"Red Lion" Gene Salter

Gene Salter was a wonderful man. I remember him as something of a "wise father" figure to all us young pilots in HMM-363 in late 1967 when I joined the squadron at Marble Mountain. He gave me my HAC Check on 26 Dec. 1967 and I didn't even know it. After our morning flights, MED-EVAC by my log book, he asked me.."Joe, do you think you can hack it?" I didn't know what he meant but you always said "Yes Sir!" Later that day I found myself a HAC !!

One day I was his co-pilot for night MED-EVAC out of Marble Mtn. After we took off to go somewhere near Hill 55 he said to call out the altitude from the radar altimiter as we descended. I did so several times that night and didn't think much of it during the missions. Later I reflected that other HACs didn't asked for that and mentioned it to some of the other pilots. Their reply was.."don't you know he has night blindness?!!" Yes, he had night blindness but that didn't stop him from "taking his turn" at night MED-EVAC. He was quite a man.

He was at the last Pensacola Reunion and apart from a few more wrinkles he was the same warm man we loved so much.

I will miss him at future Reunions. Requiescat in pace (May he rest in peace).

"Crazy Joe" Scholle
HMM-363

Major Martin Eugene Salter Jr Biography

Submitted by Major David Salter: DOODLE d.salter@mchsi.com

Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2007 7:03 AM
Subject: Major Gene Salter Marine Corps Bio

Hatch, Frenchy & All that new Dad,

Attached is a Bio of Dad as a Marine the best that mom & I could put together under the circumstances. For those that knew or served with dad please add/correct important things I missed. Hatch & Frenchy are trying to put together a fly over at the cemetary & this is important to get right. We all appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers. Mom and I are on the way to the funeral home to make arrangements. Dad's computer is on the fritz so I am not sure if this thing will be running when we get back. I have saved this file & forwarded it to my house where I will be later today. Gene (little) & I are taking turns staying with mom so she is not alone. We will get back with all soonest. Your input to this Bio is much appreciated.

Semper Fidelis
Major Dave Salter (Doodle)
USMC Ret

Martin Eugene Salter Jr, Major , Usmc, Ret

I am deeply saddened to hear about Gene's passing on Friday July 13, 2007. As we remember him as a man, as a Marine Officer, there is no better tribute than the legacy he left us all as a true leader. He minced no words, never left a doubt about the task put before you. I so agree with Crazy Joe that he was a "Wise Father" to younger Marines! As HMH-361 was forming in 1968 & 1969 and transitioning to the CH-53, Gene was assigned as the Operations Officer. As a brand new "deer-in-the-headlights" lance corporal in S-3, I felt the full effect of Gene's impressive nature. He could read people, put the fear of God into them, and do whatever it took to get their attention, but in the end have them be grateful and appreciative of his efforts. In short, a FRIEND! He mentored before the word was in vogue. My aim is for this to be reflective of Gene as a true believer in our Marine Corps, what we train for and how we go about it. To do so I have to give my personal side, because Gene became my inspiration to complete almost 22 years of active duty when I had initially intended to spend my four years and EAS. Shortly after taking the OpsO position, Gene had a short, pointed counselling session with all of us together in S-3, and then individually. His time spent with me made my job meaningful and gave me the drive to excel in it. Gene simply said, "Smitty, think that whatever you're doing for me or the Marine Corps is for your own benefit and you'll always succeed. Look ahead, think positively, we will take care of you." He wrote numerous recommendations for me individually; Marine of the Month for HMH-361, MAG-26, MCAS(H) New River, Meritoriuos Masts, Meritorious promotion. What he wrote got the awards and I still have every one of them! Gene's inspiration was also instrumental in my progression through Warrant Officer and LDO and eventually that goal of retiring as he did - a Major. I should have known that he would be as sharp as a tack when I contacted him after my retirement and he remembered me. We exchanged e-mails until his computer became "not operationally ready". During our last couple of telephone conversations, he expressed his pride in his family and their accomplishments. Indeed, Gene was very content with the knowledge that he did his best, but also knew that he conveyed that drive and will to his charges. He was aware of his impact upon my career and life, because I wrote to him and described in detail what a profound difference he made. Gene, we miss you and will never forget what you mean to so many of us!
Semper Fi!!

Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with family and friends. We commemorate Major Martin E. Salter, Jr with utmost regard and respect! Thank You for touching our lives!

Obituary in the Mobile Press Register

Martin E. Salter Jr.
SALTER Major Martin E. Salter Jr. USMC Ret. - A native of Greenville, MS and a resident of Saraland since 1969 died Saturday, July 14, 2007. Major Salter enlisted in the United States Marine Corps June 1945 after graduating from High School in Greenville, Mississippi. After completion of boot camp at Marine Corps Base Parris Island he was transferred to Marine Corps Barracks Trinidad, British West Indies. Serving 8 years as an enlisted man and attaining the rank of Gunnery Sergeant (meritorious promotion to Staff Sergeant and Gunnery Sergeant) he was selected for the Enlisted Commissioning Program. After successful completion he was commissioned a Marine 2nd Lieutenant. His next assignment was to Naval Flight School Pensacola, Florida. He received his Wings of Gold 15 July 1955. While in flight school he received his Regular Commission and promoted to 1st Lieutenant. He flew AD Skyraiders until January 1957. As the Marine Corps assessed its future role in Amphibious operations and decided to make helicopters one of its primary assault weapons he was assigned to Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida for transition to helicopters. After completion of his transition training he served an 18-month overseas tour in WESTPAC flying the UH-34D helicopter. After that he was assigned to HMX-1, the Marine Presidential Helicopter squadron at Quantico, VA, from 1959-1964. While there he was a Presidential Command Pilot flying Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy and Johnson. After completion of Amphibious Warfare School (where he was promoted to Major) he served two years in Hawaii before being assigned as the operations officer of HMM-363, Da Nang, Republic of Viet Nam. While assigned as the operations officer Major Salter earned the Silver Star for Heroic action on 21 December 1967 as well as the Purple Heart and 23 Air Medals. After completing his tour in Viet Nam, Major Salter was assigned to HMH-361 flying the CH-53A until his retirement 1 August 1969. Major Salter attained over 4500 total flight hours of which over 500 were in combat. Survivors include his wife Mrs. Doris J. Salter of Saraland, AL; his sons, James R. E. Salter, Sr. (CJ) of Cantonment, FL, Richard C. Salter (Elaine) of Mobile, AL and David D. Salter (Linda) of Gulf Breeze, FL; his grandchildren, James Salter, Jason Salter, Justin Salter, Abigail Salter, Zachary Salter, Christopher Salter and Jannievee Salter; his sister, Sarra E. Sansing (James) of Pensacola, FL. Visitation will be on Tuesday, July 17, 2007 from 5pm until 7pm at Radney Funeral Home, Saraland with a Funeral service that evening at 7pm in the Chapel. Burial will follow on Wednesday, July 18, 2007 in Barrancus National Cemetery, Pensacola, FL. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Navy Marine Corps Relief Society. Arrangements by RADNEY FUNERAL HOME, 1200 Industrial Pkwy Saraland, AL 36571.

http://obits.al.com/mobile/DeathNotices.asp

Funeral Arrangements and Time

From Dave Salter via email:

Hatch, Frenchy & all. I Just got off the phone with the funeral director. We are set for 1100 (11AM) Wednesday morning the 18th of July for grave side at Barrancas National Cemetery.

Thanks again for all for your efforts.

Dave

Tribute to Maj. Gene Salter, the Red Lion

Forwarded by Dave Salter:

Tribute to Maj. Gene Salter, the Red Lion

I have put words to songs, poems and stories throughout the years mostly for the amusement of my friends, especially my former Marine friends, but writing this tribute to a former Marine and friend who was a legend in his time is a sorrowful task not easily undertaken and the words flow from my pen with humility and a great sense of loss.

Gene was the epitome of a special breed of Marine who enlisted in the ranks, but his intelligence and personal attributes were soon recognized by the Corps and he was commissioned and later became an aviator; in fact a special kind of pilot and one that not every aviator can lay claim to. Gene was a Marine Corps helicopter pilot. And an excellent one. I had the privilege to fly with Gene on occasion and in his own laconic and self-deprecating words: "if we land in one piece and the ship is still relatively intact, the flight was a success."

However, just how brave and resourceful a helicopter pilot he was, was exhibited by his outstanding combat flying record in Vietnam and the awards and medals, including the silver Star, conferred upon him by a grateful country and United States Marine Corps. But to Gene the greatest award was the personal satisfaction he realized in the simple "Semper Fi's" from the fellow Marines whose lives he saved.

From our first HMR 261 reunion until the last, Gene's presence was always an inspiration and his God-given talents at telling humorous stories and jokes is legend and needs no acclaim.

I don't believe that Gene ever met a stranger in his life. His outgoing, positive personality and honest demeanor put everyone in his presence at ease, whether they be generals or privates. Indeed, one of Gene's strongest points and most reflective of his life was that he was never pretentious and treated all his friends with uniform sameness and utmost respect.

I find that words of accolade escape me and in conclusion I would like to leave this brief poem in remembrance of Gene and hope that somehow I have put into words the thoughts of his many, many friends and especially the brothers of HMR 261 in this simple and heartfelt tribute to this great man and Marine we knew as the Red Lion.

TRIBUTE TO MAJ. GENE 'THE RED LION' SALTER

Man's sojourn through the trials of earth is tenuous and oft times brief,

And when that Final Passing comes, it leaves family and friends filled with grief.

And there are those whose passage brings sweet nostalgia with its tears,

but the memory of the dear friend gone, does not fade with passing years.

Strong was this man we called Red Lion, who lived to the fullest his life,

yes lived to the fullest with gusto and pride, in peace and times of strife.

So as we gather to pay him homage, may his spirit wipe away your sorrows,

for the memories of him you hold so dear, will not fade through eternal tomorrows.

And mourn not friends nor pine in sorrow, for this man who spirit soars, but think of all the deeds he did, for family, God and the Corps.

Countless words could not pay tribute to this man we all called friend,

but would to God we are born in faith, and someday meet again.

So I say farewell to you dear friend, whom I hold in highest esteem, and I give you a tribute I know you would cherish: "You-were-a-Marine's-Marine."

from the pen of cd sliger
HMR 261 1957-1960

Thoughts of Dad (from David Salter)

Submitted by David Salter

Thoughts of Dad

All relationships are about boundaries. Good, bad, or indifferent. It was no different with dad. As all sons & dads do we butted heads from time to time but in our own way (usually at moms pushing & prodding) figured out how to make up without every really speaking the words “I’m sorry.” That’s just the way Salter’s are. We can all be stubborn as a plow mule. His mother always told us we all came by it honestly. It is something we were born with. For most it’s not a skill you necessarily want and even if you did you couldn’t get as good as us in a million years of trying.

We had just such a spat some years ago & I wasn’t quit sure if we were going to work through it. But we did (again with mom’s efforts) & this time it was for good. The boundaries of our relationship as two men were established and I cherish these latter years as much if not more than all the others put together. It was now that I was able to see dad for who he really was. He often invited me to lunch with his buddies Hatch, Frenchy & all the rest. We talked more & about things he had never told me before. We would usually call each other on Saturdays or Sundays to see who’s NASCAR driver would finish farther in back & rib each other how old our favorites were. Dad would continue to test the boundaries from time to time just to see if he could get a rise out of me or anyone else for that matter. That was dad. He uses to say rules (read boundaries) were for people who couldn’t think for themselves.

As I ramble on the real point to the story is this; all of the Marines he & his crew saved on the hundreds of MEDEVAC missions he flew in Viet Nam I am sure were grateful for someone who did not live by conventional boundaries. A man larger than life in every sense of the word.

One final thought; I hope the good lord is in a negotiating mood because I think he just got his boundaries re-set.

Semper Fidelis

16 July/dds