HMM162 Blind Side Gunner

It wasn't HMM162. We did not use blind side gunners. Crew Cheif manned the door gun. Co-Pilot was the blind side gunner.

Blind Side Gunner Hmm162

To. Jack Ubel, sorry to disagree but AF personnel did fly as blind side gunner. I've been in contact with others who confirm. Both Marine & Air Force. I even have a few pic's! Can't believe those 25 missions I went on were a dream!

If you have names of HMR162 personnel and pictures I would like to know who the personnel were and see some of the pictures. Maybe this could help refresh my mind. I was the section leader of section four which had 6 helicopters assigned YS 58 thru 63 and also was the crew cheif on YS63 and I can not remember a blind side gunner on any of my helicopters. Maybe I'm just getting old 70 plus. I've contacted some of my other crew cheifs to see if they can shed some light on this. Will let you know.

Blind Side Gunner

Jack Ubel wrote: If you have names of HMR162 personnel and pictures I would like to know who the personnel were and see some of the pictures. Maybe this could help refresh my mind. I was the section leader of section four which had 6 helicopters assigned YS 58 thru 63 and also was the crew cheif on YS63 and I can not remember a blind side gunner on any of my helicopters. Maybe I'm just getting old 70 plus. I've contacted some of my other crew cheifs to see if they can shed some light on this. Will let you know.

Jack Ubel, Call a Lou Haden 501-345-2503. he remembers, Robert

Checked with 3 of my former crew cheifs, they do not remember any air force gunners. [JJ Smith, Stan Manship and Ed Carlson] Towards the end of our tour before HMM261 relieved us we did let some of the squadron 1st mechs fly when room was available. With the APU"S and the heavy steel plate under the engine, weight was an issue!!. the name Lou Haden was not on my squadron roster for HMM162 62-63. I understand from others that HMM261 did use blind side gunners.

Blind Side Gunner

Jack Ubel wrote: Checked with 3 of my former crew cheifs, they do not remember any air force gunners. [JJ Smith, Stan Manship and Ed Carlson] Towards the end of our tour before HMM261 relieved us we did let some of the squadron 1st mechs fly when room was available. With the APU"S and the heavy steel plate under the engine, weight was an issue!!. the name Lou Haden was not on my squadron roster for HMM162 62-63. I understand from others that HMM261 did use blind side gunners.

Bob Watson again, Lou Haden said he was with Hmm163 the outfit you relieved. He called me and confirmed they took many on blind side. Two others also confirmed. One fellow from Minn. who was with the AF comm SQ went several times & one other Marine from TX also called and confirmed. My Vet rep in Roseburg, OR received Four re-mails back in 04 from HMM162 members who confirmed. I went out with HMM261 several times until I finally wised up. It got kind of hairy on a couple of missions to the north. Sorry you and buddys don't remember. Was looking to touch bases. Got stuck on a sandbar over by Laos border changing out the starter with the crewchief off the second bird because the 1st pilot forgot to switch on, but it may have been HMM261. Hell I can't remember any more, I'm almost as old as you!!

Sorry I couldn't help you Robert. I wish I had the names of the 162 people who said it was true. Maybe they could help me confirm it. Good luck!!

NAVY "The Squid"

My name is Tim Doering
I was one of the Navy personnel on TAD to HMM 163 from Oct. and Nov. 1962 to lend a hand. I wanted to stay longer in the worst way even though you suckers referred to me as the squid. I never did understand Marine Corps views toward the “senior service”.
Kidding aside, you all were an honorable and brave bunch and I was proud to help a little.
I am looking for some of the guys that knew the squid and kept me out of trouble.
Respectfully. TIM