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{{short description|US Air Force helicopter unit to support ICBM sites of the Air Force Global Strike Command}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= 40th Helicopter Squadron
|unit_name= 40th Helicopter Squadron
| image=HC-130P refueling HH-53B over North Vietnam.jpg
|image=HC-130P refueling HH-53B over North Vietnam.jpg
| image_size = 290
|image_size=300
|caption=An HH-53B of the 40th ARRS refueling from an HC-130P over North Vietnam, 1969–70
|caption=An HH-53B of the 40th ARRS refueling from an HC-130P over North Vietnam, 1969–70
|dates=1968-1976; 1978-1987; 1993-present
|dates=1968–1976; 1978–1987; 1993–present
|country={{flag|United States|23px}}
|country={{USA}}
|allegiance=
|branch={{air force|USA}}
|branch={{air force|USA}}
|type=
|type=
|role= Rescue & Recovery
|role= ICBM Defense / Rescue & Recovery
|size=
|size=
|command_structure=[[Air Force Global Strike Command]]
|command_structure=[[Air Force Global Strike Command]]
|current_commander=
|current_commander=
|garrison=
|garrison=
⚫
|nickname= Pathfinders
|ceremonial_chief=
|motto= Deter, Detect, and Defend (2003-present) Save (1968-1987)
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|colors=Blue, Yellow, White{{citation needed|date=April 2021}}
⚫
|nickname= Buff
|patron=
|motto=
|colors=
|march=
|march=
|mascot=
|mascot=
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<!-- Insignia -->
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:40th Helicopter Squadron.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol=[[File:40th Helicopter Squadron.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_label=40th Helicopter Squadron emblem <small>(Approved 10 July 2003)</small><ref name=40HSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=17504 |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 40 Helicopter Squadron (AFGSC)|date=April 26, 2011|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|deadurl=no |accessdate=April 3, 2015}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_label=40th Helicopter Squadron emblem<ref group=note>Approved 10 July 2003.</ref><ref name=40HSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432389/40-helicopter-squadron-afgsc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 40 Helicopter Squadron (AFGSC)|date=26 April 2011|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=3 April 2015}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>
|identification_symbol_2=
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:40 Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Sq emblem.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label=
|identification_symbol_2_label=40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron emblem
| aircraft_helicopter_utility =[[Bell UH-1N Twin Huey]]
| aircraft_helicopter_multirole =[[AgustaWestland AW139|Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf]]
}}
}}


The '''40th Helicopter Squadron''' is a missile support unit. As the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron it was a helicopter rescue squadron of the USAF during the Vietnam War.
The '''40th Helicopter Squadron''' is a missile support unit of the [[United States Air Force]]. As the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron it was a helicopter rescue squadron of the USAF during the [[Vietnam War]].
<!-- ==Mission== -->
<!-- ==Mission== -->


==History==
==History==
The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] was activated as the '''40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron''' at [[Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base]] in March 1968 with [[HH-3]]s which were nicknamed "Nitnoy." Later [[HH-53]]s arrived and these were nicknamed "BUFF."
The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] was activated as the '''40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron''' at [[Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base]] in March 1968 with [[Sikorsky HH-3]]s which were nicknamed "Nitnoy." Later [[Sikorsky MH-53|Sikorsky HH-53]]s arrived and these were nicknamed "BUFF."


In March 1968, Detachment 2 of the [[37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron]] at Udorn RTAFB operating HH-3s and HH-53Bs, was transferred to the 40th ARRS.<ref>Tilford, p. 81</ref>
In March 1968, Detachment 2 of the [[37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron]] at Udorn RTAFB operating HH-3s and HH-53Bs, was transferred to the 40th ARRS.<ref name=Tilford>{{cite book|last=Tilford|first=Earl|title=Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia 1961–1975|publisher=Office of Air Force History|year=1980|url=https://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/29/2001329780/-1/-1/0/AFD-100929-010.pdf|isbn=9781410222640|page=81}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>


The 40th moved to [[Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base]] on 21 July 1971.
The 40th moved to [[Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base]] on 21 July 1971.


20 August 1972, the local base rescue detachments of the 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group each operating 2 [[HH-43]]s were transferred to the 40th ARRS, comprising:<ref name="Tilford115">Tilford, p. 115</ref>
20 August 1972, the local base rescue detachments of the 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group each operating 2 [[HH-43]]s were transferred to the 40th ARRS, comprising:<ref name=Tilford/>{{rp|115}}
*Detachment 2 [[Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base]]
*Detachment 2 [[Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base]]
*Detachment 3 [[Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base]]
*Detachment 3 [[Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base]]
Line 53: Line 53:
*Detachment 14 [[Tan Son Nhut Air Base]]
*Detachment 14 [[Tan Son Nhut Air Base]]


30 November 1972, with the inactivation of the [[37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron|37th ARRS]] at [[Danang Air Base]], 5 of its HH-53s were transferred to the 40th ARRS, while its two HH-43s remained at Danang as Detachment 7 of the 40th ARRS to provide base rescue during [[Operation Linebacker II]].<ref name="Tilford127">Tilford, p. 127</ref>
30 November 1972, with the inactivation of the [[37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron|37th ARRS]] at [[Danang Air Base]], 5 of its HH-53s were transferred to the 40th ARRS, while its two HH-43s remained at Danang as Detachment 7 of the 40th ARRS to provide base rescue during [[Operation Linebacker II]].<ref name=Tilford/>{{rp|127}}


Following the [[Paris Peace Accords]] all remaining US Forces were withdrawn from South Vietnam by 27 March 1973. Detachment 7 at Danang Air Base and Detachment 14 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base were inactivated during this period. Following the withdrawal from South Vietnam the 40th's force level was 11 HH-53s and 14 HH-43s.<ref name="Tilford128">Tilford, p. 128</ref>
Following the [[Paris Peace Accords]] all remaining US Forces were withdrawn from South Vietnam by 27 March 1973. Detachment 7 at Danang Air Base and Detachment 14 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base were inactivated during this period. Following the withdrawal from South Vietnam the 40th's force level was 11 HH-53s and 14 HH-43s.<ref name=Tilford/>{{rp|128}}


The USAF continued combat operations over Cambodia until 15 August 1973 and the 40th provided CSAR support during this period. Following the end of combat operations the 40th kept 2 HH-53s at Nakhon Phanom on 15-minute alert during daylight and 45-minute alert at night.<ref name="Tilford135">Tilford, p. 135</ref>
The USAF continued combat operations over Cambodia until 15 August 1973 and the 40th provided CSAR support during this period. Following the end of combat operations the 40th kept 2 HH-53s at Nakhon Phanom on 15-minute alert during daylight and 45-minute alert at night.<ref name=Tilford/>{{rp|135}}


In July 1974 Detachment 10 at Takhli was disbanded, followed in August by Detachment 3 at Ubon. On 20 February 1975, Detachment 1 at Nakhon Phanom was disbanded. At this time the 40th's force level had dropped to 8 HH-53Cs and 4 HH-43Fs.<ref name="Tilford136">Tilford, p. 136</ref>
In July 1974 Detachment 10 at Takhli was disbanded, followed in August by Detachment 3 at Ubon. On 20 February 1975, Detachment 1 at Nakhon Phanom was disbanded. At this time the 40th's force level had dropped to 8 HH-53Cs and 4 HH-43Fs.<ref name=Tilford/>{{rp|136}}


The 40th moved to [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base]] on 1 October 1975. On 15 October 1975 with the inactivation of the [[56th Rescue Squadron|56th ARRS]] its 4 [[HC-130]]Ps joined the 40th.<ref name="Tilford154">Tilford, p. 154</ref>
The 40th moved to [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base]] on 1 October 1975. On 15 October 1975 with the inactivation of the [[56th Rescue Squadron|56th ARRS]] its 4 [[HC-130]]Ps joined the 40th.<ref name=Tilford/>{{rp|154}}


On 31 January 1976 the 40th ARRS was inactivated at Korat RTAFB.<ref name="Tilford155">Tilford, p. 155</ref>
On 31 January 1976 the 40th ARRS was inactivated at Korat RTAFB.<ref name=Tilford/>{{rp|155}}


===Operations and losses===
===Operations and losses===
*30 May 1968, Jolly Green, an HH-3E was attempting to rescue COL Norman Phillips the pilot of a downed [[F-105]], near [[Savannakhet]], Laos. Pararescueman SGT Thomas A Newman descended into a hostile jungle environment to rescue the pilot. Hampered by darkness and concentrated automatic weapons fire, Newman requested the rescue helicopter to enter a nearby orbit, both for the safety of the crewmembers, and to prevent the hovering aircraft from establishing their location for the unfriendly ground forces. When the HH-3 returned, he secured the injured COL Philips to the forest penetrator and protected him with his own body as they ascended to the helicopter. SGT Newman was awarded the [[Air Force Cross (United States)|Air Force Cross]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3593
*30 May 1968, Jolly Green, an HH-3E was attempting to rescue [[Colonel (United States)|Colonel]] Norman Phillips the pilot of a downed [[Republic F-105 Thunderchief|F-105]], near [[Savannakhet]], Laos. [[Pararescueman]] [[Sergeant]] Thomas A Newman descended into a hostile jungle environment to rescue the pilot. Hampered by darkness and concentrated automatic weapons fire, Newman requested the rescue helicopter to enter a nearby orbit, both for the safety of the crewmembers and to prevent the hovering aircraft from establishing their location for the unfriendly ground forces. When the HH-3 returned, he secured the injured Philips to the forest penetrator and protected him with his own body as they ascended to the helicopter. Newman was awarded the [[Air Force Cross (United States)|Air Force Cross]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3593
|title=SGT Thomas A Newman, Air Force Cross
|title=SGT Thomas A Newman, Air Force Cross
|work=Military Times}}</ref>
|work=Military Times}}</ref>
*25 December 1968, ''Jolly Green 17'', an HH-3E was attempting to rescue MAJ Charles R Brownlee,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=6318
*25 December 1968, ''Jolly Green 17'', an HH-3E was attempting to rescue [[Major (United States)|Major]] Charles R Brownlee,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=6318
|title=COL Charles R Brownlee
|title=COL Charles R Brownlee
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref> the pilot of ''Panda 01'' an F-105 shot down near Ban Lathama, Mahaxia District, Khammouan Province, Laos. Pararescueman Airman First Class Charles Douglas King descended by rescue hoist to rescue the injured pilot. With the pilot attached to the hoist, the HH-3E and Airman King were hit by enemy fire, seriously injured, King instructed the helicopter to depart. King was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross,.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3453
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref> the pilot of ''Panda 01'' an F-105 shot down near Ban Lathama, Mahaxia District, Khammouan Province, Laos. Pararescueman [[Airman First Class]] Charles Douglas King descended by rescue hoist to rescue the injured pilot. With the pilot attached to the hoist, the HH-3E and King were hit by enemy fire, seriously injured, King instructed the helicopter to depart. King was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross,.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3453
|title=A1C Charles King, Air Force Cross
|title=A1C Charles King, Air Force Cross
|work=Military Times}}</ref> The bodies of King and Brownlee were not recovered and both were listed as KIA-BNR.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=28009 |title=CMS Charles Douglas King|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref>
|work=Military Times}}</ref> The bodies of King and Brownlee were not recovered and both were listed as killed in action - body not recovered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=28009 |title=CMS Charles Douglas King|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref>
*18 January 1969, ''Jolly Green 67'', HH-53B, ''66-14430'', was hit by ground fire while on a [[Combat search and rescue|CSAR]] mission for ''Sandy 02'', an [[A-1 Skyraider|A-1H]] lost the previous day. Helicopter made an emergency landing 15&nbsp;km southeast of [[Tchephone]], Laos. The crew and the A-1 pilot were rescued by ''Jolly Green 70''. An airstrike was ordered to destroy ''JG-67''
*18 January 1969, ''Jolly Green 67'', HH-53B, ''66-14430'', was hit by ground fire while on a [[Combat search and rescue|CSAR]] mission for ''Sandy 02'', an [[A-1 Skyraider|A-1H]] lost the previous day. Helicopter made an emergency landing 15&nbsp;km southeast of [[Tchepone]], Laos. The crew and the A-1 pilot were rescued by ''Jolly Green 70''. An airstrike was ordered to destroy ''JG-67''
*28 January 1970, ''Jolly Green 71'', HH-53B, ''66-14434'', on a CSAR mission for the pilot of ''Seabird 02'', an F-105G, was shot down by a missile fired from a [[Mig-21]] piloted by [[Vu Ngoc Dinh]] of the [[921st Fighter Regiment]].<ref name="ACIG VN2">[http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_246.shtml Vietnamese Air-to-Air Victories, Part 2]</ref> The 6-man crew were all KIA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=3358
*28 January 1970, ''Jolly Green 71'', HH-53B, ''66-14434'', on a CSAR mission for the pilot of ''Seabird 02'', an F-105G, was shot down by a missile fired from a [[Mig-21]] piloted by [[Vu Ngoc Dinh]] of the [[921st Fighter Regiment]].<ref name="ACIG VN2">{{Cite web |url=http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_246.shtml |title=Vietnamese Air-to-Air Victories, Part 2 |access-date=10 February 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304225827/http://www.acig.org/artman/publish/article_246.shtml |archive-date=4 March 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 6-man crew were all killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=3358
|title=MAJ Holly G Bell|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=30182|title=Capt Leonard C Leeser
|title=MAJ Holly G Bell|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=30182|title=Capt Leonard C Leeser
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=47213|title=Ssgt William C Shinn|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=41812|title=SMS William D Pruett|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=50686|title=Msgt William C Sutton|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=974|title=Ssgt Gregory L Anderson
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=47213|title=Ssgt William C Shinn|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=41812|title=SMS William D Pruett|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=50686|title=Msgt William C Sutton|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=974|title=Ssgt Gregory L Anderson
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref>
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref>
*30 June 1970, ''Jolly Green 54'', HH-53C, ''66-8283'', was on a CSAR mission for the crew of ''Nail 44'' an [[OV-10]]A, over Savannakhet, Laos. Abandoning the first rescue attempt due to heavy fire, the pilot Capt Leroy C Schaneberg decided to make a second rescue attempt. ''JG54'' was hit by ground fire and crashed. The 5-man crew were all KIA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=45834|title=Capt Leroy C Schaneberg|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=18922
*30 June 1970, ''Jolly Green 54'', HH-53C, ''66-8283'', was on a CSAR mission for the crew of ''Nail 44'' an [[OV-10]]A, over Savannakhet, Laos. Abandoning the first rescue attempt due to heavy fire, the pilot [[Captain (United States O-3)|Captain]] Leroy C Schaneberg decided to make a second rescue attempt. ''JG54'' was hit by ground fire and crashed. The 5-man crew were all killed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=45834|title=Capt Leroy C Schaneberg|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=18922
|title=MAJ John W Goeglein|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=3386|title=SSGT Marvin E Bell|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=25774|title=MSGT Paul L Jenkins|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=12479
|title=MAJ John W Goeglein|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=3386|title=SSGT Marvin E Bell|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=25774|title=MSGT Paul L Jenkins|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=12479
|title=SSGT Michael F Dean|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref> The crash site was excavated in December 1993 and remains were identified as a group on 7 March 1995. Capt Schaneberg was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3562|title=Capt Leroy Schaneberg Air Force Cross|work=Military Times Hall of valor}}</ref>
|title=SSGT Michael F Dean|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref> The crash site was excavated in December 1993 and remains were identified as a group on 7 March 1995. Schaneberg was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3562|title=Capt Leroy Schaneberg Air Force Cross|work=Military Times Hall of valor}}</ref>
[[Image:Former Son Tay raider Apple 1.jpg|thumb|HH-53B of the 40th ARRS which participated in the Son Tay Raid<ref group=note>Aircraft, serial 68-10357, is pictured after it was converted to an MH-53M Pave Low IV. During the Son Tay raid its call sign was Apple 1. It is on display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]</ref>]]<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12440 |last1=|first1=|title=Callsign 'Apple 1'|date=March 6, 2015|publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force|deadurl=no |accessdate=April 3, 2015}}</ref>
[[Image:Former Son Tay raider Apple 1.jpg|thumb|HH-53B of the 40th ARRS which participated in the Son Tay Raid<ref group=note>Aircraft, serial 68-10357, is pictured after it was converted to an MH-53M Pave Low IV. During the Son Tay raid its call sign was Apple 1. It is on display at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]]</ref>]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12440|title=Callsign 'Apple 1'|date=6 March 2015|publisher=National Museum of the United States Air Force|url-status=dead|access-date=3 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150409190916/http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=12440|archive-date=9 April 2015}}</ref>
*21 November 1970, 5 of the squadron's HH-53s took part in [[Operation Ivory Coast]], the raid on the [[Son Tay]] POW camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3507|title=COL Warner Britton, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref>
*21 November 1970, 5 of the squadron's HH-53s took part in [[Operation Ivory Coast]], the raid on the [[Son Tay]] POW camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3507|title=COL Warner Britton, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref>
*21 June 1971, ''Jolly Green 54'', HH-53, ''66–8285'', was shot down over Laos while attempting to recover an [[AQM-34]] ''Buffalo Hunter'' drone. Crew were all rescued.
*21 June 1971, ''Jolly Green 54'', HH-53, ''66–8285'', was shot down over Laos while attempting to recover an [[AQM-34]] ''Buffalo Hunter'' drone. Crew were all rescued.
[[Image:Sideview of an HH-53 helicopter, 1972.jpg|thumb|40th ARRS HH-53 as seen from a [[21st Special Operations Squadron|21st SOS]] CH-53 in 1972]]
[[Image:Sideview of an HH-53 helicopter, 1972.jpg|thumb|40th ARRS HH-53 as seen from a [[21st Special Operations Squadron|21st SOS]] CH-53 in 1972]]
*27 March 1972, ''Jolly Green 61'', HH-53C, ''66-10359'', crashed over Stoeng Treng Province, Cambodia, about 10 miles southeast of the city of Siempang due to unknown causes. A pararescue specialist was lowered to the ground at the site of the crash to check for survivors, but due to the intense heat from the burning helicopter, he could not approach near enough to determine if there were crew members inside the aircraft. Some three hours later a second rescue specialist was deployed in the immediate area, who reported the wreckage was still burning, precluding close inspection.The 5-man crew were all KIA-BNR.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=39329|title=CAPT David E Pannabecker|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=13937|title=CAPT Richard E Dreher|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=32243|title=SGT James Manor|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=11266
*27 March 1972, ''Jolly Green 61'', HH-53C, ''66-10359'', crashed over Stoeng Treng Province, Cambodia, about {{convert|10|mi}} southeast of [[Siem Pang District]] due to unknown causes. A pararescueman was lowered to the ground at the site of the crash to check for survivors, but due to the intense heat from the burning helicopter, he could not approach near enough to determine if there were crew members inside the aircraft. Some three hours later a second rescue specialist was deployed in the immediate area, who reported the wreckage was still burning, precluding close inspection. The 5-man crew were all killed in action - body not recovered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=39329|title=CAPT David E Pannabecker|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=13937|title=CAPT Richard E Dreher|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=32243|title=SGT James Manor|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=11266
|title=SGT Raymond J Crow|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=54024|title=A1C Raymond A Wagner|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref>
|title=SGT Raymond J Crow|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=54024|title=A1C Raymond A Wagner|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref>
*13 April 1972, Capt. Bennie D Orrell pilot of a Jolly Green, rescued a downed pilot near Tchepone, Laos. Capt. Orrell was awarded the Air Force Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3526|title=CAPT Bennie D Orrell, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref>
*13 April 1972, Captain Bennie D Orrell pilot of a Jolly Green, rescued a downed pilot near Tchepone, Laos. Orrell was awarded the Air Force Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3526|title=CAPT Bennie D Orrell, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref>
*2 June 1972, Capt. [[Dale E. Stovall]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7278
*2 June 1972, Captain [[Dale E. Stovall]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.af.mil/information/bios/bio.asp?bioID=7278
|title=Biography: Brigadier General Dale E Stovall|work=U.S. Air Force website}}</ref> pilot of a Jolly Green, flew through intense hostile ground fire to complete the rescue of Captain [[Roger Locher]], an F-4 copilot who had evaded capture for 23 days after being shot down in North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/1992/March%201992/0392valor.aspx|title=Valor: A good thought to sleep on|work=Airforce Magazine.com}}</ref> This rescue was the deepest CSAR mission into North Vietnam and took place 8&nbsp;km northeast of [[Yên Bái Air Base]], one of the most active [[Vietnamese People's Air Force]] MiG airfields. Stovall was awarded a Bronze [[Oak leaf cluster]] in lieu of a second award of [[Silver Star]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3468|title=CAPT Dale Stovall, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref> Stovall was also awarded the 1973 [[Jabara Award]] for Airmanship.
|title=Biography: Brigadier General Dale E Stovall|work=U.S. Air Force website}}</ref> pilot of a Jolly Green, flew through intense hostile ground fire to complete the rescue of Captain [[Roger Locher]], an F-4 copilot who had evaded capture for 23 days after being shot down in North Vietnam.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.airforce-magazine.com/MagazineArchive/Pages/1992/March%201992/0392valor.aspx|title=Valor: A good thought to sleep on|work=Air Force Magazine}}</ref> This rescue was the deepest CSAR mission into North Vietnam and took place 8&nbsp;km northeast of [[Yên Bái Air Base]], one of the most active [[Vietnamese People's Air Force]] MiG airfields. Stovall was awarded a Bronze [[Oak leaf cluster]] in lieu of a second award of [[Silver Star]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3468|title=CAPT Dale Stovall, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref> Stovall was also awarded the 1973 [[Jabara Award]] for Airmanship.
*27 June 1972, Pararescueman SGT Charles D. McGrath was on a CSAR mission on ''Jolly Green 77'' over North Vietnam. While penetrating dense jungle to rescue [[F-4]] crewman, Captain Lynn A. Aikman, who had a broken leg, knee, elbow and jaw, SGT McGrath exposed himself to intense ground fire in order to drag the incapacitated Aikman to a suitable recovery area. Seeing ''JG73'' crippled by the hostile fire, he directed air strikes against surrounding hostile ground forces until he was able to secure CAPT Aikman and himself to the penetrator of ''Jolly Green 57'', the backup helicopter. Rising through constant accurate ground fire, he shielded CAPT Aikman with his own body until they were successfully recovered. McGrath and the pilot Capt Dale Stovall were both awarded the Air Force Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3607
*27 June 1972, Pararescueman Sergeant Charles D. McGrath was on a CSAR mission on ''Jolly Green 77'' over North Vietnam. While penetrating dense jungle to rescue [[F-4]] crewman, Captain Lynn A. Aikman, who had a broken leg, knee, elbow and jaw, McGrath exposed himself to intense ground fire in order to drag the incapacitated Aikman to a suitable recovery area. Seeing ''JG73'' crippled by the hostile fire, he directed air strikes against surrounding hostile ground forces until he was able to secure CAikman and himself to the penetrator of ''Jolly Green 57'', the backup helicopter. Rising through constant accurate ground fire, he shielded Aikman with his own body until they were successfully recovered. McGrath and the pilot Captain Dale Stovall were both awarded the Air Force Cross.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://militarytimes.com/citations-medals-awards/recipient.php?recipientid=3607
|title=SGT Charles McGrath, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref>
|title=SGT Charles McGrath, Air Force Cross|work=Military Times}}</ref>
*27 December 1972, ''Jolly Green 73'', HH-53C, ''66-10788'', on a CSAR mission for crew of ''Jackel 33'', an [[F-111]]A downed on 22 December 1972 over North Vietnam, lost its fuel probe due to enemy ground fire and crash-landed due to fuel starvation. ''JG-73'' was then destroyed by an [[A-1 Skyraider]].
*27 December 1972, ''Jolly Green 73'', HH-53C, ''69-5788'', on a CSAR mission for crew of ''Jackel 33'', an [[F-111]]A downed on 22 December 1972 over North Vietnam, lost its fuel probe due to enemy ground fire and crash-landed due to fuel starvation. ''JG-73'' was then destroyed by an [[A-7D Corsair]].
*14 June 1973, ''Jolly Green 64'', HH-53C, ''66-10362'', lost its tail rotor and crashed into the [[Tonle Sap]], Cambodia. 3 of the crew were KIA<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=44643|title=CAPT Gilbert A Rovito|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=34546|title=1LT Francis E Meador
*14 June 1973, ''Jolly Green 64'', HH-53C, ''66-10362'', lost its tail rotor and crashed into the [[Tonle Sap]], Cambodia. 3 of the crew were killed<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=44643|title=CAPT Gilbert A Rovito|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=34546|title=1LT Francis E Meador
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=34290|title=MSGT David V McLeod|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref> and 2 were rescued.
|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thewall-usa.com/info.asp?recid=34290|title=MSGT David V McLeod|work=The Virtual Wall}}</ref> and 2 were rescued.
*12 April 1975 the squadron supported [[Operation Eagle Pull]], the evacuation of [[Phnom Penh]], Cambodia.<ref>Dunham, p. 115</ref>
*12 April 1975 the squadron supported [[Operation Eagle Pull]], the evacuation of [[Phnom Penh]], Cambodia.<ref name=Dunham>{{cite book |last=Dunham |first=George R |title=U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Bitter End, 1973–1975 (Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Historical Series)|publisher=Marine Corps Association|year=1990|url=https://archive.org/details/TheBitterEnd|isbn=978-0-16-026455-9|page=[https://archive.org/details/TheBitterEnd/page/n125 115]}}{{PD-notice}}</ref>
*29–30 April 1975, 2 of the squadron's HH-53s operating from [[USS Midway (CV-41)]] took part in [[Operation Frequent Wind]], the evacuation of [[Saigon]].<ref name="Dunham186">Dunham, p. 186</ref>
*29–30 April 1975, 2 of the squadron's HH-53s operating from {{USS|Midway|CV-41|6}} took part in [[Operation Frequent Wind]], the evacuation of [[Saigon]].<ref name=Dunham/>{{rp|186}}
*15 May 1975, 7 of the squadron's HH-53s participated in the recapture of the [[Mayaguez Incident|SS Mayaguez]].<ref name="Dunham239">Dunham, p. 239</ref>
*15 May 1975, 7 of the squadron's HH-53s participated in the recapture of the [[Mayaguez Incident|SS Mayaguez]].<ref name=Dunham/>{{rp|239}}


==Lineage==
==Lineage==
Line 107: Line 107:
* Redesignated '''40th Rescue Flight''' on 1 April 1993
* Redesignated '''40th Rescue Flight''' on 1 April 1993
: Activated on 1 May 1993
: Activated on 1 May 1993
* Redesignated '''40th Helicopter Flight on 1 May 1998
* Redesignated '''40th Helicopter Flight''' on 1 May 1998
* Redesignated '''40th Helicopter Squadron''' on 11 October 2005<ref name=40HSfacts/>
* Redesignated '''40th Helicopter Squadron''' on 11 October 2005<ref name=40HSfacts/>


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
* [[3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group]]: 21 March 1968
* [[3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group]]: 21 March 1968
* [[41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing]] (later 41st Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing): 20 August 1972 - 31 January 1976
* [[41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing]] (later 41st Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing): 20 August 1972 – 31 January 1976
* [[39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing]]: 1 July 1978 - 31 December 1987
* [[39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing]]: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
* [[341st Operations Group]]: 1 May 1993<ref name=40HSfacts/>
* [[341st Operations Group]]: 1 May 1993<ref name=40HSfacts/>
* [[582d Helicopter Group]]: 5 January 2015
* [[582d Helicopter Group]]: 5 January 2015


===Detachments===
===Detachments===
* Detachment 1, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand: 18 March 1968 - 1 July 1971
* Detachment 1, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand: 18 March 1968 – 1 July 1971
: Detachment 1, [[Homestead Air Force Base]], Florida: 8 January 1981 - 1 October 1985
: Detachment 1, [[Homestead Air Force Base]], Florida: 8 January 1981 – 1 October 1985
* Detachment 3, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 - 20 August 1974
* Detachment 3, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 – 20 August 1974
* Detachemtn 4, Hill Air Fotce Base, Utach: 1 July 1978 - 31 December 1987
* Detachment 4, Hill Air Force Base, Utah: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
* Detachment 5, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 - 30 September 1975
* Detachment 5, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 – 30 September 1975
* Detachment 5, [[Edwards Air Force Base]], California: 1 July 1978 - 31 December 1987
* Detachment 5, [[Edwards Air Force Base]], California: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
* Detachment 6 [[Holloman Air Force Base]], New Mexico: 1 July 1978 - 31 December 1987
* Detachment 6 [[Holloman Air Force Base]], New Mexico: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
* Detachment 7 Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam): 11 December 1972 - 10 February 1973
* Detachment 7 Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam: 11 December 1972 – 10 February 1973
* Detachment 8 Takhli RTAFB, Thailand: c. Dec 1972 - 31 January 1973
* Detachment 8 Takhli RTAFB, Thailand: c. Dec 1972 – 31 January 1973
* Detachment 10 Takhli RTAFB, Thailand: 31 January 1973 - 30 July 1974
* Detachment 10 Takhli RTAFB, Thailand: 31 January 1973 – 30 July 1974
* Detachment 10 [[MacDill Air Force Base]], Florida: 8 January 1981 - 31 March 1981
* Detachment 10 [[MacDill Air Force Base]], Florida: 8 January 1981 – 31 March 1981
* Detachment 12 U-Tapao RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 - 31 January 1976
* Detachment 12 U-Tapao RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 – 31 January 1976
* Detachment 14 [[Tan Son Nhut Air Base]], South Vietnam: 15 September 1972 - 10 February 1973
* Detachment 14 [[Tan Son Nhut Air Base]], South Vietnam: 15 September 1972 – 10 February 1973
* Detachment 18 [[Plattsburgh Air Force Base]], New York: 8 January 1981 - 30 November 1987
* Detachment 18 [[Plattsburgh Air Force Base]], New York: 8 January 1981 – 30 November 1987
* Detachment 22 [[Mountain Home Air Force Base]], Idaho: 1 July 1978 - 30 November 1987
* Detachment 22 [[Mountain Home Air Force Base]], Idaho: 1 July 1978 – 30 November 1987
* Detachment 24 [[Fairchild Air Force Base]], Wachington: 1 July 1978 - 30 November 1987<ref name=40HSfacts/>
* Detachment 24 [[Fairchild Air Force Base]], Washington: 1 July 1978 – 30 November 1987<ref name=40HSfacts/>


===Stations===
===Stations===
* [[Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base]], Thailand, 21 March 1968
* [[Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base]], Thailand, 21 March 1968
* [[Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base]], Thailand, 28 July 1971
* [[Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base]], Thailand, 28 July 1971
* [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base]], Thailand, 15 September 1975 - 31 January 1976
* [[Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base]], Thailand, 15 September 1975 – 31 January 1976
* [[Hill Air Force Base]], Utah, 1 July 1978 - 31 December 1987
* [[Hill Air Force Base]], Utah, 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
* [[Malmstrom Air Force Base]], Montana, 1 May 1993 – present<ref name=40HSfacts/>
* [[Malmstrom Air Force Base]], Montana, 1 May 1993 – present<ref name=40HSfacts/>


Line 145: Line 145:
*[[Sikorsky HH-3]] (1967–1969)
*[[Sikorsky HH-3]] (1967–1969)
*[[Kaman HH-43 Huskie]] (1972–1976)
*[[Kaman HH-43 Huskie]] (1972–1976)
*[[Sikorsky HH-53]]B & C (1968–1976)
*[[Sikorsky MH-53|Sikorsky HH-53]]B & C (1968–1976)
*[[Lockheed HC-130]]P Hercules(1975–1976)
*[[Lockheed HC-130]]P Hercules(1975–1976)
*[[Bell UH-1 Iroquois]] (1973–present)
*[[Bell UH-1N Iroquois]] (1973–present)
*[[AgustaWestland AW139|Boeing MH-139A Grey Wolf]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.stripes.com/branches/air_force/2024-03-17/mh-139-grey-wolf-malmstrom-afb-13347062.html | title=Malmstrom Air Force Base welcomes new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter }}</ref> (2024-present)
{{div col end}}


==References==
==References==
*{{Air Force}}
*{{US Air Force}}
*{{Marine Corps}}
*{{Marine Corps}}


===Notes===
===Notes===
; Explanatory notes
{{reflist|group=note}}
{{reflist|group=note}}


===Citations===
; Citations
{{Reflist|3}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last=Dunham |first=George R |title=U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Bitter End, 1973–1975 (Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Historical Series) |publisher=Marine Corps Association |year=1990 |isbn=978-0-16-026455-9|page=}}
* {{cite book| title=Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia 1961–1975| last=Tilford| first=Earl| publisher=Office of Air Force History| year=1980| isbn=978-1-4102-2264-0| page=}}


{{US Air Force navbox}}
{{US Air Force navbox}}
Line 169: Line 166:
{{USAF South Vietnam}}
{{USAF South Vietnam}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:40th Aerospace Rescue And Recovery Squadron}}
[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Military units and formations of the United States Air Force in the Vietnam War]]
[[Category:Rescue squadrons of the United States Air Force|040]]
[[Category:Helicopter squadrons of the United States Air Force]]
[[Category:Helicopter squadrons of the United States Air Force]]

Latest revision as of 22:28, 16 November 2024

40th Helicopter Squadron
An HH-53B of the 40th ARRS refueling from an HC-130P over North Vietnam, 1969–70
Active1968–1976; 1978–1987; 1993–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleICBM Defense / Rescue & Recovery
Part ofAir Force Global Strike Command
Nickname(s)Pathfinders
Motto(s)Deter, Detect, and Defend (2003-present) Save (1968-1987)
ColorsBlue, Yellow, White[citation needed]
EngagementsVietnam War
Insignia
40th Helicopter Squadron emblem[note 1][1]
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron emblem
Aircraft flown
Multirole helicopterBoeing MH-139A Grey Wolf
Utility helicopterBell UH-1N Twin Huey

The 40th Helicopter Squadron is a missile support unit of the United States Air Force. As the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron it was a helicopter rescue squadron of the USAF during the Vietnam War.

History

[edit]

The squadron was activated as the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in March 1968 with Sikorsky HH-3s which were nicknamed "Nitnoy." Later Sikorsky HH-53s arrived and these were nicknamed "BUFF."

In March 1968, Detachment 2 of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron at Udorn RTAFB operating HH-3s and HH-53Bs, was transferred to the 40th ARRS.[2]

The 40th moved to Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base on 21 July 1971.

20 August 1972, the local base rescue detachments of the 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group each operating 2 HH-43s were transferred to the 40th ARRS, comprising:[2]: 115 

30 November 1972, with the inactivation of the 37th ARRS at Danang Air Base, 5 of its HH-53s were transferred to the 40th ARRS, while its two HH-43s remained at Danang as Detachment 7 of the 40th ARRS to provide base rescue during Operation Linebacker II.[2]: 127 

Following the Paris Peace Accords all remaining US Forces were withdrawn from South Vietnam by 27 March 1973. Detachment 7 at Danang Air Base and Detachment 14 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base were inactivated during this period. Following the withdrawal from South Vietnam the 40th's force level was 11 HH-53s and 14 HH-43s.[2]: 128 

The USAF continued combat operations over Cambodia until 15 August 1973 and the 40th provided CSAR support during this period. Following the end of combat operations the 40th kept 2 HH-53s at Nakhon Phanom on 15-minute alert during daylight and 45-minute alert at night.[2]: 135 

In July 1974 Detachment 10 at Takhli was disbanded, followed in August by Detachment 3 at Ubon. On 20 February 1975, Detachment 1 at Nakhon Phanom was disbanded. At this time the 40th's force level had dropped to 8 HH-53Cs and 4 HH-43Fs.[2]: 136 

The 40th moved to Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base on 1 October 1975. On 15 October 1975 with the inactivation of the 56th ARRS its 4 HC-130Ps joined the 40th.[2]: 154 

On 31 January 1976 the 40th ARRS was inactivated at Korat RTAFB.[2]: 155 

Operations and losses

[edit]
  • 30 May 1968, Jolly Green, an HH-3E was attempting to rescue Colonel Norman Phillips the pilot of a downed F-105, near Savannakhet, Laos. Pararescueman Sergeant Thomas A Newman descended into a hostile jungle environment to rescue the pilot. Hampered by darkness and concentrated automatic weapons fire, Newman requested the rescue helicopter to enter a nearby orbit, both for the safety of the crewmembers and to prevent the hovering aircraft from establishing their location for the unfriendly ground forces. When the HH-3 returned, he secured the injured Philips to the forest penetrator and protected him with his own body as they ascended to the helicopter. Newman was awarded the Air Force Cross.[3]
  • 25 December 1968, Jolly Green 17, an HH-3E was attempting to rescue Major Charles R Brownlee,[4] the pilot of Panda 01 an F-105 shot down near Ban Lathama, Mahaxia District, Khammouan Province, Laos. Pararescueman Airman First Class Charles Douglas King descended by rescue hoist to rescue the injured pilot. With the pilot attached to the hoist, the HH-3E and King were hit by enemy fire, seriously injured, King instructed the helicopter to depart. King was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross,.[5] The bodies of King and Brownlee were not recovered and both were listed as killed in action - body not recovered.[6]
  • 18 January 1969, Jolly Green 67, HH-53B, 66-14430, was hit by ground fire while on a CSAR mission for Sandy 02, an A-1H lost the previous day. Helicopter made an emergency landing 15 km southeast of Tchepone, Laos. The crew and the A-1 pilot were rescued by Jolly Green 70. An airstrike was ordered to destroy JG-67
  • 28 January 1970, Jolly Green 71, HH-53B, 66-14434, on a CSAR mission for the pilot of Seabird 02, an F-105G, was shot down by a missile fired from a Mig-21 piloted by Vu Ngoc Dinh of the 921st Fighter Regiment.[7] The 6-man crew were all killed.[8][9][10][11][12][13]
  • 30 June 1970, Jolly Green 54, HH-53C, 66-8283, was on a CSAR mission for the crew of Nail 44 an OV-10A, over Savannakhet, Laos. Abandoning the first rescue attempt due to heavy fire, the pilot Captain Leroy C Schaneberg decided to make a second rescue attempt. JG54 was hit by ground fire and crashed. The 5-man crew were all killed.[14][15][16][17][18] The crash site was excavated in December 1993 and remains were identified as a group on 7 March 1995. Schaneberg was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross.[19]
HH-53B of the 40th ARRS which participated in the Son Tay Raid[note 2]

[20]

  • 21 November 1970, 5 of the squadron's HH-53s took part in Operation Ivory Coast, the raid on the Son Tay POW camp.[21]
  • 21 June 1971, Jolly Green 54, HH-53, 66–8285, was shot down over Laos while attempting to recover an AQM-34 Buffalo Hunter drone. Crew were all rescued.
40th ARRS HH-53 as seen from a 21st SOS CH-53 in 1972
  • 27 March 1972, Jolly Green 61, HH-53C, 66-10359, crashed over Stoeng Treng Province, Cambodia, about 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Siem Pang District due to unknown causes. A pararescueman was lowered to the ground at the site of the crash to check for survivors, but due to the intense heat from the burning helicopter, he could not approach near enough to determine if there were crew members inside the aircraft. Some three hours later a second rescue specialist was deployed in the immediate area, who reported the wreckage was still burning, precluding close inspection. The 5-man crew were all killed in action - body not recovered.[22][23][24][25][26]
  • 13 April 1972, Captain Bennie D Orrell pilot of a Jolly Green, rescued a downed pilot near Tchepone, Laos. Orrell was awarded the Air Force Cross.[27]
  • 2 June 1972, Captain Dale E. Stovall[28] pilot of a Jolly Green, flew through intense hostile ground fire to complete the rescue of Captain Roger Locher, an F-4 copilot who had evaded capture for 23 days after being shot down in North Vietnam.[29] This rescue was the deepest CSAR mission into North Vietnam and took place 8 km northeast of Yên Bái Air Base, one of the most active Vietnamese People's Air Force MiG airfields. Stovall was awarded a Bronze Oak leaf cluster in lieu of a second award of Silver Star.[30] Stovall was also awarded the 1973 Jabara Award for Airmanship.
  • 27 June 1972, Pararescueman Sergeant Charles D. McGrath was on a CSAR mission on Jolly Green 77 over North Vietnam. While penetrating dense jungle to rescue F-4 crewman, Captain Lynn A. Aikman, who had a broken leg, knee, elbow and jaw, McGrath exposed himself to intense ground fire in order to drag the incapacitated Aikman to a suitable recovery area. Seeing JG73 crippled by the hostile fire, he directed air strikes against surrounding hostile ground forces until he was able to secure CAikman and himself to the penetrator of Jolly Green 57, the backup helicopter. Rising through constant accurate ground fire, he shielded Aikman with his own body until they were successfully recovered. McGrath and the pilot Captain Dale Stovall were both awarded the Air Force Cross.[31]
  • 27 December 1972, Jolly Green 73, HH-53C, 69-5788, on a CSAR mission for crew of Jackel 33, an F-111A downed on 22 December 1972 over North Vietnam, lost its fuel probe due to enemy ground fire and crash-landed due to fuel starvation. JG-73 was then destroyed by an A-7D Corsair.
  • 14 June 1973, Jolly Green 64, HH-53C, 66-10362, lost its tail rotor and crashed into the Tonle Sap, Cambodia. 3 of the crew were killed[32][33][34] and 2 were rescued.
  • 12 April 1975 the squadron supported Operation Eagle Pull, the evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia.[35]
  • 29–30 April 1975, 2 of the squadron's HH-53s operating from USS Midway took part in Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of Saigon.[35]: 186 
  • 15 May 1975, 7 of the squadron's HH-53s participated in the recapture of the SS Mayaguez.[35]: 239 

Lineage

[edit]
  • Constituted as the 40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron, activated and organized on 21 March 1968
Inactivated on 31 January 1976
Activated on 1 July 1978
Inactivated on 31 December 1987
  • Redesignated 40th Rescue Flight on 1 April 1993
Activated on 1 May 1993
  • Redesignated 40th Helicopter Flight on 1 May 1998
  • Redesignated 40th Helicopter Squadron on 11 October 2005[1]

Assignments

[edit]

Detachments

[edit]
  • Detachment 1, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand: 18 March 1968 – 1 July 1971
Detachment 1, Homestead Air Force Base, Florida: 8 January 1981 – 1 October 1985
  • Detachment 3, Ubon RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 – 20 August 1974
  • Detachment 4, Hill Air Force Base, Utah: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
  • Detachment 5, Udorn RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 – 30 September 1975
  • Detachment 5, Edwards Air Force Base, California: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
  • Detachment 6 Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
  • Detachment 7 Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam: 11 December 1972 – 10 February 1973
  • Detachment 8 Takhli RTAFB, Thailand: c. Dec 1972 – 31 January 1973
  • Detachment 10 Takhli RTAFB, Thailand: 31 January 1973 – 30 July 1974
  • Detachment 10 MacDill Air Force Base, Florida: 8 January 1981 – 31 March 1981
  • Detachment 12 U-Tapao RTAFB, Thailand: 20 August 1972 – 31 January 1976
  • Detachment 14 Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam: 15 September 1972 – 10 February 1973
  • Detachment 18 Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York: 8 January 1981 – 30 November 1987
  • Detachment 22 Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho: 1 July 1978 – 30 November 1987
  • Detachment 24 Fairchild Air Force Base, Washington: 1 July 1978 – 30 November 1987[1]

Stations

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Approved 10 July 2003.
  2. ^ Aircraft, serial 68-10357, is pictured after it was converted to an MH-53M Pave Low IV. During the Son Tay raid its call sign was Apple 1. It is on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e Robertson, Patsy (26 April 2011). "Factsheet 40 Helicopter Squadron (AFGSC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 3 April 2015.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Tilford, Earl (1980). Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia 1961–1975 (PDF). Office of Air Force History. p. 81. ISBN 9781410222640.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  3. ^ "SGT Thomas A Newman, Air Force Cross". Military Times.
  4. ^ "COL Charles R Brownlee". The Virtual Wall.
  5. ^ "A1C Charles King, Air Force Cross". Military Times.
  6. ^ "CMS Charles Douglas King". The Virtual Wall.
  7. ^ "Vietnamese Air-to-Air Victories, Part 2". Archived from the original on 4 March 2013. Retrieved 10 February 2010.
  8. ^ "MAJ Holly G Bell". The Virtual Wall.
  9. ^ "Capt Leonard C Leeser". The Virtual Wall.
  10. ^ "Ssgt William C Shinn". The Virtual Wall.
  11. ^ "SMS William D Pruett". The Virtual Wall.
  12. ^ "Msgt William C Sutton". The Virtual Wall.
  13. ^ "Ssgt Gregory L Anderson". The Virtual Wall.
  14. ^ "Capt Leroy C Schaneberg". The Virtual Wall.
  15. ^ "MAJ John W Goeglein". The Virtual Wall.
  16. ^ "SSGT Marvin E Bell". The Virtual Wall.
  17. ^ "MSGT Paul L Jenkins". The Virtual Wall.
  18. ^ "SSGT Michael F Dean". The Virtual Wall.
  19. ^ "Capt Leroy Schaneberg Air Force Cross". Military Times Hall of valor.
  20. ^ "Callsign 'Apple 1'". National Museum of the United States Air Force. 6 March 2015. Archived from the original on 9 April 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
  21. ^ "COL Warner Britton, Air Force Cross". Military Times.
  22. ^ "CAPT David E Pannabecker". The Virtual Wall.
  23. ^ "CAPT Richard E Dreher". The Virtual Wall.
  24. ^ "SGT James Manor". The Virtual Wall.
  25. ^ "SGT Raymond J Crow". The Virtual Wall.
  26. ^ "A1C Raymond A Wagner". The Virtual Wall.
  27. ^ "CAPT Bennie D Orrell, Air Force Cross". Military Times.
  28. ^ "Biography: Brigadier General Dale E Stovall". U.S. Air Force website.
  29. ^ "Valor: A good thought to sleep on". Air Force Magazine.
  30. ^ "CAPT Dale Stovall, Air Force Cross". Military Times.
  31. ^ "SGT Charles McGrath, Air Force Cross". Military Times.
  32. ^ "CAPT Gilbert A Rovito". The Virtual Wall.
  33. ^ "1LT Francis E Meador". The Virtual Wall.
  34. ^ "MSGT David V McLeod". The Virtual Wall.
  35. ^ a b c Dunham, George R (1990). U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Bitter End, 1973–1975 (Marine Corps Vietnam Operational Historical Series). Marine Corps Association. p. 115. ISBN 978-0-16-026455-9.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  36. ^ "Malmstrom Air Force Base welcomes new MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter".
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