Lcdr Charles Tanner
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Lt Bob Burnand/Lt Ross Mordhorst/AX3 Roy Powell/AMH2 Royce Roberts attempt to rescue Lcdr Charles Tanner and Lt Ross Terry of VF-154. Flying off the USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) their F-4B was shot down about 30 miles south of Hanoi and approimately 50 miles in from the coast. Indian Gal 66 is cleared to go "feet dry" even though the downed airmen had not been precisely located. RESCAP is provided by VA-176 A-1 Skyraiders from the USS Intrepid (CVA-11). During the course of the rescue attempt all aircraft draw heavy fire and four MIG-17s tangle with the RESCAP force. Lt(jg) Tom Patton shoots down one of the MIGs. The rescue attempt is ultimately called off when the SAR helo runs dangerously low on fuel. The helo crew jettisons everything in an attempt to decrease weight as it heads seaward. USS Wiltsie (DD-716) steams into extremely shallow water close to shore to provide HIFR. Read more here. |
Created: 04/19/09
