Looking for Sgt. JM Hess VMFA-314

[52yankee]

I am looking for J.Mike Hess. He was a Sgt in VMFA-314 in Chu Lai from 1966-1968. The went to MCAS Beaufort. Anyone out there know him and where he is?

[TexasTweak]

Redhead??

In the Avionics shop??

[52yankee]

Mike was in the Electrical Shop. He wasn't a redhead. Some of the other people there were KP Hayes, Ken Griffey, Rich Martin (me), Gunny Disque, SSGT Phillips. Do any of these names ring a bell?

[TexasTweak]

Sorry . . . . gave it a shot. I worked in the H&MS 31 Avionics shop.

Good luck . . . . they're out there just keep plugging away.

[mdoukas]

skulking around. Sgt Hess was in the avionics area. He was wounded in the hand after a rocket hit the hut next to ours.

[yesyouam]

What a coincidence.
When I was in 314 (1997-1998), there was a Sgt Hess that was in Avionics. He was really hardcore, always had a super high and tight, and always went surfing for PT.

[mdoukas]

That was thirty years before. Must be his son!!!!!!

[bucksgted]

What a coincidence.
When I was in 314 (1997-1998), there was a Sgt Hess that was in Avionics. He was really hardcore, always had a super high and tight, and always went surfing for PT.

How about that - - I don't know the good Sergeant, but I just jumped in to say I was with VMF(AW)314 in 1958 & 1959. We were the FIRST OFFICIAL "Black Knights". I too was in Avionics (Fire Control Radar / Computers). We were flying F4D-1's then - - ya know the big delta wing flying fuel cells!! LMAO

[yesyouam]

We were flying F4D-1's then - - ya know the big delta wing flying fuel cells!! LMAO

Ahh, the Flying Brick!

[52yankee]

mdoukas,

That is Mike. The rocket killed John Baker and someone else whose name eludes me. Last name was Neiman or something like that. I left Chu Lai in May 68. I ran into Mike at MCAS Beaufort, SC. Where did do in 314? Mike and I served together for the almost 2yrs we were attached to 314. Do you know where he is?

Sgt. Rich Martin
Electric Shop
VMFA-314
1966-1968

[RAS0503]

SGT. Hess was wounded on May 14, 1968 along with 3 others from the electric shop. Hess was from South Carolina if my memory serves me well. One that wounded was named Hale I think. I hope all are well. I think of them often.

Martin Roy Niemi was killed in that rocket attack along with a guy that had not been in-country very long. Wall placement panel 60 East wall on line 17.

I was in VMFA-314 from 6/27/1967 to 10/24/1968. I have been in contact with Ron French, communications/navigation shop but it has been a while since I have spoken with him. He is living in Chicago last I heard.

I just found this site while surfing today and wanted to join.

Richard Swain
Cpl. Electric Shop

[mac1369]

Sgt Swain

Sgt Hess is alive and well (at least 2 years ago he was) and living in Timberlake NC. I left him a phone message on Nov 10, but no reply. I did speak with Willitts, Halam and French. All were doing well. Did you ever hear anything from Hale? Somewhere I have pics of a Christmas party we had along with a tape of all of us singing our made up x-mass songs e.g. (Norelco tune), jingle bells, mortar shells, v c in the grass, take your merry christmas and stick it up your ass. And other favorites.

I would like to find Ridicule or Lipschire(chief) they were the old salts of the electric shop when we got there.

Don't forget your xmas card to masterbirti

[RAS0503]

Mac,

I remember we sent a Christmas card to President Johnson and we got one back. It went to him from VMFA-314 Electric Shop and we got one address to us with a return address of the White House. When it came in the "career" and office personnel paniced. They made us come to the Squadron Office to open it and were relieved to find it was just a Christmas card. I wonder what happened to it because it was signed by the president.

I remember the "Christmas carrols" now that you mention it. I also got to see the Bob Hope USO show.

Did you know we were awarded the Navy Presidential Unit Citation and the Navy Unit Commendation for our efforts?

Do you remember the three who were put up for the Bronze Star for their actions during the TET Offensive and if they were actually awarded the Bronze Star?

Richard Swain Cpl.
VMFA-314
VN 6/67 - 10/68

[oldmnjim]

I was Sgt Callis VMFA-314 Flightline. Does anyone remember Jon Baker and Ralph Neimi?

[oldmnjim]

The name sounds familiar> Which shop did he work in. I was there from 11/67 to 06/68 on the flightline.