Dear (Parent/Wife)

 One more month gone.  Everyone is just that much closer to the day we’ve been waiting for since arrival in the war torn country of “Nam”.  The end of April marks “Over the Hump“ for the main core of the Squadron, and from now on everything is down hill.  This newsletter, for those recently joining the ever-growing list of wives and friends awaiting the return of those in Viet Nam is a short narrative of the squadron activities and events during the preceding month.  I hope that it adds to your understanding of just what we are doing here, on the bottom side of the world.

The month of April also marked a great turnover period for HMM-364.  It gives me great pleasure to assume command of such an outstanding outfit, replacing Lieutenant Colonel Gulling, who moves up as Executive Officer of Provisional MAG-39.  Assisting me will be Major Harold Roth, who is replacing Major Jim Warner, as Executive Officer; and Major “Hoss” Lowery, relieving Major Jim Parsons in Operations.  Both Major Warner and Major Parsons have moved up to Group level positions, but they have promised to stop by on occasion to help us fly the skyways of Viet Nam.

 Other hard core 364 members that have departed are Captain “Curly” Moore (also a “Groupie”), First Lieutenant Ray Kentner, Gunnery Sergeant Richard Seward, Staff Sergeant Robert Clark, Corporals Richard Cox, Gary Culverhouse, Arron Beck, John Labella, Ken Niomi, and Bill Wilson.  My sincere appreciation goes out to these men for a job well done, and I’d like to wish them the “Best of Luck”, in their future endeavours.

Naturally when we have to transfer as many men as that, in such a short period of time, we must also replenish the pack.  A hearty “Welcome Aboard” goes out to all the “new kids on the street”.  In addition to those mentioned above, we have: First Lieutenants Ike Bullard, Ernie Bartolina, and Gil Siggens; Staff Sergeants Harry Schroeder, Jack Deese, and William Vantuyl; Sergeant Doug Boddie; and Corporals Ray West, John McRae, Stan Luke, Robert Ryearson, and Jim Elmes.  First Lieutenant Emmett Carson also decided to come back to us after spending five weeks recuperating in Japan (two of which he enjoyed the company of his wife, Pat).  It must have been really tough Emmett!!

 While the S-1, Administrative Department, was kept busy checking people in and out of the squadron, Operations continued at full bore; with the Purple Foxes again flying more ours than any other Squadron in MAG-36, amassing a total of 1200 plus hours.  With the Khe Sanh crisis quieting down, the Squadron has been able to fly a variety of different missions.  Assault troop lifts and resupply missions take up the majority of the flying.

In addition, we have also been flying recon insertions and extractions, with Med-Evac hops for a little added spice and excitement, as if we don’t have enough!

 Promotions, promotions!  Spring has sprung, and it must have put someone “upstairs” in a good mood, as fourteen of our men have been promoted.  Congratulations to Jim Brynes, promoted to First Lieutenant; Bob Lewis, and Weldon Hudgins, received that first rocker and are now Staff Sergeants.  Promotions to Sergeant went to Arthur Johnson, Anthony Kroll, William Barbier, Larry Steward.  Our two new Corporals are Ernest Olson and Richard Cox.  Last but not least, the five men promoted to Lance Corporal: George Wharton, James Adams, Steve Kalan, John McJilton and Wayne Morris.  Needless to say, those extra stripes are certainly appreciated (like every two weeks), not to mention well deserved.  A job well done.

Now that good weather is upon us and everyone’s garden is beginning to bloom, the officers are going to have to pick up roots again, and move down the road, or should I say the beach path.  In any case, the Group has just about finished our new quonset huts and we expect the word to shift, at any time.  The latest rumor is air-conditioning installed in the near future, but just like everything else, that could mean a month to a year.  The new showers are almost finished in the enlisted area and I know that will be a welcome relief for all the men that now have to walk a half-mile to get the dust and dirt washed off, only to return through the dirt maze to their barracks.

Corporal Dean Cohoon has been chosen as the Crew Chief of the Month, being awarded with an R&R in the Philippines and an opportunity to attend the Andy school on jungle survival.  The Crew Chief of the Month Award is given on the basis of pilot, line officer, and section leader evaluations. To earn this award, the Crew Chief has to put in many long hours of maintenance work on his aircraft each night, and then maintain his proficiency in the air during the day.  This is one of the most difficult to earn, and well deserved awards presented by the Squadron, and I can’t give enough praise to Corporal Cohoon and the Crew Chiefs that have preceded him, for their efforts and devotion to duty.

 I would also like to extend congratulations to Captains Gordon Smith, and Dick Spohn for their transition from H2P to Plane Commander.  Every pilot that transitions to a new aircraft works hard and looks forward to the day they can be “Head Honcho”, and take the full responsibility for the safety of the aircraft and crew.  It’s a big responsibility, flying over here, and I’m sure these two men will live up to the professional standards we maintain in 364.

Our newly completed basketball court is now being fully utilized, and with our expanded athletic program in full swing, baseball season is expected to kick off the first of next month.  HMM-364 has been practicing and everyone is looking forward to a successful season.  Special Services is receiving more equipment every day, one of the latest additions being a new weight room set-up for the ”Muscle Beach Bunch”.

 The postman has been taking due notice of us, and your letters from home are coming in regularly.  It’s a great relief to be able to come home from a hard day and just forget about the war for awhile.  Thank you for your support.

     J.R. DOBRATZ, Jr.

Submitted by:
    Dean Cohoon, former Sgt. USMC