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Sgt. John "Gunslinger" MacRae was one of our most
colorful characters. He really wanted to be a hero, and he truly
was one. We all kidded him about how seriously he took himself, but we
all knew he'd do anything for us in time of need. Some of the pilots at
the San Diego 2000 reunion were discussing a crew chief who always shot
up all his ammo and had to go back for more. They couldn't remember his
name, but they were talking about the Gunslinger. This picture will jog
a lot of memories.
x Photo by, Sgt.
Robert B. Sterinberg
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1stLt. Courtney Payne was our Maintenance Control
Officer and the lead Marine of our aircraft recovery operations.
He is suited up here to take the team to the assistance of YK-1. Unfortunately
we utilized him in the recovery capacity too many times. Courtney
was unique in that he had served his first Vietnam tour in 1962 as member
of an all enlisted air crew. To read of his enlisted service and
assent to commissioned status click here.
x Photo by, 1stLt.
Courtney Payne
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Joining Lt. Payne in the recovery of YK-1 are, from
left, Sgt. Stan Clontz
who was assigned to the Hydraulics Shop and worked mostly on the flight
line fixing aircraft damage and Sgt. W. C. "Bill" Barbier was assigned
to the Avionics Shop but, did a lot of trouble shooting on the flight line.
They were excellent Marines and could fix anything and do anything. They
both were parties to most recovery missions.
x Photo by, 1stLt.
Courtney Payne
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Upon arriving, this is what YK-1 offered as a recovery
task. For the narrative, and additional photographs, of this
mission click here.
x Photo by, 1stLt.
Courtney Payne
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