I was stationed at Cherry Point in HMS24, a support group which was supporting VMFA 115 at the time when the First Sgt. called me to his office and told me he had transfer papers for me and asked me if I wanted them (this part is another story). I took the transfer orders to VMFA 115, knowing where I was headed.

After some leave, I arrived at El Toro. There was a 707 plane that took off loaded with Marines in route to Vietnam that crashed into the mountains on take-off. I was on the next plane that left for Atsugi, Japan. Upon arrival, wewere picked up at the hangar and transported to our quonset huts by bus. The bus driver, driving on the wrong side of the road, scared all of us.

When we got word we were moving to Iwakuni, we transported all equipment to Navy base which was some miles away and watched the Japanese load it aboard ship. All equipment was shipped while all men flew so we were there when equipment arrived. I felt as though the residents were friendlier than Atsugi residents. Sight-seeing there was nicer. We were busy preparing for the next move.

When the time came to move to DaNang, we flew on C130 Hercules. Can't remember how long the flight was but do remember the quietness of the plane,not much conversation going on. Just before landing, word was put out to sit on our helmets. When the plane landed and it was time to get off, we all kinda looked at each other, We really didn't know what we were getting into. We were loaded onto six-bys, transported around the runway to the other side, and shown the tents we were to live in.

It seemed as though all of a sudden the monsoon season hit and there was mud everywhere.

Bob Boehle

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My recollections almost to the "T"

Cliff Wimberly

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I was a pilot in VMF115 and VMFA115 from November 1963 until Jan 1966. I initially flew the Ford (F4D) and then transitioned into the F4B. Was Rear Echelon on our transfer from Atsugi to Iwakuni. Then flew a bird down to Da Nang via Naha and Cubi.

When the former 115 XO Maj Chuck Sewell came in country as the CO of 314, the 115 replacement squadron, Dave Levine and I were TDY to 314 to act as indoc pilots. Ten days into the TDY we were transferred to 314 where I flew as Maj Sewell's wingman for the rest of my Viet Nam experience.

Came back Stateside in August 66 was released in Sep 66 and joined Pan Am in Oct 66. Was flying the Shuttle out of LaGuardia when it was purchased by Delta and flew 12 years with Delta.

Am married (47years) to an Angel from Maui, have 5 children, 9 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. Have lived in Reno for 4+ years and am enjoying good health and lots of travel. Have a son who is a B777 Capt with Emirates in Dubai so we visit them once a year.

If any Eagle, Able or Silver is in Reno for Tailhook in September Or any time of the year give us a shout. Will tell "Story" and have a few pints plus good Island food. Have lots of room and a full basement to raise hell and the neighbors won't hear anything. "What happens in HiddenValley is hidden."

God Bless

John J "Jack" Fucik & Eileen

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Aloha,

We live in Hawaii as a permanent address. We have been and plan to continue to travel several months a year. Just completed 2+ months on the east coast visiting our 5 families and 8 grand children using our class B motor home.

I was the line officer and after the Tebo accident I was appointed as the maint off until we all rotated. I was then sent to VMFA 513 were I helped fam new F-4 crew that were on the way to Nam. Many served in VMFA 115 and I have attended their joint reunions.

Timing and scheduled plans made it unable for me to join all this year. Keep in touch and the next one gets top billing on my bucket list.

S/F,

George W. Burkley

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Vietnam memories

May 65 packed up my gear at MCAS Cherry Point,destination Kentuckyvia my 53 Chevy. May 29 65 married my lovely wife of 50 years now.

Three weeks later it was destination MCAS El Toro. We had a flight scheduled out to Atsugi right after an Air Force C135 crashed shortly after takeoff killing all aboard including 72 Marines headed to Vietnam, Our flight out was sullen as we lifted off. We landed at Atsugi for training combat flights in Vietnam;we had no idea what was happening there.

While at Atsugi myself,B. J. Handford,Bob Rinehart and Charlie Lahr took a train trip to Hiroshima Peace Park,we met and shared pictures with locals. We went to the museum; the artifacts were amazing (what heat did to different objects). Mt.Fugi was a special sight if you were lucky enough to get a glimpse of it.

Our time in Atsugi was short as we rotated to Iwakuni for further training. Sept 65 we packed up- destination DaNang via VMGR 152 C130. I had a friend with 152 that told us when they said “strap in” that is what they meant … word given, the acft nosed over in near vertical decent right on target DaNang airfield runway.

We arrived to relieve VMFA 531 around dusk,boarded cattle cars and six bys to tent area across the field. On the first or second night we were welcomed with a mortar attack, I remember thinking "Hey, we just got here". The tent area was not bad - had an E club right at the end of tent line,mess hall on other end of tent line.. Cots had mosquito nets on them to keep rats off you; we captured dozens of rats and exterminated them - made a casualty board.

We had a plane load of supplies come in. As we were unloading it one of our guys was backed over by a tug,it did not kill him but he was evacuated to final destination Great LakesNavalHospital.

Oct 65 was a bad month as we lost two Phantoms and four crew members to MarbleMountain at the same time. RIPTebow, Gendebien, McHale and Petty. Very heavy hearts after that.

My job was run up after repair. Our first night run up we pushed acft back into run up pad, attached the chain and proceeded to run. My ground man, Wayne Gillespie, disappeared. I knew the VC had him and I was tied down, not a good feeling! Wayne reappeared and I told him to back me up take the chain off - that was the last time I was chained down.

ChinaBeach was a popular spot to drink warm beer and try to body surf.

There were four F4 squadrons on rotation 115,323,542 and 314. Each squadron was quartered up with some of us going to other squadrons, I remained with 115.

Christmas 65 came along with Bob Hope; Jan 66 we rotated to Iwakuni,then to Okinawa,then back to Iwakuni, and by then it was time to go back to DaNang. July 66 we packed up, destinationstateside. Relieved to be leaving we boarded a 707 in Okinawa headed to LAX, got home just shy of my 21st birthday.

Overall my thoughts of that time:

On going - I did not mind. On leaving country - I was glad. My thoughts of our time over there is mixed. Go back - NO. Made a lot of friends during that time,still keep in contact with quite a few. 50 years go fast;I remember most of what went on, good and bad memories. Good friends, Great outfit to be with.

One last note - the Silver Eagle on the acft was put on there in 65.

Semper Fi,

Doug Hall VMFA 115 64-66