Hill 881S - Page 4
26 December 1967 - 18 April 1968
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As soon as smoke was laid, the Purple Foxes appeared with external loads from Dong Ha, ten birds in two strings of five, just above smoke. They'd fly parallel to hill, usually to south since wind was usually from north.  They appeared to us to do a "Right Flank, March", come in to five zones on hill, release loads, and beat feet. 
Photo by, 1stLt. Charles "Chuck" Schnieder 
Cpl. John Ortiz was a wireman and radioman from H&S/3/26 and worked with the 81mm mortar section.  He clicked a Marine known only as 'Russel' in a mortar pit with Hill 881N in the background. Later he was identified as LCpl. Jack A. Russell. 

Photo by, Cpl. John A. Ortiz 
LCpl. Michael A. Pike was with I/3/26 on the hill.  This photograph was taken some time after departing Hill 881S.
 
Photo by, LCpl. Michael A. Pike 
A-4s laying smoke screen just prior to helos arriving for a 'Super Gaggle' resupply.
 
Photo by, LCpl. Michael A. Pike 
A 'Purple Fox' on final.  Taken from inside LCpl. Michael A. Pike's bunker.
 
Photo by, LCpl. Michael A. Pike 
Michael A. Pike has captured the essence of 'Super Gaggle,' the UH-34 on the front porch (shot down early and remained for the duration), in front of it a CH-46 seconds before dropping his load, top of photo another CH-46 with a load of bunker timbers, and smoke rolling over the LZ.  Two of the UH-34 crew, shaken but OK, spent some time in Pike's bunker before being lifted off the hill.
Photo by, LCpl. Michael A. Pike 

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