Pacific Stars and Stripes information
for HMM-262
VMO-6

For date 680514


HMM-262 was a US Marine Corps unit
VMO-6 was a US Marine Corps unit
Primary service involved, US Marine Corps
Quang Tri Province, I Corps, South Vietnam
Location, Quang Tri
Description: The following is an edited version of an article titled "Marine Pilot Braves Fire to Save Patrol." Quang Tri (ISO) -A Marine helicopter pilot rescued an encircled nine-man reconnaissance team as he hovered his aircraft under fire and used the chopper's hoist to snatch the small unit from the enemy's grasp. Capt. Ronald L. Gatewood, 27, of Carthage, In., a pilot with HMM-262, braved intense enemy fire as his crew worked frantically to pick up a Marine recon team with three seriously wounded. The team, operating several miles north of Camp Carroll, asked to be lifted out after they were pinned down by enemy grenades and automatic weapons fire. Gatewood's CH-46 Sea Knight, accompanied by two Huey gunships of VMO-6, responded to the radio call. The helicopter pilots discovered that the ground Marines were pinned down on a ridge. Aircraft attempting a rescue would come under heavy enemy fire from two sides and from many adjoining hills. The team was unable to move its wounded to a more suitable location. With darkness approaching, Gatewood decided to attempt a hoist pickup. Meanwhile, another Huey gunship joined the pair on stations and the three delivered constant gun cover for Gatewood. The HMM-262 pilot brought his large chopper down to treetop level and hovered as the nine Marines were hoisted out. During the entire time he received fire from several directions but directed the gunship to firing enemy positions.
Comments: CPT Gatewood, Ronald L.; HMM-262 pilot; ;

The source for this information was 6805pss.avn supplied by Les Hines


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Date posted on this site: 05/13/2023