Allen Thomas Elder, Jr

Master Sergeant
HMH-361, MAG-16, 1ST MAW
United States Marine Corps
20 August 1932 - 01 November 1969
Arlington, Texas
Panel 16W Line 012

1ST MAW

CH-53

HMH-361


Combat Aircrew

Purple Heart, Air Medal, Good Conduct, National Defense, Vietnam Service, Vietnam Campaign

The database page for Allen Thomas Elder, Jr

01 Mar 2005

Although it has been 37 years since you left us, there isn't a day that goes by that you are not thought of and remembered. My own children know their grandfather from the stories that have been told.

Many people, as well as myself, need to thank you for giving us the freedom we have, so thanks Dad for giving so much to us. You are gone but never forgotten.

I love you!

Your daughter,
Bonnie Robbins
E-Mail will be forwarded by the
Webmaster@VirtualWall.org

A Note from The Virtual Wall

On the night of 01 Nov 1969 a CH-53A (BuNo 152394) from HMH-361 was flying a night medevac standby mission. While awaiting a call, the pilots took turns flying instrument approaches to Marble Mountain Air Facility. While on approach at 1400 feet, with copilot 1stLt Jeffrey T. Hansen at the controls, there was an explosion aboard the aircraft, followed shortly after by a second explosion and fire. The aircraft lost its hydraulic systems, making it uncontrolable, and it crashed offshore Marble Mountain. Only one of the five men aboard escaped the sinking wreckage; although severely injured, he managed to stay afloat until a USAF HH-43 SAR helo picked him up.
  • Capt Roger D. Partington, Sparta, IL; pilot, died, body not recovered
  • 1stLt Jeffrey T. Hansen; copilot, rescued
  • MSgt Allen T. Elder, Arlington, TX; crew chief, died, body recovered
  • LCpl Fred A. Nelson, South Haven, MI; gunner, died, body recovered
  • LCpl Gerald W. Nicholson, Hialeah, FL; gunner, died, body recovered

Further information is available on the
USMC Combat Helicopter Association site



The point-of-contact for this memorial is
his daughter,
Bonnie Robbins
E-Mail may be forwarded via the
Webmaster@VirtualWall.org
4 Mar 2005



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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Last updated 03/04/2005