I'm a retired (2006) Navy MH/CH-53E guy. Never been a guest at the Quigley but did get to go through the flight syllabus at HMT-301 at Tustin and HMT-302’s at New River some years later. I also received tender emotional support from (then) GSGT Hawks, USMC while in Pensacola during the summer of ’84. Didn’t do what you fellas did but hopefully you’ll cut an old “swabby” some slack.

A relative of mine has been tying to get information about his brother and I thought I’d try and help out. I've contacted Texas Tech and have spoken with lots of folks but not much’s turned up. The Marine we’re checking on is 1st Lt Charles “Buddy” Mason USMC from Cheverly, Maryland. He may have deployed out of MCAS Tustin. He was assigned to 163 and flew H2P on H-34D’s in Vietnam 09/66 -02/67. I also sent a note out thinking that one or two guys from 364 might still be up but haven’t heard anything. Been told 364 was not in-country at the time.

(Buddy's photo didn't seem to attach. It's on Vietnam KIA pg. 5 // Mason)

Here’s what I have regarding the incident:

HMM-163 was flying out of Phu Bai. The mishap occurred on a ridge line at YD 559 299 on February 24th 1967. Think the A/C Buno was 150563. Squadron reports indicate MVFR conditions in the area and only MEDEVACs, SAR and emergency extractions were being launched. The after action report states that the guys were lead in a flight of two and waved off an approach after encountering inadvertent IMC. Contact was subsequently lost. After the crash was located a reaction team was inserted and encountered hostile fire and suffered one KIA. The crew and the reaction team were evacuated. Small arms damage was reported to have been seen on the remaining fuselage. The crew casualties were: AYRES, A B Major /MASON, C G 1stLt/CASTLE, R A Cpl/VERNON, P L SSgt/COOPER, E E HN.

Know it’s been a while but if anybody has some information about Buddy we’d sure appreciate it.

Thanks, Gents. Stay well. Semper Fi.

VR/Cheese