Victor John PirkerGunnery SergeantHMM-362, MAG-36, 1ST MAW United States Marine Corps 27 June 1940 - 31 January 1974 Trout Creek, Montana Panel 03E Line 108 |
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The database page for Victor John Pirker
Dear Victor,
Arlene and Family |
" Victor John Pirker 11~22~65" I am the Keeper~ of the Bracelet since 1973 ........
Rebecca B. See you under the Big Sky!! |
I've prayed for you and your family many times and really like the comfort of Psalms 91. I served on the USS LITTLE ROCK (Europe) and with the 3rd Bn, 8th Marines, 2nd Marine Division (Dominican Republic) before being assigned to OCS as an instructor at Quantico. May you always rest in peace.
Semper Fi |
I never knew Gunny Pirker but I too wear his bracelet.
Willis Kortright |
Gunny, I wear your bracelet with pride. I wore it while I served in Iraq and I will try to never let people forget the price you and servicemen and women have paid and continue to pay. Semper Fi!
Dennis |
Gunny, I've just begun to wear your bracelet and I will continue to wear it until you come home. Thank you for giving me and my family the freedom we cherish. I will pray for you and your family.
George Brooks |
Vic and I were the only Montana natives in HMM 362 in Vietnam. When we got the word that we would deploy overseas from MCAF Santa Ana in late July of '65, he was almost too short in time left on his enlistment to go over, but he resigned himself to go with us. Together, we drove in his car all the way to Montana on Highway 93. He dropped me off in Hamilton as he proceeded North to his home for our brief visit of just a few days. Then he returned, picked me up and we drove back. We were good pals. I was crossing the tarmac in a heavy rain when I saw him and his crew mounting up to take off the day he went missing. I said, "You gotta be shittin' me going out in this crap, Vic!!" He said, "See you when we get back!!" As my life went on and continues, I miss seeing him again, always...
Paul Printz |
I wore the bracelet for Victor Pirker for many years. I still have it and will keep it in his memory always. I have looked for his name several times. I was sad today to find him still unaccounted for. To his family my deepest sadness ... and thanks for such a wonderful man.
Linda Conn |
My father wears your bracelet and will not take if off until you are found. I felt like I would respond on his behalf to let you know that you have many who remember you.
God Bless, |
I travelled from Spokane, Washington and visited the cemetery at White Pine and Trout Creek today for the first time. My Grandfather, Martin Palmlund, homesteaded there almost 100 years ago. As I walked along searching the names for my ancestors, I came upon Victor Pirker's. Tonight, I was researching my ancestors online and I came across this site. I am touched not only by the young man, Victor Pirker's bravery in his service, but also in the words of those who knew him and tenderly bring his memory to life. I am equally moved to know that there are those in this country who care so genuinely about someone they did not know, and yet cared to wear his name and memory each day close to them. Victor Pirker is now a name along with my Grandfather's that I honor and who is close to me as well. Thank you.
Jeanie Schneider |
I bought my bracelet in 1973 and wore it faithfully for years, then placed it in my jewelry box for safekeeping. I have never stopped thinking about you and how your family must suffer without you. I have a young son-in-law who left for his first tour of Iraq on September 6, 2007 and when I think of him, I always think of you. Thank you for serving our country, even when it meant losing your own life.
Marilyn Fake |
A Note from The Virtual WallThe Marine Air Group 36 (MAG-36) Command Chronology for November 1965 contains the following entry:"22 November 1965 - An emergency lift was made by HMM-362 to relieve the ARVN outpost at THACH TRU, south of Quang Ngai. The mission was successfully completed in very poor weather conditions which apparently caused the loss of YL-36, last seen in IFR conditions in a climbing turn at night over the sea, northeast of Quang Ngai. To date no sign of the aircraft or crew has been found, and it is assumed that it crashed at sea with the loss of all hands: 1stLt F VISCONTI, 1stLt R A MILLER, Cpl V J PIRKER and Cpl J E DOUGLAS.""YL-36" was the side number for UH-34D Bureau Number 147180. All four crewmen were carried as Missing in Action, and promoted while in that status, until the Secretary of the Navy approved Presumptive Findings of Death for them on the dates indicated below:
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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 4 Mar 2005
Last updated 08/10/2009