6th April 1972
Jolly Green 67
37th ARRS
HH-53C #68-10365
Crashed after taking intensive fire from enemy while attempting a rescue of Bat 21 Bravo Iceal "Gene" Hambleton, a navigator onboard an EB-66 Destroyer who was shot down in North Vietnam. It became the largest, longest CSAR during the war. Five additional aircraft were shot down during rescue attempts, directly resulting in the deaths of 11 airmen, the capture of two others, and another airman trying to evade capture.
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Jolly 67 Crew |
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Pilot  Capt. Peter H. Chapman, III |
Co-Pilot  1Lt. John H. Call III
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Flight Mechanic  TSgt. Roy D. Prater |
Pararescue  TSgt. Allen J. Avery
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Pararescue/Gunner  Sgt. William R. Pearson
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Photographer  Sgt. James H. Alley
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Lt. Col. Gene Hambleton signed these pictures that were taken by Jack Stoops who flew with the Jolly Green Giants in Da Nang. Hambleton said he owes his life to the crews who rescued him, one of the largest rescues in SEA. A total of 234 medals were awarded to the crews from the Air Force, Navy, Marine, Army & Coast Guard for the rescue attempts, including a Medal of Honour and a Navy Cross. A very costly rescue attempt & he said "I had to stand by and watch six young men die trying to save my life. It was a hell of a price to pay for one life. I'm very sorry."
TOML ( This wa very generously donated by David Stoops who was the son of Jack. A huge thank you & I'm honoured to share this on the blog.
I had 2 weeks to go until my DEROS (Date Estimated Return from Overseas). James Alley had week less than I did. We had become friends at Clark while going through "Snake School." I was subsequently involuntarily extended for 30 days.
ReplyDeleteLt Col Gene Hambelton was our awesome guest speaker at our Pararescue Class 83-01 (Oct 1982) at Kirtland AFB, NM…he was very grateful for the overwhelming effort
ReplyDeleteMy brother, Capt. Peter H. Chapman II. Loved and missed all day every day! It hurts!
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