Synopsis
Grabbing the hand-held radio and transmitting on Guard, Halvorson alerted the tower to their situation. “This is Dustoff 7-oh-7 on Guard, north of Quang Tri about 20 miles out. We have multiple wounded on board, no idea of their condition, no hydraulics, and no instruments. We need a straight in. Clear everything, I need to be first in line.” It was about this time that Gary noticed one of the few instruments still working was the engine temperature gauge “And it was running pretty hot!” OS PUBLISHING, PO Box 133, Lakeview, Ohio 43331 USA or see TheVillageCarpenter.info
About the Author
Phil Marshall received his first helicopter flight at the age of 16. His cousin, Larry Mason, flew the first helicopter for Channel 9 Television News in Cincinnati, Ohio. Phil was immediately hooked on flying, but had no idea that he, too, might someday become a helicopter pilot. Graduating in 1966 from Beavercreek High School near Dayton, Ohio, Phil went on to Ohio State University to become a teacher. He started visiting Recruiters, stopping at the Army first. As soon as Warrant Officer Flight School was mentioned, the recruiter had Phil's full attention; he would train to be a helicopter pilot! Basic Training began in April of 1968 and graduation from Rotary Wing Flight School was in April of 1969. Having been selected to fly Dustoff before completion of flight school, Phil attended what was referred to as a "condensed Combat Medic's Course" at Ft. Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. There, 24 pilots from Phil's flight class of over 200 men received the 10-week Combat Medic Course in 5-weeks. Arriving in Vietnam 4 July 1969 was assigned to the 237th Medical Detachment, Helicopter Ambulance, at Camp Evans in Northern I Corps; they were the northernmost Dustoff unit in Vietnam. He was given the call sign "Dustoff 7-1-1." "I wasn't superstitious" he stated, "but I never said 'seven-eleven', it was always seven-one-one." With most of the Aircraft Commanders in the 237th going home at the end of November, Phil was made an Aircraft Commander on 11 November 1969, after only 3 months of flying in combat. On 15 November, just 4 days later, he was wounded on a night rescue mission and subsequently sent back to the States due to the nature of his wound. Further assignment was to Ft. Wolters, Texas, home of Primary Flight Training, where Phil volunteered to be a Training, Advising and Counseling (TAC) Officer for new Warrant Officer Candidates. He remained in this capacity until his Honorable Discharge in April of 1971. Most recently, he has become involved with American Huey 369, in Peru, Indiana, which is a group of veterans and patriots who have restored Huey helicopters to flying condition for the preservation, demonstration and education of the Huey. The AH369 organization pays tribute to all veterans and patriots, but especially Vietnam Veterans. These restored Vietnam Veteran Hueys appear at many events in Indiana and surrounding states several times a year. This organization can be found on the Internet at: AmericanHuey369.com
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