On 28 Oct 67 aircraft numbers 14433 and 14434 arrived from Vung Tau, RVN. They were commanded by Maj. John V. A___ and Capt Robert H. K___. This brings to four the number of HH53Bs on station at Udorn. During the following two weeks these aircraft were equipped for combat and made operationally ready.

Oct 23, 1967, saw the first rescue effort by an HH53B. At 0915 on that day Capt Russel L. C___ and crew were alerted to assist in the recovery of two downed F-105 pilots who had suffered a mid air collision southwest of Udorn; however upon arrival at the accident scene they learned that only one of the pilots survived the crash. The survivor, Maj E. B. F____, USAF, had suffered a broken leg and broken arm during the accident and subsequent parachute descent. He was taken to Korat RTAFB. The crew of the HH53B was:

Captain Russel L. C____, RCC

1^st Lt Joseph A. P___, RCCP

Sgt Gene A. S____, FE

MSgt Howard T. F___, RS

Sgt Alan N. T____, RS

November saw the HH53B standing alert with HH3Es from Nakhon Phanom. During this time the detachment voted on a name for the HH53B. Super Jolly Green Giant won out over several selections.

On November 25, 1967, Capt Russel L. C_____ was again on the scene when he made the first hh53B pickup in a hostile environment. Mt Glenn W___ of Air America was rescued. No enemy fire was directed at the aircraft. The crew consisted of:

Capt Russel L C____, RCC

LtCol Garland A Y___, RCCP

Sgt Edward J K_____, FE

TSgt Kerry K___,RS

Sgt Larry E P____, RS

SSgt J. O. H_____, AP

The week of 19 to 25 November saw the unit experimenting with a new rescue concept - The "SKY GENIE". The test trials showed the system to be inadequate in its present form. A new rig will have to be invented to make this idea feasible. See attached pictures.

During the month of December saw the HH53B standing alert with the HH3E from Nakom Phanom. On 30-31 December two HH53Bs for the first time stood alert together at North Station. The helicopters were commanded by LtCol Dixon.

Aerial photographers were put on the crews in December to photograph actual combat action with the HH53Bs. This program has been highly successful with many fine photographs being taken.

On 27 Dec 67 a group of five officers and maintenance people commanded by Maj F. M. Donohue traveled to Vung Tau RVN to pick up the remaining two HH53Bs, by HC-130, 14431 and 14435. These helicopters were brought from the U.S. by the USNS Card. See supporting pictures.

The aircraft were flown back to Udorn from Vung Tau via Chu Lai AB RVN and Ubon RTAFB, Thai. The crew members on 14431 were: Cayler, Ruddick, Boles & Rodgers. Crew members on 14435 were Donohue, Ring?, Sellers and Palmer. The HH53Bs arrived at Udorn on 2 Jan 68.