24 September 1965 – Major Martin W. Barbena is on a mission over SVN when his aircraft, F-100 #562923 is hit by gunfire. Barbena ejects and his parachute gets tangled in a group of 20′ trees. He is rescued uninjured by an HH-43F Helicopter nicknamed “Pedro” piloted by A1C Bill Pitsenbarger. The Helo hovered over the trees and pulled Martin into the chopper.
Today in History – July 15, 1967 – T.H. Herndon ejects from F-100D #563275
15 July 1967 – T.H. Herndon was flying F-100D #563275. Enroute to a target of 150 Vietcong in a treeline, he was hit by 57mm AAA during a climb. He ejected and was recovered by USAF Helo. Herndon was serving with the 531st TFS out of Bien Hoa AB.