Brothers (& Sisters) Killed in Action in USMC Helicopters or while assigned to USMC Helicopter or Tiltrotor Squadrons
19680331HMM-362 Vietnam
Download PDFIncident Date 19680331 HMM-362 UH-34D 148792+ - Crash, Instrument Meterological Conditions
Yantis, Kenneth Richard Cpl Crew Chief HMM-362 MAG-36 1968-03-31 (vvm 47E:029)
Pesimer, Daniel Sgt Gunner HMM-362 MAG-36 1968-03-31 (vvm 47E:025)
Personal Narrative
Comment on Incident(from HMM-362 data compiled by Bob Skinder):
Dave Jones was the HAC (pilot) on a night medevac mission southeast of Phu Bai. We were the 2nd ship in a section led by Maj Walt Shauer (Sqdrn C.O.) enroute to the LZ in extremely low vis/low ceiling conditions @ approx 0300 hrs.
I was monitoring the gauges while Dave attempted to fly fairly tight form with the lead ship. We suddenly went inadvertent IFR and Jonesie said, "Brownie, I just lost visual with the Skipper" or something to that effect. Fearing a midair, Dave broke left away from the lead and attempted a climbing left turn (mountains were ahead of us) out toward the coast and a return to Phu Bai via GCA or TACAN approach (we had gotten separated from the lead earlier that night on another mission and had to return on instruments).
This time we were not so lucky and hit the mountain and exploded. Ken Yantis and Dan Pesimer were killed while Jonesie and I survived a night on the mountain to be found by a VMO gunship and hoisted out by a 46 and taken to Delta med at Phu Bai. Tom Brownfield, HMM-362, H2P (copilot) on mission
Personal Narrative
Ken was a friend of mine. We were two of fifty Marines to go to New River, N.C. in Feb. 1966 for UH34D OJT. That is where we met and became buddies. We were just 18 years old. After school we went to different squadrons. We kept in touch and occationaly ran in to each other. The last time I saw Ken was at Hue where our squadrons were involved in a joint strike. A few weeks later I heard of his death. I have thought of Ken many times during the last 35 years.
Submitted by: Dave Sharpe 2179578, Friend, 20040109Personal Narrative:
I met Ken when he came to MAG 36 and we became good friends.
Just to let his friends know that his name will be displayed with honor at the
National Museum of the Marine Corps.
I think you often.
Your Hooch buddy.
Family Information
Hello, My name is Carol Adkins and my Great Uncle was SGT. Daniel Pesimer. I have been trying to find information about what really happened at the time of the accident. My family has always been told one thing and it was not until here recently that we have found another story that was told. I am also trying to see if you would know anything about him or any people he would have known while in Vietnam. They are doing a Bridge Dedication in Salt Rock, WV, his hometown.
