26 May 2001 REMEMBERED by one who wears his MIA bracelet, David Wade wadesters@yahoo.com

 

03 May 2007 Although we never met, Billy, I think of you each and every time I walk the ground at the Old French Fort south of Khe Sanh where you, Mac, the LTC, and my Jerry gave all. From Donna Elliott donna@mvtel.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall From the POWNetwork.org On January 21, 1968, a UH-1D HUEY from the 282nd Aviation Company was tasked as the lead ship in a section inserting ARVN troops at an old French fort approximately 1200 meters east of Khe Sanh. The following Americans were aboard the lead helicopter: CPT Tommy C. Stiner, pilot WO Gerald L. McKensey Jr., co-pilot SSG Billy D. Hill, doorgunner SP5 David H. Harrington, crewchief LTC Joseph P. Seymoe, MACV Adv Team 4, senior advisor to the ARVN unit being inserted As the aircraft touched down on the landing zone, NVA troops stood up all around the aircraft and began firing at the aircraft at almost point blank range. As soon as all the ARVN troops were off-loaded, the aircraft lifted off. At approximately 8-10 feet off the ground, the aircraft was hit by either a 57mm recoilless rifle or a direct hit mortar fire, burst into flames, and crashed. The second UH-1D landed approximately 50-60 feet from the downed aircraft and PVT Jerry W. Elliott, door gunner, and his crewchief exited their aircraft to assist survivors of the downed helicopter. In a matter of seconds, the crewchief returned to his aircraft and advised the pilot to take off immediately because of the intense hostile fire. The aircraft lifted off, leaving Elliott on the ground, circled and returned to the LZ, but could not locate PVT Elliott. Thus, five Americans were on the ground outside the ARVN defensive perimeter. CPT Stiner exited the aircraft successfully, evaded capture and returned to friendly lines. WO McKensey was shot and killed. His body was subsequently recovered. SSG Hill disappeared. SP5 Harrington was able to board a rescue aircraft that landed in the LZ. LTC Seymoe died while pinned under the aircraft. His body was subsequently recovered. PVT Elliott disappeared. Three days after the incident, a helicopter searched the area and observed a body in the tall elephant grass and small trees. By process of elimination, the pilot determined that the body was that of PVT Elliott. Hill had last been seen by CPT Stiner just prior to the aircraft being hit in the compartment in which Hill was manning his machine gun. Stiner stated that Hill was probably struck by the same volley of rounds that downed the aircraft as his machine gun was observed blown to pieces. Stiner searched the area before taking evasive action, but Hill could not be located. Hill and Elliott were declared Missing in Action. Although it is believed that both men were injured, perhaps mortally, there is no proof that they died. On 15 December 1975, SSG Billy Hill's status was changed from "Missing in Action" to "Died while Missing". As of 26 May 2001 his remains have not been repatriated. On 16 August 1976, SSG Jerry Elliott's status was changed from "Missing in Action" to "Died while Missing". As of 11June 2001 his remains have not been repatriated.

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