OLAA Operating Date 14-Sep-1970

Roster

ROSTER… 12 Men

Lt. Col. Melvin G. Swanson (Mel)
Maj. Albro L Lundy Jr. (Al)
Capt. John J. Wolcott (Jack)
Capt. Robert N. Senko (Bob)
Capt. Richard P. Kent III (Dick)
Capt. Edwin A. Gullion (Ed)
Capt. John V. Williams, Jr.
Capt. Levy M. Rentz, Jr. …
1st Lt. Richard L Engel (Rich)
1st Lt. Larry R. Warren
1st Lt. Charles I Kasbeer (Chuck)
1st Lt. Thomas K. Stump (Tom)
1st Lt. Chris M. Tateishi

On This Date in OLAA History

Final day of Tailwind

MUTZA’S REPORT BELOW IS JUST WRONG…

3-Marine CH-53’s did the job with the best efforts of OLAA and their Scarface Cobra Gunships.  THE “A-1 BIBLE” NEVER BROKE INTO OLAA OR UNDERSTOOD OUR ROLE IN THE WAR.  MEL SWANSON WAS ALWAYS SO PROUD OF HOW WE KEPT OUR MOUTHS SHUT AS DIRECTED!!!

1970 – September 14; Two HH-53’s rescue a U.S. Army Long Range Reconnaissance Team that had been under fire and on the run for two days. No other details are available at this time. “The A-1 Skyraider in Vietnam: The Spad’s Last War” by Wayne Mutza

OLAA-ID: 309-1      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Col. Mel Swanson–01
Mission ID:
Tail # 292-H
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: (4.30)
  
Remarks:
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-2      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Charles I. Kasbeer–02
Mission ID:
Tail #
Location:
Team Name: Tailwind
Hours Flown:
  
Remarks: DFC Mission likely with Mel Swanson based on award narrative.
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-3      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Levy Rentz
Mission ID:
Tail #
Location:
Team Name: Tailwind
Hours Flown:
  
Remarks: Flew this date awarded DFC UPDATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-4      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Thomas K. Stump–03
Mission ID:
Tail #
Location: 236/71/77
Team Name: Tailwind
Hours Flown:
  
Remarks: Team Surrounded. Hit Within 10 Meters. Gomers Shot B-40s At Us. Winchester
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-4      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Chris M. Tateishi–04
Mission ID:
Tail #
Location: 236/71/77
Team Name: Tailwind
Hours Flown:
  
Remarks: #Team Surrounded. Hit Within 10 Meters. Gomers Shot B-40s At Us. Winchester
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-5      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Thomas K. Stump–03
Mission ID:
Tail #
Location:
Team Name: Tailwind
Hours Flown:
  
Remarks: Back To Tailwind For Exfill. Lost One HH53 But Got Team Out. Awarded DFC
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-5      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Chris M. Tateishi–04
Mission ID:
Tail #
Location:
Team Name: Tailwind
Hours Flown:
  
Remarks: #Back To Tailwind For Exfill. Lost One HH53 But Got Team Out. Awarded DFC
Tags:
OLAA-ID: 309-6      
Flight Date: 14 Sep 70
Pilot: Gary T. Hawes
Mission ID:
Tail # 058-J
Location:
Team Name:
Hours Flown: 3.20
  
Remarks: CBU-25, RX, CBU-12 (13?) – Lima Site – S. Laos
Tags: