Carl Edward McBee

Lance Corporal
HMM-161, MAG-16, 1ST MAW
United States Marine Corps
10 March 1942 - 06 June 1965
Asheville, North Carolina
Panel 01E Line 132

1ST MAW

HMM-161
USMC Aircrew

Air Medal, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Carl Edward McBee

29 Dec 2006

Carl Edward McBee was my third cousin. He was the son of Teddy Roosevelt McBee and grandson of Ulysses Simpson McBee. He was killed in a mid air crash between two helicopters and was one of eight Marines killed on June 6, 1965 at the age of 23. Carl, you and I never met. We shared Mitchell County, North Carolina mountain heritage. I will remember you in all I do so your death and sacrifice will be remembered and honored.

Your cousin,
Danny A. McBee,
Sergeant, USAF 1967-1971
mcbee49@aol.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall

On 07 May 1965, U. S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade began landing near Chu Lai. HMM-161 was one of the helicopter squadrons which supported the initial landings. Initially embarked in USS PRINCETON (LPH-5), HMM-161 shifted to USS IWO JIMA (LPH-2) which remained offshore Chu Lai until 07 June 1965 in order to support the Regimental Landing Team ashore.

On 06 June 1965, two HMM-161 UH-34 helicopters launched from USS IWO JIMA for a pre-dawn search and rescue mission, but the two helicopters apparently collided in mid-air at 0510 and both fell into the sea. Eight Marines were killed in the accident:

  • In UH-34D BuNo 148791
    • 1stLt Gerald Otto McKay, pilot
    • 1stLt Nicolaus August Doeden, copilot
    • Cpl Gary Dale Tracy, crewman
    • Pfc Curtis Lamarr Foster, crewman


  • In UH-34D BuNo 148820
    • Capt Paul Francis McNally, pilot
    • 1stLt Allen C. Hertz, copilot
    • Cpl Frank Willard Wilson, crewman
    • LCpl Carl Edward McBee, crewman




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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 29 Dec 2006
Last updated 08/10/2009