Mail Call Page 3
Letters to the vfp62.com webmaster
Gentlemen,
Tonight on the evening news there was a piece about the last surviving US WWI vet. His name is Frank Buckles, he is 107 and lied about his age to entist. Bush hosted him at the White House today.
Just so you know. I have the same respect for ALL of you vets. My freedom I owe to you all. I remember being in the fifth grade in Daphne, AL and looking up at the sky wondering if I would see the communist warheads coming. I had read about Hiroshima and "the Bomb". I knew the "duck and cover" stuff was b-s and wondered what it would be like. We were well within range of the "Missiles of October". I helped my Dad dig a bomb shelter in the back yard. He was a WWII era Naval Aviator.
Thanks guys! I will forever be in your debt. It is an honor to help commemorate your contributions to my freedom, my daughter's freedom, and my grandson's freedom. I look forward to shaking hands with each of you. Does anyone need a worthless son-in-law? I have one available...
Blue skies & great respect,
Owen Miller
Dear Mr Jack,
I am a Washington Post reporter. I have just finished a book about the Cuban missile crisis, to be published in June, entitled One Minute to Midnight. It includes a lot of new material on VFP-62, based on my interviews with the pilots and raw intelligence film that I discovered at the National Archives. I am hoping to talk about the book, and the new archival revelations, at the Smithsonian in June, and would like to include one of the former pilots. Do you know anybody in the Washington area who might be interested in participating?
Here is a link to the book
Michael Dobbs
email me at: [email protected]
Dear Sir:
I am not connected with VFP-62, but I do have a story to share. During the Cuban Missile Crisis, I was a young second lieutenant attached to the First Marine Regiment as a forward artillery observer. We were in prepared positions along the west fence of the Gitmo base. One of the first nights I was there, we were startled (scared!) by what sounded like incoming artillery. After we regained our wits somewhat, we saw a highspeed jet taking photographs which coincided with the explosions (flashpots?). The photos were very helpful in that they showed a disorganized bunch of Cubans on the other side of the fence, preparing defensive positions only, and we were relieved to learn that no one was massed for an attack against us (Before then, Wake Island came to mind). I read something about VFP-62 and learned a member of the squadron, Lt. Jim Curry, flew this mission over Gitmo. I wonder if you might have his email address that you could send me. I'd like to let him know that he took about six years off of my life way back then. Name witheld upon request.
[Webmaster's Note: You can read Capt. Jim Curry's account of this night photo run over Gitmo on our Cuban Missile Crisis Page.]
Thank you very much for posting the information [LT William Taylor's memorial - "In Memoriam"]...Bill was in a number of photos on the [vfp62.com] site and we printed them for a collage that we prepared for his funeral. Many people commented on the pictures and how they had never known about this part of his life that he didn�t talk much about...
I know that we have a photo that was published in a book on the Cuban Missile Crisis that shows the admiral presenting Bill with his Distinguished Flying Cross. If I can find a copy I will send it to you.
I want to complement you again on having an outstanding website.
We will try to make it past Battleship Park the next time we are in the area. We have many friends down in Pensacola, FL and have been talking about driving down there next spring or summer. The Naval Air Museum has an interactive section of the museum that allows veterans of naval air to submit their photos and bios. After death, the families may donate $1,000 to a memorial wing of the museum and have a plaque erected honoring their family member. The interactive information is also available online.
I spent many hours on your website and the various links out to historical information of the various campaigns. Your group has done a great job and should be complimented on the ease of navigating the site.
Brent Sheffer (LT William Taylor's son-in-law)
Columbus, Ohio
I'm looking for Jim Nelson who may or may not have been in your squadron.
My college frat brother was Norm Bundy lost over Tonkin Gulf.
[Webmaster's Note: Hank provided information for Norm Bundy's obituary in "In Memoriam" and also information on Crusaders in Vietnam "Vietnam Operations".]
thanks
Hank Miller, LT USNR
VA-152
USS ORISKANY
A future Naval Aviator wrote the following:
Sir,
My name is Adam Hodge, I'm 17 and hope to be a NA one of these days. I'm trying to start a patch collection up for the older era squadrons and wondered if you, or any other former VFP-62 [member] would happen to be able to help me out? I'd gladly shoot a check over if need be. [Webmaster: considering his age, a donated extra patch would be appreciated.]
Thanks So Much in Advance and Fly Navy,
Adam
Hi, my name is Fonck Marc.
I'm living in Europe, have never even touched an aircraft carrier, but I'm a big fan of the american naval aviation. I'm collecting and building Navy airplanes and like to fly different crafts in flight sims or combat sims. Of course, the Crusader is also one of my favorit fighter planes, the other being the Corsair F4U . Both Vought designs are becoming deadly "tricky" if not payed enough attention...experienced a few very spoiled days while flying these fighters. ( fortunately for me,
it was only a sim, so the accident and death were only virtual )
And yes, the Crusader is a beautiful plane, it is by far not looking so "truck-like" as the Phantom. And if I can trust a little bit the parameters from the sims, its also far more agile while dogfighting a Mig.
Have one question for you gentlemen, that touched or even fighted in that airplane : How were the steel bridles attached to the Crusader and how they fitted to the catapult sledge ? - I want to make a diorama of a Crusader just seconds before being launched.... : )
Maybe a sketch ( from an instruction book ? ) or a very clear picture could help me out.
Thanks in advance for your help
Fonck Marc
Good Morning Ken,I hope this message finds you and yours well. I remember the trucks bringing special weapons to Mayport, from Yellowater. We had to help load them aboard the carriers. Your site sure contains information that seems unavailable elsewhere,it must be a lot of work and a labor of love.......Best ..Bill (Faber) former AO P.S.Do you remember the word comshaw? I don't know if that is how to spell it.
Webmaster's reply: Thanks for your kind words. "kumshaw", or whatever, was sparked by either you or someone that emailed me and I asked Marion Swinford what it meant (I used to know). It's the great art of "acquiring" by whatever means what you need to get the job done. We did that on carriers and usually caused boasting about the exploits. Great word!
Ken,
My Dad John D'Amico was in during those years and worked on this plane. I can not promise anything but, I will do my best to find any pictures he may have had of this plane. I am also contacting a friend of his that he served with at the same time in VFP-62 and will get any information that he may have on it.
As a side note to you. When I think that a plane that my dad maintained over 40 years ago will be on display for all to see, it makes me very proud.
Thank you,
Jeff D'Amico
Webmaster's Note: Jeffrey is referring to the RF-8G (VFP-62 plane 913) being restored at the Battleship Park, Mobile, Ala. See "Bulletin Board for details.
Webmaster's Note: The following exchanges reference the website link of the Yellowater Weapons Facility, which was across the road from Cecil Field. The link to the website is: www.wpla.net and can also be found on "Links and Acknowledgements".
All I remember from the early 1960s was a road back into the pines. I'm not even sure there was a guard shack in view from the main road. Nor do I remember the name Yellowater. I remember references to the ammunition depot, mostly in reference to the Marine teams that played softball and football against teams from the other units assigned to Cecil -- including VFP-62.
I think the Marines lived at the ammunition depot. At least, I don't remember a Marine barracks at Cecil at that time; and I don't remember them eating in our chow hall.
I do remember them playing football and softball. I played catcher on the VFP-62 softball team -- in 1960, I think, maybe 61 too. I do know that I was an umpire in 1961 -- which is why I remember the Marines.
Cecil Field's recreation department used to hire two officials for each game and we would spend half the game behind the plate with the other official out in the field covering the bases.
I forget who the Marines were playing, but I spent the first half of the game behind the plate. Along the way I made a call that really upset one young Marine. (Yes, I know, we were all young then. But he had to be at least 3 years less than my 23 years at the time!) In the second half of the game, he got a hit. I was standing on the outfield grass, a short ways in from the first base foul line. He swung wide crossing first base and got me in the gut with his elbow. When I recovered, I threw him out of the game and told the Marines they had to put his replacement runner on first. There was no argument.
For some reason, I never played football. Instead, in a squadron full of photographers, I took pictures of the games (as Ken Kelly pointed out to me in a recent email) using a twins lens reflex that must have belonged to the squadron.
Jim Brumm
I once played softball with the Cecil Field Base team. Our Coach/manager
and 1 or 2 other players were Marines from that base. There was a "tale"
told about one of them that probably isn't true, but to a then 17 year
old it seemed reasonable.
It seems that one of the Marines was on Sentry duty (I think on a gate)
when a wild boar wandered into the area. Not wanting to chase the boar
and risk a dangerous confrontation he simply shot it with his .45. When
confronted by officers about the incident, his explanation was simple.
"Sir, I believed there was a possibility that that there pig, may have
had a bomb strapped to it, so I shot it to prevent an attack".
This was the reason given to us when he was absent for a travel game
with the Clearwater bombers.
Regards,
Gary Evans
My name is Gary Evans (DC3). I went to NAS Cecil Field fresh out of boot camp in March 1960. I worked the fuel pits for a year. Refueled many a Crusader (and A4D�s, F3H�s and A3D�s & A4�s) in that time. I then went to the Enterprise (plank owner) and then to the Forrestal as a Damage Controlman. I used to get a kick out seeing VFP-62 operate from her decks.
Other than a ruptured kidney and a broken ankle while playing on the Base Softball team all my memories of Cecil Field are good ones that seem to come more often as I get older, a sign perhaps?
You have a nice web site and it was fun reminiscing over the past.
Regards,
Gary Evans
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Hi. My name is Tom Cornelison and I'm a retired newspaperman living in Jacksonville, Fla. I do a little free-lance writing and am working on a piece about the role of the Jacksonville bases in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Your website is very helpful. Do you know of any retired VFP-6 members still living in Jax who actually made one of the flights to Cuba and how I might get in touch with him or them? Thank you.
Tom Cornelison
Just visited your site and truly enjoyed looking at the photos. I'm sorry you don't have more of the FDR period from 58-60. That's when I was in the AI Office.
I'm in the process of replicating my old deck jacket and am searching for 4 patches to finish the collection of the squadrons aboard at that time. Do you have any idea how I could come about a VFP 62 patch? I never see them for sale anywhere. I'd really appreciate any help I could get. I'm also looking for VA 172, HU-2 and CAG 1 patches.
Good luck with your site and if you go to my site you'll see many photos from my era including the F8U 1P.
Larry Blumenthal PH3
USS FDR 1958-60
I am sending this photo to you in hopes that some of you will remember this group. It is of a family of singers who preformed at the enlisted mens club at Cecil during my assignment with 62. They came to the base everyweek and entertained for the dances that were held there. I believe that they came on Saturday nights but it may have been Friday. I hope that some of you may be able to remember them, their names or the name of the group.
The older girls would sometimes dance with the patrons of the club. Best I can remember most of their songs leaned toward country. They also sang some gospel.
Smooth sailing
Marion Swinford
Click this link for picture
Dear webmaster,
My name is Fabio Pe�a and I am currently Manager, Aircraft Carrier
Archive at NavSource, a non-for-profit website devoted to Naval
History and Photography (http://www.navsource.org.)
I've visited your VFP-62 site (http://www.vfp62.com/) and wonder
whether you'd be interested in exchanging links, photos and information
with us. BTW, congratulations on your great site.
Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.
Fair winds & following seas,
Ken
Thought I would let you know I heard from Charlie Counter a pilot with Det 43 58. His son had sent me an email a couple of days ago as he discovered the 62 web site after the Discovry [History] Channel Missle crisis special the other day.
Charlie and I had a long talk hashing over old memories while talking about old friends. His computer is down right now but he will be contacting the site guest list when he is up and running again. This is great.
I am getting excited about the possiblities this site creates for reestablishing old contacts. Thanks again for all your work in setting up the site.
Marion Swinford
Ken, There were two VFP-62 RF8's that had a midair over Dr. Inlet, a lake in Orange Park; this was late 57 or early 58.
Does anyone remember the name of the pilot that got shot down and killed in a F-9 over Lebanon, during the Lebanon crisis in 57, the only Casualty
during the crisis.
Lonnie Simmons
A Response: 2/2/07
I don't recall either of the pilots names but I remember the incident with the two F8U-1Ps well. The lead plane had an engine explode. That pilot ejected safely and was rescued unharmed. The wing man's canopy was blown open by the blast and the burning debree badly burned the pilot. Unsure of what had happened he ejected and landed in the woods near Orange Lake.
Although he was burned badly, his hair was gone, and his clothing was partlly burned away he walked to a nearby farm house and phoned for assistance. Although this pilot was badly burned and had existing scars he returned to flight status with 62 before I left the Squadron. I remembered his name for a long while as I had been a part of a team that went in search of the plane. It was found in the swamp in a body of water. We also picked up and loaded pieces of the first plane to be investigated for incident cause. I have been racking my brain to recall his name but have been unable to as of yet. If I do I will be sure to let you know.
Marion Swinford
Webmaster's Note: When I got to the squadron in the spring of '60, I saw a badly burned pilot but don't recall his name either.
I recently wrote to VFP-62 members with the following: "My personal goal is that as our VFP community increases, we might someday have a reunion. Wouldn't it be nice to hold it at a reopened Cecil Field? I've heard a rumor that the Navy has considered it. Who knows?" - Ken Jack
Capt. Bob Kiem, Capt Ed Kiem's (former VFP-62 CO 1957-58)son wrote the following:
I do not know how closely you have followed the BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Commission.
This past year they reported on the encroachment of business and private homes around NAS Oceana. To paraphrase the findings of the commission: "If the City of Virginia Beach cannot get the encroachment problem under control, Oceana should be closed and Navy units there should be moved to Cecil Field."
Jacksonville's Mayor led a team of dignitaries and made a representation to the commission suggesting the move of the navy back to JAX would be a wonderful thing.
Then, the issue became a political football. Folks living on the West side of town did not want the noise to return. The Mayor flip-flopped and supported the argument that the Navy should not bring their noisy jets back into town.
The issue was put on a referendum for the Nov. general election and the Navy return was turned down 70% to 30%. That was a surprise. The Navy has [been] sent a clear message: we don't want you back in Jacksonville. Leastwise, we don't want your noisy airplanes.
It is unfortunate, but I don't see the navy back at Cecil in this lifetime. We now have a few of the major contractors doing modifications on F/A-18s and a few other aircraft. Nothing major. They now call it the Cecil Industrial Park. Runways are still open, but finding large job-creating companies to come in seems to be a struggle. JFK is about to retire and leave. How all this might impact Navy JAX and Mayport is still TBD.
VR, Bob
Webmaster's Message: Don is responding to the History Channel's program "Man, Moment, Machine" on Jan. 16, which highlighted VFP-62's RF-8 photo Crusader in the Cuban Missile Crisis:
Did anybody ever call the F8 an RF8? I never heard it..
All the photos I saw did not show SAM2 installations, yes they were military but nothing to do with the ships bringing in the missiles or actually building the SAM2 sites. And no credit at all for us being in the fore front of the danger (I thought they did do a pretty good job on that. -- webmaster). No mention of our planes being hit with bullets from ground fire. Or hitting an albatross..
And no connection with the Bay of Pigs Invasion which we were also very involved in which lead to them taking the steps to arm themselves with missiles in the first place.
Don Jusko
Click below for Don's web site:
I updated my site to include the Bay of Pigs. Our CDR's headed up both operations.
My name is Capt. Bob Kiem, son of CAPT Edwin L. (Ed) Kiem who was skipper of VFP-62 in 1957-58 timeframe.
Dad is now a resident in a nursing home here in Orange Park, FL. Somewhere in my attic is the scrapbook he was given as the departing CO. I will attempt to dig it out and hopefully send another photo or two.
Enjoyed what I have seen of your web page...nice work.
Tom McGuire, maybe the oldest living former member of VFP-62, steeered me in your direction.
VR, Bob Kiem
Webmaster's Note: Bob has been sending many photos from the 1957-58 era of VFP-62. They can be viewed from the "Squadron History" Page: Look for Capt. Ed Kiem's Scrapbook link
Did you follow the link in my bio section to my online naval aviation pictures? (The "F8 Crusader" link)
When you follow the link, you will find a series of pictures that are themselves links to further images. One of these links shows all the pictures of Buc Baucom's ejection from an RF8A in the Norfolk, Virginia area in Fall 1963 when we were flying off the Forrestal.
(I) took these pictures from another RF8, and they appeared in an article in Approach about the accident. I mention this because your web site contains one shot from this sequence and asks if anyone knows anything about the accident. I was flying on Buc's wing when he made the controlled ejection. A wire broke when Buc was making a field arrested landing and wiped out his hook and port and starboard main landing gear. He made a successful go-around and ended up ejecting. The reason for the field arrestment was that Buc couldn't get the wing to go up, and a wing down landing aboard ship is prohibited by NATOPS.
BTW, if you browse around my quite extensive web site, you will find a lot of aviation pictures and videos. Much of this information is contained in the individual web sites for the various classes I teach at Embry-Riddle.
Regards, Rod
Webmaster's note: Dr. Rodney Rogers was a former VFP-62 pilot (see "Guest Log") and has a great site: Click to go to Rod's website biography
Just looked at your new pages ("Capt. Ed Kiem Scrapbook" "Squadron History" Page - webmaster) and as always "great job". I couldn't help but notice the picture included a team member from out detachment. Lt R G Walters was the team member next to the coach. He is the one with the hairy chest I also recall the gentleman next to him but no name comes to mind. With the memory jogger I also recall Cpt Kiem. We had an Admin inspection while I was there and I recall him as part of the inspection team. Love those moments when another mamory from the past pops up.
Smooth sailing
Marion Swinford
Webmaster's note: The email below was received by vfp62.com. Update: Sept 19, 2008: Phil made a surprise visit to the VFP-62 reunion in Mobile in April, 2008. Also, many pictures of his brother Ed Duffy, have made it to "Faces of VFP-62" and Ed's memorial ("In Memoriam").]
"My name is Phil Duffy (Maj, USAF Ret) and I'm trying to find some information about my brother Ed Duffy who was a plane captain in VFP 62 in the early/mid 1960's. He died several years ago and his son is trying to find out something about his navy days at Cecil Field . I remember some info but can't recall specific info about his a/c other than it was RF 8U. The only names I remember are a pilot named "Zoomy" Meyers and an AF exchange pilot named Maj Caudry. Any info you may remember would be greatly appreciated. I plan on having a model of a Photo F8 made for him and would like some information about markings and his planes tail number. The number 214 comes to mind but I'm not sure. I know he made a few Med cruises and several Caribbean shake down cruises. I do remember he was on the Shangri La and Roosevelt and maybe the Forrestal.
Hope you can help me out. My nephews Dad, my brother, died in 1988 when he was fairly young and is only now trying to find out more about his Dad."
Thanks,
Phil Duffy
[email protected]
Created on ... January 27, 2007
