We remember those lost on aircraft 149802
On August 24th 1965, a Marine KC-130F Hercules from VMGR-152 was about to take off from Kai Tak airport in Hong Kong, when it veered off the runway and collided with the sea wall and ultimately crashing into the water. 59 out of the 72 men aboard the aircraft perished.
Casualty reporting in connection With Marine C-130 aircraft crash at Hong
Kong Kai Tak Airport on 24 August 1965 is as follows:
The Wing Personnel Officer proceeded to Hong Kong on the afternoon of 24 August 1965 to assist in reporting the casualties sustained in the subject crash. The names of survivors were reported by the Naval Liaison Officer at the American Consulate. At approximately 0220, 25 August 1965 seven bodies had been identified and were reported. Due to difficulty encountered in identification, the remainder of the bodies were transferred to Clark Air Base as they were recovered for positive identification and reporting to appropriate authorities. Thirty-three bodies were transferred to Clark Air Base on 26 August 1965. Twenty-three on 27 August 1965 and the Remaining two on 31 August 1965. One of the thirteen initial survivors died on 30 august 1965 and his remains were transferred to Clark Air Base on 31 August 1965. The 1st of the remains were transferred from Clark Air Base to CONUS at 2000, 2 September 1965. (Reference: 1st MAW Command Chronology August 1965) (VMGR-152 Command Chronology August 1965)
AIRCREW SURVIVORS
CAPT. C.F. SIMERLY (Pilot)
1STLT P.C. CRANSTON (Pilot)
SSGT. C.J. MCQUEEN (Flight Engineer
SSGT. ERNIE HOWE (Flight Engineer)
(RESCUED SSGT. MCQUEEN FROM THE AIRCRAFT)
AIRCREW FATALITIES
SGT. GORDON H. BLEXRUDE
CPL. JERRY L. GERRY