83rd Medical Detachment

[JOHN JONES]

Within my CH37 'Mojave' thread, there are references and some images, that relate to an
incident at the Vinh Long Airfield involving a CH37 from the 611th. I am pleased to report
that a link to one of the images, brought me into contract with Sondra Marshall.
Sondra is the daughter of the late Raymond E . Marshall, who was there on the day,
whilst serving with the 114th Aviation company.
From Ray's archive, I will be posting additional images and the full story of the incident.
Rays own service, is worthy of a thread. So sincere thanks to Sondra, for access
to her fathers archive material. John

A. Sondras favourite picture of her father during his wartime service.
B. Ray did not bring any patches home, but would have worn this early
type, less the indicator of the commanders star.
C. Partial Company sign. In shot is 'Gunner' the company dog, reared from a
puppy. Gunner stayed with the unit, as many servicemen, came and went.
By the early 70's, many ill & stray dogs, became a problem at the base. Although
owned & healthy. Gunner was picked up on a sweep of the base and shot, many
a veteran, is still on the look out for the over zealous MP that did it. RIP gunner.

[JOHN JONES]

83rd Med Det

The 83rd medics also often accompanied the Eagle Flights to help tend to wounded. This was done on a voluntary basis, at least in the beginning.
There was also a shortage of door gunners in the early months, so the shout went out for volunteers. Ray was up for this, so much, that his fellow detatchment members
nick named him, 'The Mad Medic'.
John

[JOHN JONES]

Mad Medic.

Ray loved the 'moniker' and had himself a nice mandrin
type top, made at a tailor shop in Vung Tau.
J.

[kammo man]

Great picture and top !
Owen


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