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Staff Sergeant Courtney Payne's first Vietnam tour began in July 1962 as the crew chief of an all enlisted flight crew for a C117-D which was attached to HMM-163 in support of Operation Shu-Fly. Since Courtney had extensive experience in reciprocating engine maintenance he was also qualified as a crew chief for the R5D-3 (the Marine Corps version of the Douglas DC-4 transport), the UH-34 and the HRS-3. This may well have been the last time the Marine Corps assigned an all enlisted crew to an aircraft on a full time basis. Courtney said, "I flew my butt off supporting Shu-Fly until January 1963."
The C117-D Detachment consisted of:
| Pilot & NCOIC | MSgt. Sam "Supersonic Sam" Dobbins |
| Co-Pilot | GySgt.Ray Webb |
| Crew Chief | GySgt. Irving "Ike" Marhon |
| Crew Chief | SSgt. Courtney B. "Chuck" Payne |
| Navigator | Cpl. George Jensen |
| Radio Operator | Sgt. Bill McKinny |
Upon returning to the CONUS, Courtney was assigned as an instructor at the Navy Helicopter School in Memphis, Tn., where he was promoted to Gunnery Sergeant. In July of 1966 he was again promoted as a Temporary 2nd Lieutenant. During his tour with the "Purple Foxes" he received a permanent commission in 1969 as 1stLt.. The squadron was fortunate to have a Marine with his background and experience.
Information provided by:
Courtney B. Payne, Major USMC (Ret)
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