In Oct 1969 Major (then Capt) swenck was piloting the UH-1P gunship that I was assigned as crew chief. Upon our return to Ban Me Thout, RVN, we lost our engine and went down. Major Swenck, under the circumstances, altitude and angle of the turn, did his best to land safely. However on landing the skids collapsed and rolled on the right side.

Team members from sister aircraft came over and were able to lift the aircraft frame enough to free me and allow all of us to run as fast as we could. Very shortly after being freed the aircraft exploded.

Major Swenk was later KIA in a HH-53 with the 37th ARRS incident in RVN.

I will always be indebted to him and a Sgt (Now retired CMSGT) Terry Curry for their quick reaction and other members of the team for my rescue.

Robert Bennett Swenck