Robert William Armenio

18 May 2000 Robert is remembered by the Armenio family. From a niece, Lauren Looniest2n@aol.com

30 Aug 2003 Robert Armenio, and the other Purple Foxes who served in Vietnam, are remembered by the women who waited at home, whether mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, or friends. Those women, the Purple Foxy Ladies continue to support today's Purple Foxes of HMM-364 as they serve our country. Visit the Purple Foxes on-line or go to our unit page on The Virtual Wall A memorial from the Purple Foxy Ladies Foxyladiesgroup@aol.com

09 Sep 2003 When I arrived in the Squadron in July, 1969, I was assigned to Bob in S-2 as his assistant. He had me sent to RPS Custodian's School at III MAF so that I could transfer to Group when the RPS Custodian billet came open closer to the end of my tour. This is exactly what happened. He looked out for me even though he only knew me about 1 week. He was a great guy. He always seemed to know what to do and what to say at the right time. He was a man of few words, but they meant something when he said them. I will always remember Bob. He was someone that I looked up to. From a comrade-in-arms. E-Mail will be forwarded by the Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

Notes from The Virtual Wall The HMM-364 Command Chronology states "On 27 July 1969 at 1530 hours, 17 miles SW of Da Nang, Quang Nam Province, RVN. Crew of YK-10 (bureau number 154018) of HMM-364 flying on an emergency medevac mission. Upon departure from the pick-up zone the aircraft received intense small arms fire and automatic fire. Aircraft impacted uncontrollably, exploded and burned. Aircraft consumed by fire. All crew and passengers were killed. Eleven lives were lost." Eye witnesses to the crash indicated it probably was due to both hydraulic boost systems being shot out which rendered the aircraft uncontrollable. The known American dead were 1stLt Robert William Armenio, pilot 1stLt Daunt Brunell Sanders, copilot GySgt Raymond Gibel, gunner HM1 Charles Lehman Hackworth, Corpsman, MAG-16 Cpl John Henry Harris Jr., gunner Cpl John Thomas McDaniel, crew chief LCpl Michael F Gramlick, gunner LCpl Leon Ross Barickman, passenger Lima 3/5 Marines PFC Ronald James Scharf, passenger, F Bty, 2/11 Marines While the Command Chronology states that "eleven lives were lost" the casualty database shows only nine Americans lost in the incident. The HMM-364 site indicates that one prisoner was aboard; on another site Robert Garcia states that he "was bumped off [the helicopter] because our wounded and the POW's took priority." It therefore seems certain that both the tenth and eleventh casualties were prisoners. 1st Lt Armenio was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses in Vietnam, the third for the flight in which he died: The President of the United States takes pride in presenting a Gold Star lieu of the third DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS to ROBERT W. ARMENIO First Lieutenant United States Marine Corps Reserve for service as set forth in the following CITATION: "For heroism and extraordinary achievement in aerial flight while serving as a Pilot with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364, Marine Aircraft Group Sixteen, First Marine Aircraft Wing in connection with combat operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 27 July 1969, First Lieutenant Armenio launched as Aircraft Commander of a CH-46 transport helicopter assigned an emergency medical and prisoner evacuation mission near An Hoa in Quang Nam Province. Unhesitatingly commencing his approach, he skillfully landed in the obstacle-studded zone and steadfastly remained in his vulnerable position until the casualties were embarked. Displaying superb airmanship, he then executed a takeoff, however, before clearing the area, the transport came under a heavy volume of hostile fire, sustained extensive damage, and crashed, mortally wounding all aboard. First Lieutenant Armenio's courage, superior aeronautical ability and unwavering devotion to duty inspired all who observed him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country." FOR THE PRESIDENT /s/ H. W. Buse, Jr. H. W. BUSE, JR. Lieutenant General, U. S. Marine Corps Commanding General, Fleet Marine Force, Pacific

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a niece, Lauren Looniest2n@aol.com  18 May 2000

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 09/26/2003