Bruce Alan Pankuch

The database page for Bruce Alan Pankuch

17 Aug 2003 Two men died on 07 June 1969 when CH-46A BuNo 153397 sufferred a hydraulic system failure while lifting off from Landing Zone Eagle (Hill 364): Major John C Archbold PFC Bruce A Pankuch Bruce Pankuch, and the other Purple Foxes who served in Vietnam, are remembered by the women who waited at home, whether mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, or friends. Those women, the Purple Foxy Ladies continue to support today's Purple Foxes of HMM-364 as they serve our country. Visit the Purple Foxes on-line or go to our unit page on The Virtual Wall A memorial initiated by the Purple Foxy Ladies Foxyladiesgroup@aol.com

Mission Notes CH-46A BuNo 153397 was on a routine resupply run to Landing Zone Eagle about five miles northwest of DaNang. The crew consisted of 1stLt Carmine A. Casciano, pilot in command; Major John C. Archbold, copilot; PFC Bruce A. Pankuch, crew chief; and LCpl J. D. Mills, gunner. As the aircraft departed, the pilot radioed that they had hydraulic system problems and that he was going to attempt a controlled landing. He didn't make it; the CH-46 turned 180 degrees, pitched down, crashed nose-first into the side of the mountain, burst into flames, and rolled down the 60 to 70 degree slope. As noted above, Archbold and Pankuch died in the crash.

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Channing Prothro, former CAP Marine
Last updated 08/10/2009