A friend of mine, Bob Savanich, who I knew when he returned to the states from Vietnam to El Toro has a question.

Here it is:

"I have never have known the Marines squadron name in my bird the day I was wounded at Khe Sanh. The bird was #16 (CH-46) I had been flying for a few days and jumped on with 2-3 different squadrons. It could have been HMM-163, HMM-262, or HMM-364. Honestly I can not remember. I was in the shack on the flight line early that morning looking for a ride (flight pay). When a bird needed a gunner I'd jump on. I was stationed at Phu Bai and it was March 8, 1968. I was in H&MS. We were hit by either mortar or rocket probably, mortar at around 4:20 PM. We were loading wounded Marines and we were on the ground when the round came through the rear rotor hitting the stubby wing as I recall. Of the 8 of us 7 were wounded or killed I was told. One of the pilots was wounded in the heel the other pilot was not wounded as I recall. Most likely the right seat pilot was wounded because the round hit the port stubby wing or at least on the port side of the bird. The pilots managed to get the bird into a revetment before it crapped out. We off loaded into a ditch and were picked up within in minutes by another CH-46. I was medivaced to Dong Ha for evaluation. Then to Quang Tri, Phu Bai then Cam Rahn Bay. Then to Yokahama 106th General Hospital (I think that was the name). Spent 49 days our of country before going back to my outfit in Phu Bai. I would like to know if any of the guys are still alive and have more details of the day and the Marines I flew with that day. Thought you could help guide me in the right direction. No problemo if you can't. I'll dig around some more.