United States Navy VO-67

United States Navy VO-67. . After training at Eglin Air Force Base with USAF Special Operations Command units from Hurlburt Field, and later based at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand, this top secret Naval Aviation squadron made aviation history. Flying missions under the operational control of the 7th Air Force, VO-67 emplaced electronic sensors along the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos and Vietnam. The sensors were used to detect movement of enemy troops and supplies infiltrating South Vietnam. Flying highly modified and armed OP-2E Neptune aircraft, this twelve-aircraft squadron flew daylight missions at low altitudes, through intense anti-aircraft defenses. Tragically, three aircraft and twenty crew members were lost due to hostile ground fire. Operational from November 1967 to July 1968, VO-67 received commendations and awards for its contributions, which significantly reduced the flow of enemy personnel and supplies into South Vietnam. The squadron also provided concentrated aerial support for the Marine base at Khe Sanh, South Vietnam, during the 1968 Tet Offensive. This memorial is dedicated by squadron members, families and associates in memory of the 20 brave VO-67 airmen who gave their lives in the performance of their duty. , "You Are Not Forgotten" , "All Gave Some, Some Gave All". , Crew 2 , CDR Delbert A. Olsen , LTJG Denis L. Anderson , LTJG Philip P. Stevens , LTJG Arthur C. Buck , PO2 Donald N. Thoresen , PO2 Michael L. Roberts , PO2 Kenneth H. Widon , PO3 Richard M. Mancini , PO3 Gale R. Snow, Crew 5 , CDR Glenn M. Hayden , LT Curtis F. Thurman , LTJG James S. Kravitz , ENS James C. Wohn , PO1 Paul N. Donato , PO2 Chester L. Coons , PO3 Clayborn W. Ashby, Jr. , AN Frank A.Dawson , AN James E. Martin, Crew 7 , CDR Paul L. Milius , PO2 John F. Hartzheim