From:    Eastons<kansas1@altel.net>
Subject: Dec 19, 1970
Date:     April 28, 2000 12:02:51 AM EDT
To:        Nick Trosterud <nickyt23@prodigy.net>

Hi Nick,

Let me start out by saying that I was delighted to hear from you.  I cried for several minutes with a flood of memories from 30 years ago.  I find it incredible that you do not remember that day.  Let me explain why.  I think I'll start at LZ Baldy.  We stopped at LZ Baldy so LtCol. Steadman could pick up some orders and we were to take Mike Company 3/5 to an LZ not too far from Hill 10.  While we were at Badly, I did a maintenance check on my chopper which was YK-22 .  I noticed the forward rotor head was throwing oil.  This needed to be reported as it was considered important enough to "down" a chopper ( A rotor head can fly for approximately four hours without oil, but only in an emergency).  I reported the situation to LtCol. Steadman and recommended that YK-22 be "grounded".  He initially agreed and radioed for a backup chopper from Marble Mountain.  The backup chopper was actually launched and on its way, but then word came down that Lima Company 3/5 needed reinforcement right away.  So, the Col. reversed his decision and we loaded the troops on board and lifted off.  If I remember correctly, we were the lead chopper in a three bird flight.  So you see, we were not even supposed to be there.  Ironic huh?  Anyway, we start our final approach.  I felt something was wrong.  Not enough power, we were too heavy and approaching too fast for a good assault approach (This was my 683 mission and I had a feel for things when they were wrong.  It was not until much later that I learned we had taken fire).  I heard LtCol. Steadman tell the co-pilot. "We are not going to make it!"  I braced myself for the crash.  You were still standing behind your .50 cal.  We impacted with a hill.  The main force of the impact was in the belly of the chopper about where we were stationed.  Then we began to roll down the mountain.  I think we rolled three times.  The rotor blades were exploding as they impacted against the ground.  Finally, we came to rest.  As I stated in my narrative, you were unconscious.  I looked at the cabin area where the grunts were and it was filling with white smoke.  I heard many screams as they were trying to escape the chopper.  I looked back and started working on you to get you out.  You came around and as I said, we helped each other out.  You were burned getting out of the upper half of the crew chief door.  I still had my flight gloves on and remember the fire licking at my finger tips as I tried to get clear.  We crawled away from the chopper almost frantic. (I had taken my gloves off by then.  A month later lying in Philadelphia Naval Hospital, I still had dirt jammed far up into my finger nails so frantic was our escape from the fire.)  Anyway, we found ourselves in a clearing and a dangerous situation as the 50's were cooking off and fire was approaching us.  Just then this Marine, a black PFC, came running through the fire and bullets to assist us.  You and this Marine drug me behind some large rocks.  I could not have made it without your help.  (So you see, you saved my life also.)  When we got behind the rocks, I believed we were safe.  We had just got there when a fuel cell ruptured and the fire was coming straight for us.  Again, you and the black Marine dragged me to a small valley far from the fire and crash site.  You helped place me against a large rock.  The black Marine cut a bamboo split for my leg, then announced he was leaving for help. (I remember looking at you when you were dragging me.  You had blood on your face and your arm was broken.  You, I and the other Marine agreed that if we were going to die, we would do it together.  You were talking to us even though you do not remember.)  After the other Marine left I told (ordered?) you to take stock of what you had.  You said you had lost your weapons.  I told you that I had lost mine also.  I told you that I had no intention of becoming a POW and told you to help me gather a pile of rocks with which to defend ourselves.  I found a pack of cigarettes in my flight suit.  I turned to offer you one, and you had passed out again.  Besides your serious injuries, the heat in that little valley was beyond belief.  Triple canopy and very hard to breathe.  Then Col. Steadman came.  I believe it was at this time I shook you awake and told you help was coming.  You now know "the rest of the story."  I owe you my life also.  You did more than you fair share that day and never once even acted like you were injured.  I was proud to have served with you.

Mike

Pilot LtCol. Henry W. Steadman

Need photo of 1stLt. Thomas C. "TC" Davis, Copilot	Crew Chief Sgt. Mike Easton
Left Gunner  Cpl. Nicholas "Nick" Trosterud	Right Gunner Cpl. Michel L. Taylor

This account of the crash of YK-22 has been in process of completion since early in the year of 2000.  In collecting data I visited with Nick Trosterud in Punta Gorda, Fl. attempting to clarify what I thought was some contradicting information.  Returning from Punta Gorda I stopped to visit with Cpl. Thomas C. "TC" Smith (now deceased) to discuss the incident.  A Silver Star was awarded to Cpl. Michael L. Taylor indicating he was acting in the capacity of YK-22's Crew Chief.  Conversations with Cpl. Trosterud, Cpl. Smith and Sgt. Mike Easton clarified that Easton was the Crew Chief, not Michael L. Taylor.  Further, conversations with LtCol. Steadman resulted in him not remembering who his crew was on that mission and that he was on R&R in Hong Kong when the Silver Star recommendation for Michael L. Taylor was submitted.  Further, Lt. Thomas C. Davis, Sgt. Mike Easton and Cpl. Nicholas Trosterud were not available to write their version of the incident since they all had been medically evacuated.  My research into the incident leaves me convinced that the Silver Star medal was issued in error to Cpl. Taylor.  Have never been able to correspond with Cpl. Taylor and lost contact with Cpl. Trosterud shortly after visiting him in 2000.  I might add that Sgt. Mike Easton has indicated he does not wish for me to pursue the matter further.

Franklin A. Gulledge, Jr.
Major         USMC (Ret)