21 Jul 2005 Even though we didn't hang out together, Dennis was a good friend. He was one tough hombre, but I never saw him lose his cool, except maybe once. And that's basically the sort of Marine I imagine he was... tough but cool under pressure. He died around the time I graduated. I didn't realize until last year that his remains and those of his fellow Marines were never recovered. If I could go to the place where they perished -- I would do it just to pay my respects. From a high school buddy, Oscar N. Parra MCHS 1967 USAF 69-73 Bangkok,Thailand onparra@cox.net (Photo courtesy of Charles DiStefano)

 

14 Oct 2004 My Dearest Friend Dennis: Roses are Red, Violets are blue, and I have never forgotten you for you were as close to me as a brother could be. I always remember that smile you had, and even though you were rough and tough the sweet side of you always shown through. I went to the Wall in Sacramento and found your name and class, and I finally really realized that you were gone, and even though over the years you were I was ever so hopeful maybe it wasn't true. My tears were sad but my memories were sweet and wonderful. And forever in my heart you will be. So after all these years here is a poem I wrote: May God Shower You With Love From Above As Your Soul Rides To Heaven on the Wings of a Dove. (Author Donna Bowering/Kieser) All My Love, My Friend From a school mate and friend, Donna Bowering/Kieser E-mail address is not available. P.S. Will you watch over my Son Eric as he departs for Iraq at the end of this month and guide him home safely?

 

Notes from The Virtual Wall On 11 June 1967 a reconnaissance team from the 3rd Force Recon Company was scheduled for insertion into position on the southern border of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) four kilometers north of Hill 208 and 900 meters west of Hill 174, both well known NVA positions. The insertion force consisted of two CH-46As from HMM-265 and two UH-1E gunships from VMO-2. The lead CH-46A (BuNo 150270) carried four crewmen and seven men of the recon team: From HMM-265: Major John S. Oldham, Tinnie, NM Capt Curtis R. Bohlscheid, Pocatello, ID LCpl Jose J. Gonzalez, El Paso, TX Pfc Thomas M. Hanratty, Beulah, CO From 3rd Force Recon Company: Cpl Jim E. Moshier, Bakersfield, CA LCpl Dennis R. Christie, Imperial Beach, CA LCpl John J. Foley, Plainfield, NJ LCpl Michael W. Havranek, Missoula, MT LCpl James W. Kooi, Fruitport, MI Pfc Charles D. Chomel, Columbus, IN Pfc James E. Widener, Churchville, NY Hank Trimble, pilot of one of the VMO-2 gunship escorts, recalls that three insertion attempts were made. The first and second attempts were aborted due to enemy activity and fire in the intended landing zones, but the third LZ was clear. As the CH-46 approached the LZ it "transitioned to landing speed, in almost slow motion his nose rose, then rose more sharply, then climbed toward the vertical. Then the aircraft rolled inverted, split S, and dived down and exploded." Trimble's recollection is that there was no evident enemy action and that the likely cause was mechanical failure. The crash was not survivable. The enemy presence in the area prohibited recovery of the bodies at the time, and as of 15 May 2004 their remains have not been repatriated. Notes The POW Network page contains the statement that "Machinegunmen had been waiting for the opportune time to fire on the aircraft. Portions of the rear blades were seen to separate from the aircraft and a radio transmission was received from the aircraft indicating that it had been hit." and the Task Force Omega page states that "Capt. Bohlscheid radioed that they had been hit by machinegun fire". No source is given for these statements, which contradict Trimble's recollection that there was no observed enemy fire or radio call stating that the aircraft had been hit. Additional information is available on the Pop-A-Smoke site

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