Warbird Information Exchange

From the FACNET, I thought I'd pass it along.

Guys,

I cannot pass this day without remembering the brave crew of Jolly Green 67, lost 35 years ago today as they tried to rescue Bat 21Bravo. Gene Hambleton, and Nail 38Bravo, Mark Clark.

Six great Americans paid the full price trying to rescue two of their countrymen. But they were just one part of a huge team from all services, to include the Coast Guard, who fought so valiantly to bring them and ultimately Covey 282Apha, Bruce Walker, out of harm's way. Bruce was killed as he tried to evade.

The overall effort lasted 16 days and involved literally hundreds of airstrikes and personnel. It has been labeled the "largest SAR of the war." Is that important? Not really. But like the great effort to rescue Stormy 02Bravo (1969), Boxer 22Bravo (1969), Oyster 01Bravo (1972), the Sontay prisoners (1970), the troops trapped in the Quang Tri Citadel (1972), and so many other missions, it speaks to how much we would do to rescue our men.

It is a great story, passed to later generations. The rescue forces who stand alert today are steeped in this tradition. They are ready to answer the call.

I have a freind that was Nail 32 on that day....

Remember the patchs.......... I rather be a hammer than a nail!

God Bless them all and bless Darrel and the rest of the guys who participated in the SAR