Recon Team Experiences Close Call
By SSgt. Mike La Boone

Da Nang - An reconnaissance team extraction almost didn't happen recently when the team became separated on an enemy infested ridge line.  The team ran out of food and water on Charlie Ridge, 20 miles southwest of Da Nang.  Surrounded by enemy soldiers, they requested an emergency extraction.

First Lieutenant Stephen M. Wistrand (Beaverton, Ore.), was flying recon missions as a pilot with HMM-364, Marble Mountain Air Facility.  He reached the area under extremely adverse weather conditions with darkness closing in.  The team's position was situated in a ravine encircled by triple canopy jungle and tall trees.  After orbiting over the team 1stLt. Wistrand dropped to a low hover and lowered a ladder.

As the team moved out they became separated in the dense jungle growth.  Although a highly vulnerable target for the enemy, Lt. Wistrand slowly traversed the thick vegetation in search of the team.  With darkness upon them Lt. Wistrand located the team members, made two ladder extracts and spiraled safely out of the zone towards a nearby outpost.

Da Nang - With only one attempt possible a Marine helicopter pilot recently skirted obstacles and heavy enemy fire to rescue a reconnaissance team.

Fist Lieutenant Stephen M. Wistrand (Beaverton, Ore.), was assigned to reconnaissance missions as a pilot with HMM-364, Marble Mountain Air Facility.

With the enemy rapidly closing in on their positions 20 miles southwest of Da Nang, the team requested an emergency extraction.  Due to the team's position in a bomb crater on the side of a steep hill covered with boulders and trees, a ladder had to be used.  With the team on the ladder, the pilot lifted them safely from the zone and returned to Da Nang.

Submitted by:
    Pat Kenny, former 1stLt. USMCR