On 05 APR 68, HMM-262 participated in the extract of Recon Patrol "Dallas Girl", Delta Company, 3rd Recon Battalion - which promptly turned into the proverbial "S--- Sandwich". From 05 to 13 Apr 68 extraodinary efforts were made to recover the remains of 2Lt. Donald Matocha, the one team member not able to be extracted at the time , unfortunately, to no avail.

Thanks to the dedication and outstanding efforts of the JPAC teams in Hawaii, the remains of Lt. Matocha have been identified, returned to US soil and will finally be laid to rest in Smithville, TX on Sat. on 18 SEP 04.

A contingent of HMM-262 Vietnam Veterans Association "Old Tigers", some who were actually involved in that mission, as well as some other Popasmoke members from various squadrons, will join the original Assist. Team Leader, team Corpsman and other team members to complete the mission which began over 36 years ago. More information on that mission can be found at the following websites:

http://grunt.space.swri.edu/dallasgrl.htm

http://www.3rdrecon.org/delta/dallasgrl.htm

The funeral schedule follows:

- The remains will arrive in Austin, TX., September 16, 2004 and taken to Marrs-Jones Funeral Home in Smithville, TX
- Visitation is Friday 9/17 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home.
- Funeral Service will be on Saturday 9/18, 10:00 a.m. at the Smithville Recreation Center followed by interment at Oak Hill Cemetery.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Semper Fi -

Jake