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One of our old members GySgt. Jack J. Hiltibran has been reported in Taps section of our quarterly Semper Fidelis. Jack was living in Havelock, NC since his retirement in June 1975. Have been attempting speak with Jack's wife about the cause of death but unable to communicate at this time. The listing does state that he passed away November 2005. First met Jack at NAS Grose Isle, MI in 1959 when he was a Sgt. E4. Jack loved fast cars and always had a street rod of some sorts. Must have been about 1977, I was running radar at the outskirts of Newport, NC, and a little two-door coupe (either Ford or Studebaker) come flying through at about 85. Yep, it was Jack and he got off with a warning, but that was Jack, great guy, lots of fun. Will miss him knowing that he is gone.
S/F
Larry Powell
Posted : 2006-04-15 17:58
Jack Hiltibran
Jack will be sorely missed. I knew him well, both at MCAF Santa Ana and in Vietnam with HMM-164.
Jack was a good Marine and a hard worker.
Go with God old friend.
Semper Fidelis
Bill Weaver
Posted : 2006-04-15 19:22
Topic starter
Sunday morning Jack's wife Sue returned my call. What a nice lady. We spoke of Jack's passing and she informed me that Jack had treatable diabetes and had been collecting compensation from the VA for that and Agent Orange. He had been working at Cherry Point Air Station as a civilian employee and doing well. Quite suddenly, he started having difficulty breathing, was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis. His lungs had turned hard and he was unable to breathe. My understanding is it only took a few days for Jack to succumb. Also, Jack never smoked, Sue wanted everyone to know this. Some time ago, he had given up his street rods for motorcycles and that he had just recently purchased a new one prior to his passing, and that one of his sons just took possession of it this past weekend.
At Jack's request, he was cremated and a private memorial service was held, and his remains will one day be placed in the Gulf of Mexico. Jack was a good Marine, served the Corps and Country well, God Speed Jack.
S/F
Larry Powell
Posted : 2006-04-17 19:24
Jack Hiltibran, former Purple Fox (HMM-364)
Am truly saddened to hear Jack passed away. Had been holding out hope that our paths would cross again some day. S/Sgt. Hiltibran was my section leader at LTA Santa Ana and when we first got to Phu Bai, RVN. When I joined HMM-364 in Santa Ana I was a wet behind the ears new guy, fresh out of NAS Memphis. With Jack's patience and guidance I became a CH-46 crew chief. Liked Jack from day one. Always good-natured and fun loving with that huge laugh of his.
As I remember Jack, have to remember our "test hop" as the Valley Forge was entering Subic Bay enroute to Vietnam. Jack came to me and mentioned "Hey, TJ, get your plane ready for a test hop. We have to launch while we are still at sea and they will pick us up once the ship leaves port again." With a wink, he said, "you do need a test hop, right". If my memory serves me correctly there were about 8 or 10 "crew members" on my test hop. Once ashore we didn't have much to do until the ship pulled back out of the harbor. Seems we found the shade of some palm trees and just relaxed. Also believe we relaxed with a couple of cases of the local liquid refreshment. Caught a lot of heat from my squadron buds upon our return. Always felt honored Jack choose me and my aircraft for the "test hop". Believe my aircraft was deemed in the up status upon our return. I have a picture of the "crew" on that day somewhere.
Also while checking out of country in DaNang I ran into Jack who was also headed home. Remember Jack had a huge handbar moustache. Probably 8 inches from tip to tip. When he talked the ends would twitch. The day I ran into him in Danang it was pouring rain and his moustache was soaked and hanging down past his chin. Was great to see him again and knowing we were both headed home.
Tom "TJ" Miller, Purple Fox crew chief '67-'68
Posted : 2006-04-18 21:08
