01 Mar 2005 Although it has been 37 years since you left us, there isn't a day that goes by that you are not thought of and remembered. My own children know their grandfather from the stories that have been told. Many people, as well as myself, need to thank you for giving us the freedom we have, so thanks Dad for giving so much to us. You are gone but never forgotten. I love you! Your daughter, Bonnie Robbins E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On the night of 01 Nov 1969 a CH-53A (BuNo 152394) from HMH-361 was flying a night medevac standby mission. While awaiting a call, the pilots took turns flying instrument approaches to Marble Mountain Air Facility. While on approach at 1400 feet, with copilot 1stLt Jeffrey T. Hansen at the controls, there was an explosion aboard the aircraft, followed shortly after by a second explosion and fire. The aircraft lost its hydraulic systems, making it uncontrolable, and it crashed offshore Marble Mountain. Only one of the five men aboard escaped the sinking wreckage; although severely injured, he managed to stay afloat until a USAF HH-43 SAR helo picked him up. Capt Roger D. Partington, Sparta, IL; pilot, died, body not recovered 1stLt Jeffrey T. Hansen; copilot, rescued MSgt Allen T. Elder, Arlington, TX; crew chief, died, body recovered LCpl Fred A. Nelson, South Haven, MI; gunner, died, body recovered LCpl Gerald W. Nicholson, Hialeah, FL; gunner, died, body recovered Further information is available on the USMC Combat Helicopter Association site

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