a Stinson OY-1, that served
with VMO-6 from 1945-1949 in China, I am looking for
a pictures of the aircraft so I can determine correct
color schemes for that period and also, any stories
about flying in those days over China.

Stinson OY-1 Info
BuNo. 03956
AAF SN: 44-17812
Leased to USMC 1944, Oct.
Flew ASRTC Quantico, VA. until 1945
When it was taken to China and flown there until 1949
returned to states and given to the USAF Auxilary
(CAP) and flown until 1968 when it was scrapped
aircraft recovered from a barn 1994
and currently in restoration.

---

---

Tom Constantine wrote on May 4, 2012

Send Email To TOM CONSTANTINE

---

City and State:

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: http://vmo6memorial.homestead.com/index.html


http://www.facebook.com/pages/Marine-Observation-
Squadron-Six-Memorial/124510194279850?v=wall

Keywords: VMO-6 Memorial

---

---

Garrison A. (Gary) Southard wrote on April 25, 2012

Send Email To GARRISON A. (GARY) SOUTHARD

---

City and State: PINEHURST NC

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Looking for anyone serving with VMO-6 in Korea from
August 1952 to Dec. 1952. I was the Supply Officer with
the squadron at that time.

Keywords:

---

---

Casey McVickers wrote on January 15, 2012

Send Email To CASEY MCVICKERS

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for any info about my father, Andrew L. Mcvicars

Keywords:

---

---

Jim Westendorf wrote on September 15, 2011

Deceased

---

City and State: JACKSON MS

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Was one of the HMX original helicopter types {HO3S-
1's} that joined VMO-6 July 1950: Landed at Pusan,
02, Aug, 1950. was with VMO-6 thu all the major
battles.., From the Pusan Perimeter,Inchon, Wonson,to
include the Chosin Reservoir {Hagaru-ri} and the 1st
Spring offensive ..., returned stateside in
April, '51': posted to VMO-1, HO5S-1, OY's and OE-1's,
Peterfield Pt. N.C, {New River, N.C.}

Semper Fi, Jim Westendorf

Keywords: crew-chief /mechanic Sikorsky HO3S-1, Bell, HTL-L, -
2,3, and 4

Pusan Perimeter, Inchon, capture of Seoul, re-capture
of Seoul, Wonson, Hagaru-ri @ the Chosin,

---

---

Thomas E. (T.E.) Moore wrote on January 30, 2011

Send Email To THOMAS E. (T.E.) MOORE

---

City and State: ESTERO FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: IN AUG.1950, WHEN THE 1ST.PROVISIONAL MARINE BRIGADE
WAS LANDING IN PUSAN,SOUTH KOREA, VMO-6 , WHO WAS TO
BE ATTACHED TO THE BRIGADE, WAS UNLOADING AT DOCKSIDE
IN KOBE,JAPAN. MAJ.VINCENT GOTTSCHALK(C.O. OF THE SQUADRON), CPT.WILLIAM PARKER, CPT."LITTLE MAC" McCALEB, LT.HAROLD DAVIS, AND MEN WERE ASSEMBLING FOUR
SMALL OY (GRASSHOPPER) AIRCRAFT ON THE DOCK. WITH LARGE GROUPS OF JAPANESE WATCHING, WITH THEIR EYES
BUGGED OUT, THE FOUR PILOTS TOOK OFF IN THE OY'S FROM
THE KOBE STREET, AND FLEW THE LITTLE PLANES ACROSS THE
TSUSHIMA STRAITS TO CHINHAE. VMO-6 WAS IN THE KOREAN WAR.-------------------------------------

Keywords: OY'S-----KOBE----CHINHAE---MAJ.GOTTSCHALK---------

---

---

Thomas E. (T.E.) Moore wrote on March 6, 2010

Send Email To THOMAS E. (T.E.) MOORE

---

City and State: ESTERO FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: VMO-6 PIONEERED "THE NIGHT CASUALTY EVACUATION SERVICE", DURING THE ACTIVE COMBAT IN THE KOREAN WAR.
FLYING OUT MORE THAN 1,000 CASUALTIES IN NIGHT EVACUATION, FROM THE FRONT-LINE TO MEDICAL FACILITIES
IN REAR AREAS. THESE FLIGHTS WERE MADE IN ALL KINDS OF
WEATHER, AND WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF ADEQUATE INSTRUMENTATION, OR A HOMING DEVICE. NO EIGHTH ARMY
HELICOPTER UNIT MADE REGULARLY SCHEDULED "NIGHT" FRONT-LINE EVACUATIONS.-----THE COURAGE OF THESE VMO-6
PILOTS WAS RECALLED NEARLY 15 YEARS LATER, BY A FORMER
EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE 1ST.MARINES: THE FLYING OF THE EVACUATION HELICOPTERS FROM JURY-RIGGED, AND
INADEQUATE LANDING SITES, WAS NOTHING SHORT OF
MIRACULOUS. I'VE ALWAYS CONTENDED THOSE PILOTS OF
OBSERVATION SQUADRON SIX, RECEIVED FAR LESS CREDIT
THAN THEY DESERVED. THEY USED TO FLY AT NIGHT TO FRONT-LINE LANDING STRIPS UNDER ENEMY FIRE, WHERE I
HAD DIFFICULTY WALKING, WITHOUT BANGING MY SHINS.----

Keywords:

---

---

Pierre Herbert wrote on September 28, 2009

Send Email To PIERRE HERBERT

---

City and State: CHIANGMAI TI

Unit: VMO-6 AIR OBSERVATION

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Would like to know if there might be anyone still scampering around out there in this worldwide wilderness. I've been over here in the Land of Smiles abouy twenty plus years...don't know if I'll last much longer...there are so many beautiful young females chasing us handsome young guys around that it's downright almost dangerous! Since I havn't heard from Hassel(3rd),Henkel(OF),Bolan(P),Edlen(1st),Ford(SS) nor our manager Nelson in more than half a century I'm beging to wonder if we may no longer be able to field another championship softball team?

Keywords: Pusan Perimeter
Inchon Landing and Capture of Seoul
North Korean Invasion and Winter Withdrawal
Springtime Central Korea CouterOffensive
Osaka Night Expeditions: International and Kabuki Caberets

---

---

Ted Barker wrote on August 8, 2009

Send Email To TED BARKER

---

City and State: DALLAS TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Lt. Col. Edward L. Barker, United States Marines, Retired, died August 4, 2009, after a prolonged illness in Temple, Texas. He was born on December 8, 1920, in Houston, Texas. He entered service from Crockett, Texas. He was 88 years old.

Barker was a veteran of the United States Marines and served in the South Pacific in WW II. In the Korean War in 1951-1952, he served with Marine Observation Squadron Six (VMO-6) and HMR-161.

In 1941, he left Texas A and M and volunteered for service in the Royal Canadian Air Force to become an enlisted flight instructor. Following Pearl Harbor, he was commissioned in the United States Marines after returning to the United States and trained as a Naval Aviator at Pensacola, Florida.

While in Canada, he met and later married Geraldine Beatrice Frances Brown of Regina, Saskatchewan, April 17, 1943, in Regina. They are survived by two sons, Edward L. Barker, Jr, and Harold R. Barker, of Dallas, Texas.

His last billet in the Marines was as Executive Officer of H and HS Squadron, MCAF, New River, North Carolina, in 1965.

In Korea, he was awarded the Silver Star for an attempted helicopter rescue of a downed Marine pilot on the Hill 851 - Hill 520 ridgeline at Heartbreak Ridge on October 7, 1951. He was also credited with the Air Medal w/8, Distinguished Flying Cross w/1, Navy Letter of Commendation w/V, Presidential Unit Citation, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with w/3, Victory Medal WW II, China Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal w/3, and Korean Presidential Unit Citation.

In 1980, after a lifetime of total silence about his career, Lt. Col. Barker consented to talk for one hour with his youngest son, Harold R. Barker, about his military career. After that one hour, he refused to talk more and until his death remained silent.

That one hour conversation later resulted in the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the Mall in Washington, D.C., and the founding of the Korean War Project on the Internet.

According to his wishes, his ashes will be released over the Pacific Ocean off California.

The story of Lt. Colonel Barkers heroism and influence in honoring all Korean War Veterans throughout the world can be found at:

www.koreanwar.org/html/chapter_one.html

Keywords:

---

---

Pierre Herbert wrote on August 3, 2009

Send Email To PIERRE HERBERT

---

City and State: CHIANGMAI

Unit: VMO-6 FIRST MARINE DIVISION

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: Glad to hear from any of our hard core crew from back in Pendleton...and of course...our buddies from the Coptihoppers who always made life so interesting

Keywords: Pusan Perimeter
Inchon Landing and capture of Seoul
North Korean Invasion and Winter Withdrawal
Spring Central Korean Counter Offensive

---

---

Dave Lindsay wrote on October 19, 2008

Send Email To DAVE LINDSAY

---

City and State: RANCHO PALOS VERDES CA

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: Hello: Can any USMC Korean Vets-(VMO 6) help with a jacket round patch of a black and white cat, carrying a stretcher, holding binoculars- has a green background, with a "tab" 1st MAR DIV, with VMO 6, and MAW, that I can't make out what is sewn over the insignia. Was this a patch made in Korea, or Japan??? Was this a "official" sqd patch/insignia? Also did anyone know a Sgt. James Roger Gertschen-Pilot?-( now deceased). Was this unit a Medivac, obsrvation unit? Were there USMC NCO-(Sgt), who flew the aircraft? Any infor. would be appreciated. A military historian
Thank you.
Dave

Keywords: VMO 6 Sqd Patch??

---

---

Tim Melchior wrote on September 12, 2008

Send Email To TIM MELCHIOR

---

City and State: COLUMBUS MN

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: I am trying to track down the pilot who flew my dad off of Turkey Hill on November 28th, 1950. He would have been contacted by and requested to do the mission specifically by Father Griffin, a chaplin with C company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marine division. I understand that this pilot was likely from VMO-6. Dad was wounded severly on Turkey hill. He had a headwound, stomach and lower leg wounds. He eventually lost his leg. But for the heroic flight of this Pilot, my father and therefore I would not be here today. If anyone knows of this pilot please contact us. There is one piece of information that only this pilot and my father, Cpl Norm Melchior, will know.
My father would like to thank him. Any assistance you could give us in finding this pilot would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.
Tim Melchior

Keywords: Chosen Res.; Turkey Hill; Father Griffin; Nov. 28, 1950; Cpl Melchior

---

---

Curtis Gilbertson wrote on July 8, 2008

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: HUDSON WI

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I remember you well Mr. Cropley. Also some of the other names mentioned. I would appreciate getting in touch with any and all.

Keywords: Tsingtao,China 1946 CAMP PENDELTON 1947-48

---

---

James A. (Jim) Johnson wrote on March 27, 2008

Send Email To JAMES A. (JIM) JOHNSON

---

City and State: JOHNSON AR

Unit: I CO AND G CO, 3RD BN, 5MARINES,1ST MARDIV

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: I observed the shoot down of the single engine observation a/c that Mr. Marino was flying. I was with Item or George Company, 3/5/1st MarDiv. I was part of a recovery unit to go forward of the MLR to retrieve the remains. The recovery movement was cancelled when the opposition shelled the A/C as is lay in the crash location. This was only a few days before the Truce was signed.

Keywords: G/3/5, I/|3/5, 1st MarDiv, July 1953. Marino, VMO 6.

---

---

Mike Steeves wrote on February 4, 2008

Send Email To MIKE STEEVES

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Air Force Veteran

Comments: See http://luckydawg.home.bresnan.net/vmo6_korea.htm for images of VMO-6 in Korea, early 1950's. 9 images, mostly flight line shots.

Keywords: VMO-6, Korea, 1950

---

---

James Gray wrote on June 7, 2007

Send Email To JAMES GRAY

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I'm writing a book on the Stinson L-5 and am looking for WWII or Korean War photos of L-5's (Navy / Marine designation OY-1 and OY-2)operated by VMO-6 or any of the other Marine Observation Squadrons. I would also like to hear from pilots who flew them in either conflict. Thanks, JG.

Keywords: VMO-6, Stinson L-5, Vultee OY-1, Convair OY-2

---

---

Robert Gilbert wrote on April 22, 2007

Send Email To ROBERT GILBERT

---

City and State: SIDCUP KE

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments: Looking for photo of Charles.B.Marino as Bird-dog pilot KIA July 1953 serving with VMO-6

Keywords: Cessna, marino

---

---

Hugo Raccuia wrote on July 20, 2006

Send Email To HUGO RACCUIA

---

City and State: ORANGE CT

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: I was a TAO at VMO-6 from Sept-Dec 1952... Have some
photos.......Looking for others.......Will share.

Keywords:
OE-1

---

---

Gary Hall wrote on June 14, 2005

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: TYLER TX

Unit: W-3-1, IST MAR DIV

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments: In early Dec., 1950, as the 1st, 5th and 7th Marines were advancing toward Hungnam, in the vicinity of Sudong-ni, I observed a very low flying observation plane, spotting for us at about 100 feet altitude. Suddenly I heard a very loud, distinct, desperate screeching noise. I looked up and saw the plane had flown into a power line and one end of the cut line was being wrapped up around the prop hub as the engined labored to provide power and flight attitude, while the entangled line drug the plane down. Ed Moynaugh reports there were 2 Marine Officers in the plane: Pilot Adelorde G. Morency, later died of wounds and LT R. Sheil, who survived the crash.

Keywords: Grasshoppers, OY-2, VMO-6, Dec., 1950 in North Korea, between Chinhung-ni and Hungnam, advancing to the sea.

---

---

Gary Hall wrote on June 10, 2005

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: TYLER TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments:

Keywords:

---

---

Gary Hall wrote on June 9, 2005

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: TYLER TX

Unit: W-3-1, 1ST MAR DIV

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran

Comments:

Keywords:

---

---

Gary Hall wrote on June 9, 2005

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: TYLER TX

Unit: W-3-1, 1ST MAR DIV

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments:

Keywords:

---

---

Gary Hall wrote on June 9, 2005

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: TYLER TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Other

Comments:

Keywords:

---

---

William L. Woolever wrote on May 14, 2005

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: PATASKALA OH

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My name is Bill and I am the sole surviving son of Capt. Woolever. I am looking for family of Sergeant Langtry, and anyone with info of the crash or who was stationed with Dad in Korea. Also have flight log and would love to have some of the codes translated. Hate to ask for more but does anyone have a map of North Korea showing the village of Kuhwa-ri. Thank you Semper Fis'. Lets all work to bring every man home!

Keywords: Capt. "Wooly" Woolever VMO-6,FMAW piolet Cessna OE-1 #133788 MIA with Tech. Sergeant Charles S. Langtry Jr. on July 3,1952 over Kuhwa-ri, North Korea while on leaflet drop mission.

---

---

LeRoy Polgrean wrote on March 7, 2005

Send Email To LEROY POLGREAN

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: My father, LCOL Edward R Polgrean was the CO of VMO-6 for a short time, I have a report of Pilot Time form that shows him there from 1/1/52 to 3/31/52 during which time he put in 18.4 flight hours which brought his total flight time up to 2403.8 hrs. I have his logs before and after that time that indicates he was flying several types of aircraft such as F4U-4, SNB-5, R5C-1F, 6F-SN, JRB-4, F4U5N, TBM3Q, SNB, C47, OE-1, R4D-5, R4D-6, JRB-6 and B-25

Keywords: VMO-6 Korea F4U-4, SNB-5, R5C-1F, 6F-SN, JRB-4, F4U5N, TBM3Q, SNB, C47, OE-1, R4D-5, R4D-6, JRB-6 and B-25

---

---

Robert Landers wrote on February 22, 2005

Send Email To ROBERT LANDERS

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: My friend H.R. Anker was a 2 lt. - A.O. he had 38 missions from
July to August 1952.. He is looking for a flight log/book.

Keywords: flight log VMO6

---

---

Steve Lacki wrote on January 10, 2005

Send Email To STEVE LACKI

---

City and State: LEWISTON NY

Unit: F-2-1 1ST MAR. DIV.

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: While in the battle for Hill 749 in the middle of Sept 1951 we had a seriously wounded Marine that would not survive until morning. Our Bn CO Col F. Brooke Nihart requested a night evacuation. Maj. Mcfarland of VMO-6 volunteered to fly an unarmed helicopter, without lights, thru about 7 miles of mountaineous terraign, land on the reverse slope of a contested hill during a fierse counterattack and evacuate the Marine. This may have been the 1st night medivac in history. Seek more info.

Keywords: Hill 749

---

---

Mike Steeves wrote on November 6, 2004

Send Email To MIKE STEEVES

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: See http://users.rural-com.com/luckydawg/vmo6_korea.htm for images of VMO-6 in Korea, early 1950's. 9 images, mostly flight line shots.

Keywords: VMO-6; Korea;

---

---

Luis Santos JR. wrote on October 9, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: MIAMI FL

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Family Member

Comments: Looking for Mr Bob Stoffey ex VMO-1 early 1960's
Please contact me.

Keywords:

---

---

Harold Lutz wrote on June 11, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: STAUNTON VA

Unit: VMO2 VMO6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: looking for any marines that was with vmo6 in korea from 1954 to april 1955 We brought vmo6 back to camp penelton in april 55.vmo6 was up next to the dmz

Keywords: .

---

---

Howard Bolton wrote on February 14, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ST. AUGUSTINE FL

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: My memory of those days is very poor(79 and pushing 80 is my excuse).It was cold and there was snow dusting the hills.The 38th parallel had been established;however fire-fights were going on pretty continuously.We(OY pilots) flew tactical air control missions and artillery spotting missions.The chopper pilots flew Bell(bubble)helicopters.They would evacuate the wounded.Our Bell chopper Pilots flew night time evacuations as well as daytime.

Keywords: Our tour of duty was 100 missions (red hops) prior to being reassigned to the States-the squadron was located close to Munsani(sp?).My very dim recollection was that I flew OY's not OE's-A tentmate that I remember well was Captain Charles Manley( Chuck died in helicopter crash after he got a job(as a civilian) flying for an oil company in Texas.
Lt. Col. Dew was the CO of the squadron during the time I was in Korea.

---

---

Howard Bolton wrote on February 14, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: ST. AUGUSTINE FL

Unit: VMO-5

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments:

Keywords:

---

---

John Willson wrote on February 9, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: GRAPEVINE TX

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Friend of Veteran

Comments: I am trying to determine what location VMO-6 was operating from on January 18, 1953. I am working on a project for the relatives of Major Ardell "Ebe" Ebel who was awarded a silver star for his actions on this day. I would appreciate any information, year books, photos, ect.

Regards,

John Willson

Keywords:

---

---

HarryB. Proudman wrote on January 21, 2004

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit: VMO 6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: This is to advise that I also served in VMO-6 during the period that Walt Scheeser, Bob Blount and John Dixon were there as well..Many of the others that were listed here are also familiar but time has erased much of my memory. It was at this stage that I had an opportunity to take over command at the early warning radar detachment at Cheju-Do Korea next door to 6,500 Chinese prisoners of war. I left for the states in early October 1953..I was recalled to active duty early 1952, received refresher flight training at Willow Grove Naval Air Station in Pennsylvania attended cold weather school in Pickle Meadows, Nevada shipped out to Korea January 1953 via El Toro Calif. My MOS was 7301 and 6710. Thats about all I can come up with at this point..I do recall, however that I had heard through the grape vine that Bob Blount had been shot down and was repatriated during the peace program..
I have about 179 slides that I took at Kunsan and Chej Do. You can view them at;
http://holidayhello.com/korea.htm
Did anyone ever hear of a Catholic Missionary named Father Thomas D. Ryan from Cheju Do?? Best wishes and I hope that this will find you all in good health..I will be 86 if I make it to April 17th 2004..I am in relatively good health but also smart enough to realize that I am on borrowed time as my comrades in arms..Semper Fi..Harry Proudman,
Reserve Captain
USMC..WW2 and Korea.

Keywords: Kunsan
Cheju Do

---

---

Jim Westendorf wrote on January 13, 2004

Deceased

---

City and State: JACKSON MS

Unit: VMO-6 - AUG 1950 / APRIL 1951

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: Robert A.Longstaff, 1st.Lt. USMC, VMO-1 Aug 1950, KIA Dec 03 1950

Arthur R. Bancroft, Capt. USMC VMO-6 Aug 1950 Oct. 1950 KIA / MIA

Keywords:

---

---

Michael Hofstetter wrote on December 28, 2003

Email Update Needed

---

City and State:

Unit:

Service or Relationship: Interested Person

Comments: I am restoring OE 1 133812 it was in Korea 52-55 and am looking for any pictures or information.
Mike Hofstetter
573 265 3452

Keywords: OE 1 L19 birddog

---

---

Larry G. Whittall wrote on September 4, 2003

Email Update Needed

---

City and State: KIRKLAND WA

Unit: VMO-6

Service or Relationship: Marine Veteran - Korea

Comments: While at Seoul, and prior to relocating back aboard another LST for a ride to Wonsan. I had taken a ride out to one of the Navy ships (Cruiser Rochester)with a Navy pilot while his crewchief stayed with our unit. While on the flight, we were diverted to a rescue of a Navy pilot shot down behind the lines North of Seoul up near a town called Sorwon. We found the pilot but in turn, we were shot down. We never got the guy on the ground, but we were able to make it out of the valley before we made a night "crash" in the Han river. Later rescued by Maj. Victor A. Armstrong (C.O. along with Maj. Vince Gottschalk)

Keywords: In 1950, I was stationed at El Toro with VMIT-2, and F4U and JRB squadron. When the request for volunteers to go to Korea and join with HMX-1 (a helicopter unit) I joined. We joined the unit at Camp Pendelton before shipping to Korea on 14 July 1950. We convoyed to Japan,Our unit was on the Badoeng Straits (CVE114). Landed in Japan, moved to Chinhae, Korea and waited. Later loaded on LST at Pusan for landing at Inchon. Went through the Inchon campaign and moved to Kimpo airdrome at Seoul.

---

---