The Big Deuce Guestbook

70	Date: 2011-05-17 00:25:00 Stewart W. Bailey ( Stewart.Bailey@sprucegoose.org / www.evergreenmuseum.org) wrote: Hello, and thanks for a wonderful site! I have found it to be most helpful as I research the CH-37B Mojave. Our museum, the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum is restoring CH-37B s/n #58-0999 and it trying to locate any pictures of the aircraft so that we can restore it in the proper markings. So far, we’ve learned that it was delivered to the 19th TC at Fort Benning, GA and moved with the unit to Korea. From there, its life is a bit of a mystery, but its last unit was in Birmingham, AL with the Alabama National Guard before being flown to AMARC. I know some assets of the 19th TC were transferred to Vietnam with the 611th TC (DS), so perhaps it served in Vietnam? Hopefully, someone will remember this machine and let us know where it when in its life. Thanks so much! Stewart W. Bailey
69	Date: 2011-03-06 01:02:30 Les Bowles ( lesbowles@prodigy.net / no homepage) wrote: I went to HMH-461 straight out of school at Millington in 1963 and crewed on of the last ones to Davis-Monthan AFB in Arizona. After all the years memories have dimmed but I think most everyone went on to school on the CH-53, but a small number of crews stayed and alternated flying the old gals to Arizona. They were cantankerous at times, but never failed to do the job asked of them, just keep the gallon can hanging under the transmission emptied and once in a while kick the crap out of the APU and life was not too bad. I had no idea how easy a crew chief’s job was until I went to the UH-34D’s and UH1E’s. Left New River and VMO-1 in Oct. ’68 and became a former Marine.
68	Date: 2011-02-12 14:54:30 Ron Norris ( norris@intrstar.net / no homepage) wrote: I was in 461 for 6 months, March 1957 to September 1957. I was an electrician. Does anyone remember when one of our chopers crashed near Brunswick GA going to Miami FL? I believe there where 6 onboard. All were killed. It was a sad day at New River.
67	Date: 2007-09-12 21:44:34 Rhys R Talbot ( rrtalbot@sti.net / no homepage) wrote: Was a crew chief on a Duce for HMH 462 from Jan64 till Sept64.
66	Date: 2007-06-29 22:57:32 Marius Burke ( mariusb@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: I joined 461 straight out of flight training in mid'59 till early '63 when I joined Air America and flew in Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, etc., until 1975. Wound up with about 1,700 hours in the Deuce. Lots of good memories and wonder what became of a lot of the old gang.
65	Date: 2007-06-26 04:38:21 Neal ( Rocky ) Graziano ( toprock@ptd.net / no homepage) wrote: "GREAT JOB". Bring's back a ton of memories. I think I crewed at least three(3) of these birds cross country on their final flight to Tucson. Rocky
64	Date: 2007-06-21 19:52:46 Richard Boisvert ( gunnyb1973@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: That was one ugly airplane. I remeber the photo history 461 has had scads of pictures in it of dueces. An era long gone. HMH-461 09/90-0995 Gunny B
63	Date: 2007-06-21 18:07:38 Capt Ryan Lynch ( ryan.a.lynch@usmc.mil / no homepage) wrote: Great webpage. Semper Fi!
62	Date: 2007-06-21 16:08:00 Capt. Ernie Brace ( ecbrace@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: HMR-461 1956-1959 POW Laos/Vietnam 1965-1973 "A CODE TO KEEP" Amazon.com/Barnes & Noble/Borders
61	Date: 2007-06-21 02:32:55 Ed Bowers ( aernavsarge@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: John: A great page. Would it be possible to add a section for the plank owners?
60	Date: 2007-06-21 02:21:49 Jack Pipa ( thepipas@gulftel.com / no homepage) wrote: I flew in 461 from 1961 to 1963. I was sthe Safety Officer and also supported the Mercury program at the Cape. I started in HMH-462 and when I left New River I had more than 1200 hrs in the aircraft. The website is wonderful.
59	Date: 2007-06-21 01:58:22 Richard (Dave) Davidson ( rdavidson@ec.rr.com / no homepage) wrote: Joined HMH-461 Mar 76 At New River and tr-out Nov 1980.
58	Date: 2007-06-21 00:37:05 don k. west (dk) ( dwest54@ec.rr.com / no homepage) wrote: While at HMX from l958-62, we were required to check out in another aircraft than the HUS so I chose the Deuce, with Sam Fulton, Buck Harris and Charlie Nesbit as instructors. Sure easy to fly but you can get in serious trouble with the bird. DK West
57	Date: 2007-04-03 16:52:26 Robert Haspel ( bilgepump@wtez.net / no homepage) wrote: Really nice web site! I was with the 19th trans in Korea, 1964-65, as both a crew chief and flight engineer. These were really awesome aircraft. I have many photos that I will share if anyone is interested.
56	Date: 2007-03-18 01:16:10 Still a Fan ( ffan2@juno.com / no homepage) wrote: Thanks for energy...this is a very heart warming site... If you were into big engines and very loud noises this bird was it...booked 200 hours with the 4th Aviation at Nelligen Germany in the mid 60's...it was a great aircraft to do hard landings with (...and everytime except Wildflicken), we all walked away. Nicknamed the "double breasted bug crusher" the by a motley lot of enlisted guys it was a great aircraft..with Great pilots and legendary crews...
55	Date: 2007-02-22 16:13:52 Dwight ( no email / http://www.geocities.com/qjsacchi_556/) wrote: Its a very nice Website. Greetings!
54	Date: 2006-12-28 05:42:21 Gary McCaleb ( mccgsm@gmail.com / no homepage) wrote: This is just weird; I had the longest, most involved dream involving a CH-37, apparently in the Korean War era; it was being maintained prior to a flight that I was to go on, but for some reason I stayed behind while my boss, a young ensign flew. I had a sick feeling that the aircraft would be lost, and sure enough, it went down shortly after it lifted off. Odd thing is that I have absolutely no reason to dream of this particular model; it took me a while to pin it down and find a photo. Weird. Anyway, its an awesome machine; wish there were still some flying!
53	Date: 2006-12-11 22:39:55 ken van fleet ( vanfleet40@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: was in hmr-461 dec 58-aug 62 .many fond memeries some a little scary.had a wonderful time.
52	Date: 2006-08-04 19:35:55 Marcus Kistner ( marcus.kistner@web.de / no homepage) wrote: Hi there, the Deuce recalls old memories. When I was a boy, my mother took me to an airshow at the Stuttgart Boeblingen Hulb Army Airfield, where a got into a Deuce which was on a static display. A Husky extinguished fires and a Sikorsky S-56 also gave a flight display. It was the day when I decided to become a helicopter pilot. So it happened. Wonderful Deuce ! Keep the blue sides up, yours, Marcus, near Heidelberg, Germany, August 4, 2006
51	Date: 2006-07-05 19:23:25 TomBrooklyn ( no email / no homepage) wrote: Cool pics and stories
50	Date: 2006-06-30 22:35:53 James V. Pimental ( jvp1946@comcast.net / no homepage) wrote: I was a crewchief on aCH-37 of the 90th. Aviation Co. at illeshiem, germany. I was stationed there from 03/66 thru 11/67. We had 16 of the Mojaves.
49	Date: 2006-03-24 03:07:05 Francis Coble, Jr ( fcoble@outdrs.net / no homepage) wrote: Stationed at New River, MCAS 1961-62, assigned to HMR(M)-461. Rigger (7113). Volunteered for practice runs retrieving nose cones from the Atlantic. You were let down on a cable from the belly of a Deuce with a shepherd's crook (stick with a snap on the end)in your hand, hopefully to hook a ring on the capsules nose. A combination of rotor wash and wave action made it nearly impossible to capture the thing. Our crew chief to pilot communication was excellent in getting, and keeping me on target, but I never did hook one of the "dummies." Being in the squadron, working with and riding in a Deuce has been one of the high points in my life. I was glad to read Pete McCuskers notes (#28) and see that he's doing well. This is a well designed site and easy to navigate. Brings back a lot of memories.
48	Date: 2006-02-24 01:33:28 Mike Harmon ( kfl@centurytel.net / no homepage) wrote: Like your site, the 37 was the last flightin helos that I took in Viet Nam. Took controled mes to 2/9's BAS forward at the Rockpile, 10/66. Semper Fi Mike "Doc" Harmon E2/9 and BAS
47	Date: 2006-02-09 17:57:26 John Schroeder Jr ( johns@ptcoupling.com / no homepage) wrote: gunther, i have enjoyed your site quite a bit, my father was a crew chief for several of these monsters in the 60's, i will never forget the size and sound and the bloodshot eyeballs painted on a few of these HR2S's..... thanks for posting a few of his pictures on your site... great job
46	Date: 2006-02-06 22:32:35 Richard L. Frazer ( rlfrazer@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: Former CH37 Flight Engineer in the 19th Avn. Co in Korea and the 4th Avn Co. in Germany
45	Date: 2005-10-20 11:31:47 YORAM SHALEV ( s_yoram1@bezeqint.net / no homepage) wrote: wonderful resarch of a forgotten machine, learnt a lot from your web site, and wonderful model of the heli. congratulations
44	Date: 2005-09-06 17:30:46 Allen Wayne Ward ( akwward@cox.net / no homepage) wrote: Good to see names I recognize, and fellows with whom I flew the Duece with during that early time - Mike Leahy, Jim Stranahan... Those were the days when every day was an adventure, and the HR2S a most memorable and exciting one. We all knew the risks, challenges and rewards of flying such a formidale forerunner of today's heavy battle worthy helicopters.
43	Date: 2005-06-12 17:49:24 Billy ( usarmynellingen@hotmail.com / http://www.billybils.de) wrote: Hello Gunther, great and historical Website, Congratulations to your Work, its good to see that there are some Pictures of Nellingen Barracks in the Gallery, if anyone is interestet of the Story of Nellingen Barracks, visit my Website and may have any old Photos that I can use for my Site please email me, keep on that Site Gunther, Greetings from Nellingen, Billy
42	Date: 2005-05-18 03:29:40 Joe Bairn ( rimfire@maqs.net / no homepage) wrote: I'm researching USMC BuNo's. This sight will be of real help.
41	Date: 2005-05-03 20:08:27 Allen WAYNE Ward ( awward@usa.net / no homepage) wrote: Was 2nd and 1st LT Marine Pilot in Mag 26 Squadrons 261, 262, and 461 in the late '50's - 1956 to 1960.
40	Date: 2005-04-11 13:05:09 Simon Blindenbacher ( no email / no homepage) wrote: The Page is wery Gooood.I like the Big Deuce page
39	Date: 2005-02-18 22:06:53 Hollis Kimball ( Choprgo@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a former senior Flight Test Engineer at Sikorsky Aircraft in the late 50's and early 60's. Two of my projects involved the S-60, aka HR3S-1, 'flying crane', and the S-56, aka HR2S-1, modified to an XHR2S-1, #133734, with the twin tail rotors. (I was on-board and directing it's last flight, which resulted in a crash landing due to an in-flight separation of one of the tail rotors). I do have a number of original 8x11 b/w photos of both aircraft, both static and in-flight. Reference the S-60 cockpit seating, actually there was a third seat, facing rearward, with a full instrument panel and set of flight controls. This was for the cargo/hoist, or minesweeper tow operator. I actually flew it from that position during the 'tow' tests. For the record, I can provide details on other helicopters that I have tested also.
38	Date: 2005-02-17 03:15:11 Al Doucette ( minuteman42too@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: Your model looks great. I started building one of these about 5 years ago, but put it on the shelf, to build a Piasecki CH-21. Hope to get back to mine some day soon.
37	Date: 2004-10-25 00:34:49 RONALD E. MAYER ( Theawfulegg@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: MANY THANX GUNTHER, FOR PLACING MY DADS CRASH ON YOU SITE. HE STRUGGLED DAY AND NIGHT TO RE-GAIN USE OF HIS BACK TO RETURN TO FLIGHT DUTY STATUS AND WON ONLY TO START YET ANOTHER TEST...THE FULTON SKYHOOK.
36	Date: 2004-10-17 22:50:22 P J Spellman ( pandps@bellsouth.net / no homepage) wrote: Logged around 700 hours in a Deuce from 1/ 61 through 10/64 as a First Mech and Crew Chief in HMH-462............Loved every minute
35	Date: 2004-09-18 19:03:56 Bill Fogg ( BillFogg1@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I was deployed to Hanau, Germany in 1959 with the 4th Transportation Company Medium Helicopter H-37 Mojave. We were the very first Army H-37 Helicopter Company in Germany at that time. Our Mission was to prove the H-37 and support the Infantry. I was a PFC in the Company at Fliegerhorst Kaserne. My job was to refuel the H-37's on missions as they flew all over Southern Germany. We started out with 20 new H-37's which were shipped over to Germany with the advanced company. They were a marvelous helicopter and could do just about anything imagineable. Great ships. This is a wonderful web site and you should be congradulated for your dedication to preserving the memory of this famous helicopter. Thanks for bringing back ole Army Memories. Bill Fogg
34	Date: 2004-07-19 01:25:50 Charles Tay ( wolfmant600@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Dear Mr. Winkle; I checked out your site this weekend. I am one if John Tay's sons. I am not being biased when i say I enjoyed your website, you have to remember I was 2 years old when we moved from North Carolina and can not say I remember "The Big Deuce". If you ever hear of one that is running I would like to know about it. The closest I've come to that sound was last summer At Republic Airport in Long Island, NY when they bought out an old airplane(don't remember what kind) with an 18 cylinder radial engine. I would really like to take a ride on one though I doubt that is possible. Sincerely, Charles Tay
33	Date: 2004-07-16 01:41:51 RONALD E.MAYER ( Theawfulegg@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: MY MOM USED TO TELL ME THAT WHEN MY DAD WAS TEST FLYING THE DUECE, HE USED TO DO A FLY-OVER TO WAKE HER UP IN THE MORNING! SHE SAID THE WHOLE HOUSE SHOOK LIKE AN EARTHQUAKE. WHAT A WAY TO WAKE UP !
32	Date: 2004-07-08 03:09:42 RONALD E. MAYER ( Theawfulegg@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: BY THE WAY...THEY PAINTED "JONAH" ON THE FRONT OF ONE, I DONT KNOW WHICH EXACTLY. IT WAS A FRONTAL PIC.
31	Date: 2004-07-08 02:57:37 RONALD E. MAYER ( Theawfulegg@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: MY DAD,PAUL E. MAYER USED TO FLY IN FOUR OF THESE MONSTERS,(#138420,140315,140316 AND 140320 AS CREW CHIEF AND CO-PILOT OUT OF P.A.X.,STRATTFORD CONN.,CAMP DAVIDSON VA,FORT BELFOR VA,THE PENTAGON,SIKORSKY PLANT,BRADLEY FIELD CONN,WEBSTER FIELD,A.P. HILL VA,NORFOLK VA,NEW RIVER VA,AND KINGSTON NC.(ACCORDING TO HIS FLIGHT LOG BOOK. THESE TEST FLIGHTS WERE BETWEEN 6-15-'56 AND 12-03-'58. THERE WERE TWO ENTRIES FOR PROBLEMS WITH ROUGH ENGINES AND TAIL ROTOR VIBRATION. HIS FINAL FLIGHT WITH BILL QUICK (12-03-'58) ENDED IN A SEVERE CRASH IN THE POTOMAC RIVER, 2000 YDS. EAST OF JONES POINT AT NIGHT DURING FOUL WEATHER TESTING. THEY ALSO HAD A CIVILIAN ON BOARD WHO DIED IN THE CRASH. MAJOR QUICK HAD A HOLE PUNCHED INTO HIS SKULL THE DOCTOR SAID HE "COULD PUT HIS MIDDLE FINGER INTO A TOUCH HIS BRAIN", AND MY DAD ENDED UP WITH A BROKEN BACK (BODY CAST HEAD TO TOE)AND TORN ANKLES.THE BASE DID NOT KNOW THEY WERE MISSING UNTIL THE NEXT MORNING. I HAVE ALL THE BIG NAVY CRASH SITE INVESTIGATION PICS. THANX.
30	Date: 2004-05-30 20:16:54 James L. Shanahan ( jlstx@charter.net / no homepage) wrote: After finishing a tour in VMF-122 (F9F-5, FJ-2 FJ-3) I went to helicopter transistion training in early 1957, then reported to MAG(HR)(L)-26. Not long before I reported, HMR(M)-461 had finished its Fleet Introduction Program at MCAF Quantico and transferred everything to MAG-26. Before being assigned to a squadron I was interviewed by the MAG CO, Col. H. E. (High Explosive) King. He had reviewed my flight logs and noted that I had a total of 54.8 hours flying helicopters. The interview consisted of him lecturing me on the suggested requirement from DivAir at HQMC that 500 hours in helicopters should be the minimum requirement before assigning anyone to fly the HR2S, and that if that proved to be true then the USMC had bought the wrong machine. He wound up the interview by saying, "Son, I am going to assign you to 461, because if you can fly it with only 54 hours in helicopters, anybody can." Thus honored, I reported to LtCol. Griffith Barringer (G. B.) Doyle, CO, 461, for duty. The HR2S was a superb a/c to fly; stable, power to spare, good in IFR with or without ASE (Automatic Stabilization Equipment), and surprisingly responsive to control inputs for such a large machine. The only problem was that sitting between 2 R-2800 engines and about 3' in front of the main rotor transmission, many pilots suffered substantial hearing loss. But that was a small price to pay for the privilige of flying that helicopter.
29	Date: 2004-04-25 18:10:21 Dan Cook ( acenickledeuce@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Ran the 152nd Engine shop 1967-1968, just wondering if that was me in the picture that Cliff Macdonald took on the road near Wildenholtz. My daughter was in Europe taking an art course in 2002 and stopped in the Gasthaus where we stayed. She was amazed the lady that runs the place is 80 years old and still remebers me, actually she probably remembers the helicopter and the bunch of us that spent our days working on the engine and nights partying with the locals.
28	Date: 2004-03-19 15:43:05 Pete McCusker ( pmccuske@us.ibm.com / no homepage) wrote: 1960-1962 USMC-Stationed at New River,NC-Crew Chief in Squadron HMR-461 (plane #107) Duty: USS Boxer training exercises in Vieques,PR and Cape Canaveral practice runs retrieving dummy Mercury space program nose cones to save an Astronaut in case of a Mercury mission abort. Met first seven astronauts - Alan Shepard befriended us - his life was in our hands, so to speak. Loved looking at this site. The Deuse (HR2S) was a fascinating plane. Recently finished a nine month IBM assignment for the Army at Fort Eustis,VA. Almost fainted when I visited the Air Museum there and found an Army version of the HR2S. I had long forgotten this huge monster aircraft was in my past 40 years prior when I was a wet-nosed kid. Its like God programmed my IBM assignment at Fort Eustis just so I could admire the Deuce one more time. This was more than a coincidence. It blew my mind.
27	Date: 2004-02-17 18:31:48 Steve York ( no email / http://member.newsguy.com/~jsteven/) wrote: Great site. I've been facinated with these machines since seeing them around Ft. Rucker as a child. I must have drawn a million pictures of helicopters with those big engine pods hanging off the side. My father had some envolvement with these, but I think it was when he was still in the Air Force, rather than later when he was working for a civilian contractor at Ft. Rucker. Though I haven't spotted any reference to it on the site, it's my recollection that the Deuce was evaluated by the USAF (possibly using aircraft on loan from another service), and I'll see what details I can get from him to pass on.
26	Date: 2003-12-01 23:50:16 KENNETH SCALES ( kenns382@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: I trained in one of the last CH-37 classes at Ft Eustis, VA in 1969. I never saw the "Hydraulic Monster" fly so your photos are especially pleasing to me.
25	Date: 2003-11-11 15:08:20 Webmaster ( no email / no homepage) wrote: The "walk around" photos were taken at Ft. Rucker, AL.
24	Date: 2003-11-11 04:25:53 654 ( ffan2@juno.com / no homepage) wrote: where was the "walk around" photo's taken at?
23	Date: 2003-11-11 02:09:37 pat green ( herta101@msn.com / no homepage) wrote: love the pictures i worked as an engine machanic the 37s in munich and stuttgart 1966to 1967.
22	Date: 2003-11-10 16:39:24 Dan Cook ( acenickledeuce@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Worked in the Engine Shop 152nd in Munich and Stuttgart (1966-1969) Had some good times around Stuttgart and Munich. Had some great times when I had to go into the field and repair them or replace engines. Still in touch with friends I made in a small town called Wildenholtz. My daughter took a semester in Europe last year and visited with them and went to the old air field at Schleissheim as well.
21	Date: 2003-11-10 15:04:21 Cliff McDonald ( cliffm@ncounty.net / no homepage) wrote: Served with the 152nd Transportation Detachment and 4th Aviation Company, CH-37s in Germany from 1966-1970.
20	Date: 2003-09-12 15:26:37 CHARLES L. NESBIT SR. ( nestuck@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: I was a plankholder in HMRM 461
19	Date: 2003-07-26 09:27:52 dan hartry ( djhartry@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: Great site with an impressive subject. I used to see these when I lived in Germany in the early 60`s. Keep up the good work!
18	Date: 2003-05-01 22:41:34 John Boyle ( jboyle@ktxs.com / no homepage) wrote: I saw the Keystone civil H-37 and was disappointed to learn of its fate. Back in the 70s I remember reading an article saying the Keystone owner was a big H-37 fan and wanted to put one on the civil register. I sew a few when I visit Tucson, and hope more have been saved. Nice site. John
17	Date: 2003-04-12 09:59:20 Kent Sapp ( hawkdrvr@zma.attmil.ne.jp / no homepage) wrote: I'm an active duty Army Aviator and army aviation history enthusiast. I really enjoyed the website and appreciate your efforts. Some really nice pictures.
16	Date: 2003-02-23 04:24:56 sam fulton ( lolaandsam@worldnet.att.net / no homepage) wrote: I WAS ONE OF THE FIRST 12 PILOTS IN THE FLEET INTRODUCTION PROGRAM IN THE HR2S.G B DOYLE WAS THE SQUADRON CO WE WENT THROUGH THE FIP AT QUANTICO WHERE THEY HAD SOME OF THE EARLIER VERSIONS WITH THE 68 FOOT ROTOR.BECAUSE THE DEUCE HAD A LOT OF MAGNESIUM IN IT IT VERY FLAMMABLE.WATCHED TWO OF THEM BURN DOWN TO THE ENGINES AT QUANTICO FOUR FIRE TRUCKS DID NOT EVEN BEGIN TO STOP THE FIRE.FLEW THE DEUCE FOR ABOUT FIVE YEARS.
15	Date: 2003-01-26 21:33:26 Michael Leahy ( michaelleahy@thehootch.com / http://thehootch.com) wrote: As a plank-owner of HMR(M)-461 (first cadre of officers to fly the Deuce in USMC FMF), I have a warm spot in my heart whenever I see a reminder of the very pleasant days piloting the Deuce.
14	Date: 2002-11-05 02:23:19 Howard Cox ( profileair@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Served with HMH-461 (HMR (M) 461) at MCAF New River from 1962 to 1965
13	Date: 2002-09-29 19:56:22 Alan Norris ( boothjul@aol.com / http://www.helicoptermuseum.co.uk) wrote: Hi Gunther Great site you should write a book on the subject that you know so much about. have you written any books Alan
12	Date: 2002-04-30 18:31:30 Larry Koewing ( larryk@conectiv.net / no homepage) wrote: Well Done! My Dad was stationed at MCAF New River from 1958 to 1961, and I'll never forget the sight and sound of the "Deuce." I was one of those inspired by proximity (and, of course, inclination) of those impressive helicopters to begin a life-long interest (and occupation) in aviation. Again, a grateful "Well Done!"
11	Date: 2002-03-15 23:26:14 Michael Leahy ( michaelleahy@thehootch.com / http://www.thehootch.com) wrote: Looking good!
10	Date: 2002-02-08 03:16:53 Tom Denton ( hma1369@yahoo.com / http://www.geocities.com/hma1369) wrote: Great site! Deuces were long gone before I joined in '75.
9	Date: 2001-12-31 05:13:07 James E. McCall ( GooseK38@aol.com / http://gbdmcl434.fanspace.com) wrote: Site is exceptional as I flew in one of these machines from LPH-USS Boxer in 1960-1961 as passenger w/jeep and trailer (Company driver) and 1 Mech mule w/driver as a "grunt" w/K Co. 3rd Battalion 8th Marine Regiment(Reinforced,although it was very noisy inside(even w/cotton in ears)it was OK. Years later I wonder if any examples survived and where they are.Also it would probably be a good idea to find other choppers of that era such as the Sikorsky companion model HRS that carried troops I don't know the proper model name of this other aircraft and also display them on your website.I am the present Commandant of the Gooney Bird Detachment Marine Corps League #434 based in New Milford,NJ(see website above) as we will be displaying some of my photos w/these choppers in the future possibly by spring of 2002.I want to thank John Tay for telling me about this site I have passed it on to members of my Detachment recently,there may be more photos out there of the Big Deuce.Semper Fi
8	Date: 2001-12-06 04:32:48 Ed Smith ( lesmith_52@hotmail.com / no homepage) wrote: Anyone know of a 1/72 kit of the CH-37 and where one might be obtained? Thanks.
7	Date: 2001-11-28 21:19:08 Pat Woods ( woods@electrol.com / no homepage) wrote: When I first joined HMH-461 as a "boot" Lcpl fresh out of Memphis in Nov of '66, we still had a few of the old dueces around. They were in the process of trying to get them flyable enough to make it to the boneyard. After showing much enthusisum, along with a lot of ragging up of oil, I was allowed to catch a ride. What an experience!! I took my "cherry" ride on one of those venerable old warbirds. They were all too soon replaced when we received our first two CH-53A's in Jan of '67. But I'll never forget that first time up! Thanks to the Duece.
6	Date: 2001-11-13 20:08:22 Mike Maly ( Michael.Maly@t-online.de / http://www.Michael-Maly.de) wrote: High level page! Appreciate. And we all love the pioneer Big Deuce. Aren't we able to hear it start up?
5	Date: 2001-10-28 03:55:19 Pete ( apache61@earthlink.net / no homepage) wrote: Great job buddy!! Thanks for the honor of putting my photos on your site.
4	Date: 2001-10-15 17:36:40 Dave Guilliams ( Hummer1108@aol.com / no homepage) wrote: Great aviation infromation site. It is a fitting tribute to one of the great pioneers in the field of heavy lift helicopters, and to the aviators and the hard working ground crews. I could almost hear one them start up again.
3	Date: 2001-10-15 17:25:01 Frank Augustine ( marinegold@yahoo.com / no homepage) wrote: worked on these birds in the sixties both squadrons, had a lot of fun.
2	Date: 2001-10-14 14:44:41 Private Enssle Jr. ( claymorepower@gmx.de / no homepage) wrote: well done !!! actually you could smile a little bit on your picture.
1	Date: 2001-10-14 09:16:01 Sabine ( Rhinolopha@Freenet.de / no homepage) wrote: You did a good job! However lots of swearwords were 'hovering' over the town until it was finished. Anyway, go on!