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1311 entries.
B Bird Okinawa, 1966-67.
Spent 1960 on Makung w 868 TMS. I was the backup radio comm guy. Was in Kaoshung for a short while and moved to Makung. I was A/2c when I got there and got promoted to A/1c. Lived in the hotel there and don’t remember too much. I am now 86 years old.
Watched On the Beach in the dining room. A memory I will NEVER forget.
Drop me a line….or Facebook messenger.
Watched On the Beach in the dining room. A memory I will NEVER forget.
Drop me a line….or Facebook messenger.
71st tms BITBURG 1962=1965 Eastern air-US AI= & AMERICAN -Retired 2007 the time i look back on with fondness BITBURG
Here is to wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS and may your New Year be Great!!!!!
I was stationed on Okinawa with the 498th TMG from January ‘65 until June ‘66, after which I was stationed at Ellsworth AFB in the Minuteman 44th MMS from July ‘66 until January ‘68.
I enlisted in the Air Force at age 17, June 17, 1964, immediately after graduating High School.
I spent 33 months assigned to the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
During basic training, a career counselor asked me what training schools that I would like to attend. I told him either jet engine mechanic school or aircraft mechanic school. He said, “I’m sorry, those schools are full, however, there are openings in missile mechanic schools”. So, that’s how I got into the missile mechanic career field. Little did I know that I would still get my dream job from an unexpected twist of fate?
I arrived there in early September 1965 as a young 18-year old A2C freshly graduated from two Mace Missile Mechanic Maintenance Courses. I was assigned to work in the Airframe and Engine Periodic Inspection and Maintenance Shop.
We had 36 Mace Missiles on Okinawa; 32 on alert, and 4 spares. My new job entailed performing annual and semi-annual inspections on the missiles. All 36 missiles came through our shop every year inspections and repairs. We had two 3-man crews, each crew worked on 18 missiles every year.
Annual inspections involved removing the engine from the missile for inspection and repairs, checking the fuel nozzles for the proper spray pattern, removing the tailpipe and replacing the shroud ring surrounding the exhaust turbine wheel, replacing components that failed inspection criteria. Operate the jet engine outside the missile, and making engine throttle speed adjustments during engine runs. Reinstalling engines back into the missile.
Also, we performed inspections and repairs on the missile airframe hardware, the hydraulic flight control system, and fuel system.
After completing the annual inspection and Quality Control inspectors gave their final blessing, the missile became a replacement spare for the next missile due its annual inspection.
I was promoted to A1C/E-4 on October 1, 1967. I only served at that rank title for only 19 days because the Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara changed the Air Force E-4 grade title to "Sergeant" and made them junior NCOs like the other military services. We were nicknamed “McNamara Sergeants” and “Buck Sergeants” during that time.
I celebrated my 19th, 20th and 21st birthdays on Okinawa. I truly enjoyed my work on the Mace.
I completed my first enlistment and reenlisted on June 17, 1968 and left Okinawa June 18, 1968.
After Okinawa, I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile weapon system at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. My new job entailed transporting, removing, and installing missile guidance sections and warheads on Minuteman II Missiles.
I retired as a Master Sergeant on June 30, 1984 at Vandenberg AFB, California.
I spent 33 months assigned to the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
During basic training, a career counselor asked me what training schools that I would like to attend. I told him either jet engine mechanic school or aircraft mechanic school. He said, “I’m sorry, those schools are full, however, there are openings in missile mechanic schools”. So, that’s how I got into the missile mechanic career field. Little did I know that I would still get my dream job from an unexpected twist of fate?
I arrived there in early September 1965 as a young 18-year old A2C freshly graduated from two Mace Missile Mechanic Maintenance Courses. I was assigned to work in the Airframe and Engine Periodic Inspection and Maintenance Shop.
We had 36 Mace Missiles on Okinawa; 32 on alert, and 4 spares. My new job entailed performing annual and semi-annual inspections on the missiles. All 36 missiles came through our shop every year inspections and repairs. We had two 3-man crews, each crew worked on 18 missiles every year.
Annual inspections involved removing the engine from the missile for inspection and repairs, checking the fuel nozzles for the proper spray pattern, removing the tailpipe and replacing the shroud ring surrounding the exhaust turbine wheel, replacing components that failed inspection criteria. Operate the jet engine outside the missile, and making engine throttle speed adjustments during engine runs. Reinstalling engines back into the missile.
Also, we performed inspections and repairs on the missile airframe hardware, the hydraulic flight control system, and fuel system.
After completing the annual inspection and Quality Control inspectors gave their final blessing, the missile became a replacement spare for the next missile due its annual inspection.
I was promoted to A1C/E-4 on October 1, 1967. I only served at that rank title for only 19 days because the Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara changed the Air Force E-4 grade title to "Sergeant" and made them junior NCOs like the other military services. We were nicknamed “McNamara Sergeants” and “Buck Sergeants” during that time.
I celebrated my 19th, 20th and 21st birthdays on Okinawa. I truly enjoyed my work on the Mace.
I completed my first enlistment and reenlisted on June 17, 1968 and left Okinawa June 18, 1968.
After Okinawa, I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile weapon system at Whiteman AFB, Missouri. My new job entailed transporting, removing, and installing missile guidance sections and warheads on Minuteman II Missiles.
I retired as a Master Sergeant on June 30, 1984 at Vandenberg AFB, California.
I have changed my email address to mred312C@gmail.com and I will be closing out the mred38@gmail.com email soon. Please change my address to the new one so I can continue to receive updates to TAC Missileers
Thanks ED
Thanks ED
Visit this site to see "our lady."
https://www.indianamilitarymuseum.com/
https://www.indianamilitarymuseum.com/
Well Guys, I have sat down to this PC several times since the Tac Missileers Reunion has ended. I have tried to figure out what to say and I have yet to meet that challenge. When I first got home I guess I was still riding a high from being with old friends and coworkers from the days on Okinawa. I felt that I had to say "something about the END of our days with the Matador/Mace".
For the life of me, I still don't know what to say that is appropriate except, "Thanks for the Memories".
I still feel that a part of me is lost. I valued my time on the missile system, I valued the friends I made and I valued the work we did by keeping the "cold war COLD!
I do have a hollow feeling inside me just by knowing its all over. I hope you can understand.
I know that Russ is keeping the website open for us to use and I hope ol' Missileers will use it to keep in contact with old friends.
Take Care and remember the Good Times.
Dave
For the life of me, I still don't know what to say that is appropriate except, "Thanks for the Memories".
I still feel that a part of me is lost. I valued my time on the missile system, I valued the friends I made and I valued the work we did by keeping the "cold war COLD!
I do have a hollow feeling inside me just by knowing its all over. I hope you can understand.
I know that Russ is keeping the website open for us to use and I hope ol' Missileers will use it to keep in contact with old friends.
Take Care and remember the Good Times.
Dave
Hello,
My name is Geoffrey, My Father James F. Epler was part of the 38th TMW at Hahn Air Base Germany from 1956 thru 1960. Dad left Germany in 1960 and went to Lowry Air Force Base where he transitioned to Titan I ICBMs. After Lowry we moved to Grand Forks AFB and he worked on Minuteman missiles then Whiteman AFB. He retired out of Lowry in 77. Dad always talked about working with the Matadors at Hahn . He met my Mom while stationed at Hahn also.
Dad passed away in 2016, I wish he was still here , it would be nice to have a beer with him and talk about his missile days.
Thank you all for serving during the Cold War!
V/R
SFC Geoffrey Epler
U.S.Army (RET)
My name is Geoffrey, My Father James F. Epler was part of the 38th TMW at Hahn Air Base Germany from 1956 thru 1960. Dad left Germany in 1960 and went to Lowry Air Force Base where he transitioned to Titan I ICBMs. After Lowry we moved to Grand Forks AFB and he worked on Minuteman missiles then Whiteman AFB. He retired out of Lowry in 77. Dad always talked about working with the Matadors at Hahn . He met my Mom while stationed at Hahn also.
Dad passed away in 2016, I wish he was still here , it would be nice to have a beer with him and talk about his missile days.
Thank you all for serving during the Cold War!
V/R
SFC Geoffrey Epler
U.S.Army (RET)
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Hi Geoffrey. I've added your Dad's name to the TAC Missileers Honor Roll - https://tacmissileers.org/honor-roll-of-deceased-missileers/
Best Regards,
Russ Reston
TAC Missileers Webmaster
Best Regards,
Russ Reston
TAC Missileers Webmaster
The 2023 TAC Missileer Farewell Reunion in San Antonio is now history. Thanks to all of the officers of TACM and others that put it all together and kept it moving smoothly. I especially would like to thank Joe Perkins for initiating the TACM in the first place. I have been a member since 2004, and went to all reunions starting with 2005 in Nashville. Many great trips experienced and wonderful memories made along the way.
Bitburg - MEMS - 62/64
Bitburg - MEMS - 62/64
Just to let you all know that Harry Gardner and Harold Reninnger passed away recently.
I was stationed with the 38th TMW at Wuschheim AFS Germany, 85-88. I ran across the missileers doing some research. Great history. I enjoyed my time in Germany and regretted coming back to the states. I hope to visit one day.
Hello,
I was reading about the old Mace missile system and inadvertently discovered this group. I spent only 9-10 months in the 498th TMG as a newbie Inertial Guidance Specialist since it was decommissioned in late 1969. Following that assignment, most of my class was reassigned to the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron at Vandenberg, during which time I completed my enlistment and was discharged as an E-5 in early 1972.
From there, I went to the University of Washington (BA) and Seattle University (MBA) before embarking on a long executive career in the defense industry. As a side note, upon completing my BA, I was contacted by a USAF recruiter about possibly reentering the USAF and taking a commission, possibly becoming a B-52 navigator. I respectfully declined.
After all these years, I've never run into anyone from my USAF days (April '68 - March '72) until now. Thank you for this group.
I was reading about the old Mace missile system and inadvertently discovered this group. I spent only 9-10 months in the 498th TMG as a newbie Inertial Guidance Specialist since it was decommissioned in late 1969. Following that assignment, most of my class was reassigned to the 4315th Combat Crew Training Squadron at Vandenberg, during which time I completed my enlistment and was discharged as an E-5 in early 1972.
From there, I went to the University of Washington (BA) and Seattle University (MBA) before embarking on a long executive career in the defense industry. As a side note, upon completing my BA, I was contacted by a USAF recruiter about possibly reentering the USAF and taking a commission, possibly becoming a B-52 navigator. I respectfully declined.
After all these years, I've never run into anyone from my USAF days (April '68 - March '72) until now. Thank you for this group.
My father Lonnie Adair was at Sembach AFB between 1957-1961 where I believe he worked with the MACE missile. I wondered if anyone has pictures of him.
Thanks
Thanks
I joined the AF in 1964, trained at Lowry, AFB in Denver, Co. I then went to Germany, at Bitburg as Guidance Mechanic. My wife Janet & I had twin Boys at a Bitburg they were treated at the Hospital at Wiesbaden and Dr. Deer took care of the boys who grow up to be healthy adults. We rotated to Englen AFB, FT Walton Florida. Our site was at Okaloosa Island, A10 initially A-Birds converted for targets over the Gulf Test Range the B-Birds came off the inventory and we converted into targets we were given the task to rewire the airframe to accommodate the RC system flying, we launched 185 B & A-Birds all done by AF personnel. Then went to Hill, AFB in UT working in the Fire bee, Drones that were launched off a C-130 in multiply of
configurations, I volunteered to work on the Cruise Missile Test Force that ended in 1974 then transferred to the Engineering Division helping to upgrade to Range to support Air Force capabilities. I retired at Hill in 1990 as a SMSGT, live in Elizabeth, Co.
configurations, I volunteered to work on the Cruise Missile Test Force that ended in 1974 then transferred to the Engineering Division helping to upgrade to Range to support Air Force capabilities. I retired at Hill in 1990 as a SMSGT, live in Elizabeth, Co.
Was at the Indiana Military Museum in September and got a good look at the old Mace on display. This is a great stop if you are in the area. Toured the museum with Ron Kling (Mech 1) and Phil Goodpaster (GSC tech). Had a great day. Lots of old memories of school at Lowry AFB and our tour at Kadena. We were all there when the system was shutdown in December 1969. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the 2023 Reunion.
I would like to hear from anyone who was at Patrick AFB 1956-1957 or at Hahn 9/57-6/59.
I would love to come to San Antonio, but I don't travel well anymore. Father Time!
I went back to the Cape after I got out and worked for General Dynamics/Astronautics on the Atlas Program as an Electrical Technician until I joined IBM in 1965 to work on the Apollo program as an Electrical Engineer. I worked thru Apollo 16 and then transferred to Manassas, VA to work on Large Scale Integrated Circuits including College Teaching and a long stretch as a Substitute Teacher at local schools. I think that is enough for me.
I went thru the Member List without finding anybody I knew. Maybe I am the last one from this era. I hope not. Enjoy San Antonio!
I would love to come to San Antonio, but I don't travel well anymore. Father Time!
I went back to the Cape after I got out and worked for General Dynamics/Astronautics on the Atlas Program as an Electrical Technician until I joined IBM in 1965 to work on the Apollo program as an Electrical Engineer. I worked thru Apollo 16 and then transferred to Manassas, VA to work on Large Scale Integrated Circuits including College Teaching and a long stretch as a Substitute Teacher at local schools. I think that is enough for me.
I went thru the Member List without finding anybody I knew. Maybe I am the last one from this era. I hope not. Enjoy San Antonio!
Lowry 1960
Orlando 1960
Kadena 1961 - 1963
Orlando 1964
We were among the first to arrive at Kadena.
The missiles arrived at Kadena via cargo planes.
We loaded them onto 40'; trailers and delivered to the 498th maintenance area. The parts and pieces were assembled.
Each missile was diagnosed. and as construction became capable, we installed each missile to their launch bay.
From this point the 498th Maintenance Group was responsible for scheduled maintenance.
Orlando 1960
Kadena 1961 - 1963
Orlando 1964
We were among the first to arrive at Kadena.
The missiles arrived at Kadena via cargo planes.
We loaded them onto 40'; trailers and delivered to the 498th maintenance area. The parts and pieces were assembled.
Each missile was diagnosed. and as construction became capable, we installed each missile to their launch bay.
From this point the 498th Maintenance Group was responsible for scheduled maintenance.
Hi fellows,
just working on plans for a scale model of MATADOR transport('resupply') and transporter/erector/launcher trailers in 1:32 scale.
Unfortunately I can not find any good/correct drawings nor correct nomenclatura (like M-### in the ARMY...) of these trailers and all other support vehicles. Does anyone know where I can find TM (or copies/downloads...) to the MATADOR-related vehicles !
THANKS for ANY information and help !!!!!
Benno
just working on plans for a scale model of MATADOR transport('resupply') and transporter/erector/launcher trailers in 1:32 scale.
Unfortunately I can not find any good/correct drawings nor correct nomenclatura (like M-### in the ARMY...) of these trailers and all other support vehicles. Does anyone know where I can find TM (or copies/downloads...) to the MATADOR-related vehicles !
THANKS for ANY information and help !!!!!
Benno
Sorry to see our 2022 reunion has been canceled due to low attendance. We all knew that this would eventually happen. Father Time doesn’t wait on anyone. Regardless, myself and Frank Martinez will still celebrate in Nashville. Our flight and hotel reservations are completed. Never pass up a party. If you feel the same way we can make this a “mini reunion.” Plenty of local tours are available to keep us busy. Many thanks to Max. See you in Nashville.
Looking for launch crew members at Hahn Site IV Blockhouse 1. 1964-1966
Bruce Johnson:
Are you the Johnny Johnson that served with me at Hangar C in 63 ??
Are you the Johnny Johnson that served with me at Hangar C in 63 ??
Hi Jim Martindale. This is Les Evans.
I remember you from the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
I worked at the bottom of the hill in the maintenance complex. I did the airframe and engine periodic inspections and maintenance, engine test runs, etc.
I was there from September 1965 to June 1968.
I was an E-4 Sergeant when I left Okinawa.
I finished my first enlistment, and re-enlisted there.
I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile System, and remained there until I finished my 20-year career in the Air Force.
I retired in 1984 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Retired while stationed at Vandenberg AFB, CA.
I worked on Vandenberg for a another 22 years for several civilian companies.
I live in Lompoc, near Vandenberg.
I remember you from the 498 TMG at Kadena AB, Okinawa.
I worked at the bottom of the hill in the maintenance complex. I did the airframe and engine periodic inspections and maintenance, engine test runs, etc.
I was there from September 1965 to June 1968.
I was an E-4 Sergeant when I left Okinawa.
I finished my first enlistment, and re-enlisted there.
I was transferred to the Minuteman Missile System, and remained there until I finished my 20-year career in the Air Force.
I retired in 1984 at the rank of Master Sergeant.
Retired while stationed at Vandenberg AFB, CA.
I worked on Vandenberg for a another 22 years for several civilian companies.
I live in Lompoc, near Vandenberg.
Has anyone in the association worked the MACE A Bird at Hahn and stood alert at the site that was located at the Idarkoff? There is a tower located there now, but from the tower you could also see the remains of the concrete pads that were used to park the missile and other equipment on. When I was with the 50th TFW, my wife and I used to go for walks in the Hunsruck area and went to that missile site many times. At the time we lived in Hirschfeld.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idarkopf_Tower
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idarkopf_Tower
Served Okinawa 498 training wing maintenance division from June 1966 till January 1968 have fun there lot of work worked on the maze missile corrosion control missile run up and maintenance so some of my high school buddies there can't find them today but still think of them look for my roommate found him but unfortunately he doesn't answer his phone and I do know he still alive very upsetting I thought we were good friends
Arrived Hahn Oct 1959. Returned home to be station Andrews Oct 1961. Getting old so is my memory. Worked on MM 1 on site.
Dave Rush, Totten, Messer, Runnels and Parsons.
Dave Rush, Totten, Messer, Runnels and Parsons.
I was at Orlando 12/59 to 8/61 as a special vehicle mechanic and worked on the MM1's. If anyone is interested the FWD museum in Clintonville WI has a running MM1 at there museum, where I was able to visit an old friend from my USAF days. Also if you have looked over this site you know we at the Indiana Military in Vincennes have a Mace B bird here.
Frank
Frank
Here is a link to my completed build of the old Revell/Renwal Mace missile and Teracruzer. I can't express how much the photos and tech manual on this website helped in my attempt to build an accurate model of a TM-76A, MM-1, and translauncher at Orlando AFB. My late father, MSgt (then TSgt) Charles Henning, trained at Lowry and Orlando before going to Sembach with the 38th. He was in QC from mid 64 to Dec. 65.
Click here...
Click here...
Joe Dubner - I was at Hahn and on a launch crew when you were there, but I can't picture you (getting old, haha). We probably were at Orlando at the same time too. Maybe see you at the upcoming reunion? My launch crew included SSGT Jones and Joe Eddins, but I can't remember the launch officer we were with. In case your memory is better than mine, my email is (aja8888@gmail.com) if you care to drop me a line.
Hello from the former Mace launch crewmember A1C Joe Dubner (long retired). I was at Hahn from 1965 until deactivation of the 38 TMW a couple years later.
My lieutenant (Robert A. Barton) passed away this year. I have not been in contact with anyone else in all this time but would welcome contact with others (jdubner@yahoo.com).
My lieutenant (Robert A. Barton) passed away this year. I have not been in contact with anyone else in all this time but would welcome contact with others (jdubner@yahoo.com).
I was among the first arrival of Air Force non-commissioned enlisted personnel in February 1951 to be assigned with the Matador B-61 project at Patrick AFB (formerly Banana River Naval Airbase). I also was briefly with the Glenn L. Martin Co. Testing Group at White Sands, New Mexico and during their transfer move to Patrick AFB/Cape Canaveral Missile Test Center. I became an instructor to train ground crew launch personnel for the 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron. Served at Patrick AFB until January 1953 to volunteer for service in Korea with the 319th F-94 Fighter Interceptor Squadron. I finally was discharged in December 1954.
I just bought the book "US AF Tactical Missiles 49-69.
My AFSC was 33150B and received weapons training at Lowry AFB in 1958. Then I was asigned to the 4504 Tac Missile Training Squadorn at Orlando AFB -- Sep 1958 - May 1959. Then as a complete squadron, shipped out to Osan Air Base as the 310 TMS. I was on Launch Team 4 known as the "Turtle Team."
After Korea, I was assigned to the 1090 Special Reporting Wing at Sandia Base.
After my Honorable Discharge, I earned an AA in Engineering Science at Nassau Community College and a BA in Physical Science, a Standard Life K - 9 Teaching Credential, and a Masters in Education Technology at San Francisco State University.
I have worked as an 8th grade Science teacher for 24 years, provided technical support to internal users of H-P computers at a variety of companies including H-P. Also, I have earned a 100 Ton US Coast Guard License and have worked as a sailing instructor and the captain of a crewed charter boat in the Caribbean.
I am now retired
My AFSC was 33150B and received weapons training at Lowry AFB in 1958. Then I was asigned to the 4504 Tac Missile Training Squadorn at Orlando AFB -- Sep 1958 - May 1959. Then as a complete squadron, shipped out to Osan Air Base as the 310 TMS. I was on Launch Team 4 known as the "Turtle Team."
After Korea, I was assigned to the 1090 Special Reporting Wing at Sandia Base.
After my Honorable Discharge, I earned an AA in Engineering Science at Nassau Community College and a BA in Physical Science, a Standard Life K - 9 Teaching Credential, and a Masters in Education Technology at San Francisco State University.
I have worked as an 8th grade Science teacher for 24 years, provided technical support to internal users of H-P computers at a variety of companies including H-P. Also, I have earned a 100 Ton US Coast Guard License and have worked as a sailing instructor and the captain of a crewed charter boat in the Caribbean.
I am now retired
Jacque Hansen, wife of Arnie Hansen, informed me today that Arnie had passed away on 10 August 2021. Arnie was a member of the 887th TMS. He was a good friend to all and will be missed.
Responding to David Henning May 31, 2021 request, I have pictures of the model that I assembled and this model is exactly as the one we took to the Paris LeBouget Air Show in 1959-1960
I dont know how to display these pictures for your observing but I make them available to anyone
I dont know how to display these pictures for your observing but I make them available to anyone
Wondering if any Sembach AFB Mace Missile TM76A crew members remember a SSGT Gronkowski, Missile Mechanic AFSC, during 1958-1960? Came across his picture recently and trying to locate him.
My father, Charles Henning, was at Sembach from 63-Dec, 65 in 38th MIMS, QC Section. He is now 92 years old and resides in Jacksonville, AR after his retirement from the 308th SMW at Little Rock AFB. I am currently working on the old Revell Teracruzer and Mace missile kit for a gift for dad and am wondering if any members might have a tech manual for the Teracruzer showing more details of the steering system and other portions of the underside of the cab. Have found good information on the site, but needing a little more for my model.
I must be an old man of the 17th TMS as I separated in Dec '57 to become a Flight Test Engineer for McDonnell/Douglas Aircraft. Since, I have only caught up with 2 of our Missileers and that was years ago. I read Geo & Bob's book to find little on the 17th but noticed the X10 Navaho mentioned where I also was an engineer before catching up with the 17th.
I am surprised to see that the 17th did deploy to Taiwan, if so I would have been on orders to go. In early 1957, we did send a Matador and MSQ with a team to show and tell for the Pacific Fleet but that was it. I was on orders to go but that was scrubbed as it interfered with my wedding. Later I was on orders for Hokkaido Japan which was scrubbed by the Japanese. then there were orders for Korea which did happen after I left.
My memory is foggy but I can confirm that we made a launch every 2 weeks in '57 from the Cape but it amazes me now that we could pass over GBI before dumping the missile without interference. One actually landed on the Eastern part of the island.
It will be nice to catch up with some of the Team should they live around Orlando.
I am surprised to see that the 17th did deploy to Taiwan, if so I would have been on orders to go. In early 1957, we did send a Matador and MSQ with a team to show and tell for the Pacific Fleet but that was it. I was on orders to go but that was scrubbed as it interfered with my wedding. Later I was on orders for Hokkaido Japan which was scrubbed by the Japanese. then there were orders for Korea which did happen after I left.
My memory is foggy but I can confirm that we made a launch every 2 weeks in '57 from the Cape but it amazes me now that we could pass over GBI before dumping the missile without interference. One actually landed on the Eastern part of the island.
It will be nice to catch up with some of the Team should they live around Orlando.
Noticed that most entries here are from the earlier guys, and not many from Taiwan, so thought I'd add a little bit of info for anyone who may wonder what eventually happened to the TM-61C birds and crews there.
I was a Flight Controls guy on Launch 'D' of the 868th TMS, stationed at Tainan AFS from mid '61 through early/mid '62.
We were the last crews to be sent there, and eventually participated in deactivating the unit, preparing the birds for scrap by destroying the bulkhead connections with axes (so they couldn't be re-assembled by the Chinese), shipping the warheads back to the US, and closing it all down. (The story at the time was that the U.S. had offered the birds to the Nationalist Chinese, but they would only take them if we included the nuclear warheads, which of course was not gonna happen).
We all worked hard to perfect our launch routines, and got really good at it before the end. Launch 'D' eventually got to where we could do a 15-minute Quick Count in six and a half minutes.
We enjoyed our time there.
I was a Flight Controls guy on Launch 'D' of the 868th TMS, stationed at Tainan AFS from mid '61 through early/mid '62.
We were the last crews to be sent there, and eventually participated in deactivating the unit, preparing the birds for scrap by destroying the bulkhead connections with axes (so they couldn't be re-assembled by the Chinese), shipping the warheads back to the US, and closing it all down. (The story at the time was that the U.S. had offered the birds to the Nationalist Chinese, but they would only take them if we included the nuclear warheads, which of course was not gonna happen).
We all worked hard to perfect our launch routines, and got really good at it before the end. Launch 'D' eventually got to where we could do a 15-minute Quick Count in six and a half minutes.
We enjoyed our time there.
Just wanted to remind one and all that........I wrote the original "the missile knows where it is at all times", in 1961, while a guidance instructor at Lowry on the A-bird. Here is the ORIGINAL.
The missile knows where it is at all times. It knows this because it knows where it isn't !
By subtracting where it is from where it isn't, or where it isn't from where it is (whichever is greater), it obtains a difference or deviation.
The guidance system uses deviations to generate corrective commands to drive the missile from a position where it wasn't to where it now is. Consequently, the position where it was is now the position where it isn't.
In the event that the position where it is now is not the position where it wasn't, the system has acquired a variation (variations are caused by external factors, and the discussions of these factors are not considered to be within the scope of this report). The variation being the difference between where the missile is and where the missile wasn't. If variations are considered to be a significant factor, it, too, may be corrected for by the use of another system. However, for this to take place, the missile must now where it was, also.
The "thought process" of the missile is as follows: because a variation has modified some of the information which the missile has obtained, it is not sure where it is. However, it is sure where it isn't ! (within reason) and it knows DAMN sure where it was and also where it wasn't. It now subtracts where it should be from where it wasn't (or vice versa) and by differentiating this with the algebraic difference between where it shouldn't be and where it was, it is able to obtain the difference between its deviations and its variations....which is called the ERROR SIGNAL.
The missile knows where it is at all times. It knows this because it knows where it isn't !
By subtracting where it is from where it isn't, or where it isn't from where it is (whichever is greater), it obtains a difference or deviation.
The guidance system uses deviations to generate corrective commands to drive the missile from a position where it wasn't to where it now is. Consequently, the position where it was is now the position where it isn't.
In the event that the position where it is now is not the position where it wasn't, the system has acquired a variation (variations are caused by external factors, and the discussions of these factors are not considered to be within the scope of this report). The variation being the difference between where the missile is and where the missile wasn't. If variations are considered to be a significant factor, it, too, may be corrected for by the use of another system. However, for this to take place, the missile must now where it was, also.
The "thought process" of the missile is as follows: because a variation has modified some of the information which the missile has obtained, it is not sure where it is. However, it is sure where it isn't ! (within reason) and it knows DAMN sure where it was and also where it wasn't. It now subtracts where it should be from where it wasn't (or vice versa) and by differentiating this with the algebraic difference between where it shouldn't be and where it was, it is able to obtain the difference between its deviations and its variations....which is called the ERROR SIGNAL.
Nelson Nunez, 84, died January 9, 2021. Nelson joined the 11th TMS at Orlando AFB, Florida in 1955. Lived in Groveland Florida. Obituary appears in the Florida Today Newspaper.
Way to go Henry Tracy
Gordon Fisk
Tainan. 58-59
Gordon Fisk
Tainan. 58-59
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Henry Tracy - Missileer of the Day - January 12, 2021
Pat Schroeder has informed us that her husband, Marv Schroeder (Hahn 63-66) passed away the 12th of November. Marv, a great friend, attended our Denver reunion sharing recollections from his days at Hahn !
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
His name has been added to the Honor Roll. https://www.tacmissileers.org/honor-roll-of-deceased-missileers/
Roger (Moose), were you on Site IV as a launch crew member between 1965 and 1966? I was there and was teamed up with Joe Eddins as launch crew techs. Your name is familiar.
Roger (Moose) Lamothe Hahn-1962-1966. I haven't been on this page for a few years, but was wondering if the Roster of Personnel who worked on the "Birds" was still being maintained. If so, how is it accessed? Thanks.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
We don't maintain a list of everyone that worked with Matador / Mace missiles, but we do actively maintain a list of TAC Missileers members. It can be found at https://www.tacmissileers.org/active-members/
Hey Richard Hannaford, I recognize many of your names from Kadina and the the 873rd. I was roommates with Bill O'Hare while in Kadina. Crazy guy. I think Capt. Helms was on our basketball team. Spent '61 to '63 on the island.
Sincerely Bob Cornell,
ps remember the Pizza place just outside gate 1 in Koza city on BC.
Sincerely Bob Cornell,
ps remember the Pizza place just outside gate 1 in Koza city on BC.
Did it again misspelled Chuck’s last name should have been Reustle hit r on my I pad . Did poor proof read. Sorry Chuck if you see theses entries.
In entry yesterday had Chuck Rreustle last name incorrect . Sorry. He had very successful career, probley made SSGT in four, five years. Took me 6 years. Got out after enlistment ended. 10 years in and might have stayed but reassigned 1969 from Bitburg to Barksdale on Houndog missile with B52. Was assigned to work Houndog black boxes instead of working in hanger on Houndog or flight line with Houndog on the 52. But few years later went California and worked for Lockheed. Total 14 years six months and worked number aircraft as Flight Line Electronic tech. Six years flight test on F117 and later 6 months on YF22 until it went to Edwards on fly off against the YF23 from. Northrop
Reading thru guestbook recognized number names, Bill Horn on crew with him , Capt Helms and Sgt Walters Okinawa Dec 61 - March 63 Site 1, Jeff Schiff and Ron Boe on crew live launch of “Fink 7 Mace B 17 July 1963 and I think William (Bill) O Hare Mech 4- power man on Capt Helms and Sgt Walters crew Site 1 Dec 61 March 63. Also Chuck Russell who I believed said or did something when a visiting VIP , General, don,t remember if AF or Army walked in front of a theolite in the launch bay Just a little bit of humor.
Hi Max and Russ, it was interesting to read George Mindling's written article this past week. Being the first Senior Airman, Nuclear Weapons Mechanical Specialist assigned to Flight A which deployed with the Mace TM-76A in July 1959 to Sembach Germany, I was really impressed with all the assistance to relocate the bird to Vicennes, Ind. museum.
Great article, kudos to George and all others who gave assistance. This is the only way we can preserve the history of the Tactical Missile Program which gave much support to the Cold War and prevented thermonuclear war and obliteration of our culture.
If you ever need my assistance with info about Sembach or the entire Mace TM-76A initial stages I will be glad to help. I also was named the Nuclear Weapons Member of the Standardization Review Crew when in Sembach 1959-1960.
Thanks , Ed
Great article, kudos to George and all others who gave assistance. This is the only way we can preserve the history of the Tactical Missile Program which gave much support to the Cold War and prevented thermonuclear war and obliteration of our culture.
If you ever need my assistance with info about Sembach or the entire Mace TM-76A initial stages I will be glad to help. I also was named the Nuclear Weapons Member of the Standardization Review Crew when in Sembach 1959-1960.
Thanks , Ed
Just a note to any who are interested. I stoped to see the MM-1 Terracruzer that they have at the FWD museum in Clintonville WI. I had forgot how big these things were even if I did spend 1960 and 1961 working on them at Orlando AFB, if you are in the area check it out.
I'm sorry to report my good friend Robert L. Genovese, passed away November 14, 2019. Bob, known by many as Geno, was stationed at Sembach , 38th Tactical Missile Wing, from 1961 to 1965 and worked in Finance. He also served in Vietnam and was medically retired after contracting Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. He is survived by his wife, Rosemarie (Nickweiler), who he met and married while at Sembach. To learn more about Geno and his life after Sembach go to https://www.mycitizensnews.net/obituaries/obituary-robert-l-genovese/
Who was the Sembach base commander in 1965? Last name Payne?
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Sembach AB Base Commander - Col. Roswell W. Ard - 1964 to Sept. 25, 1966. See Click here...
For 38th TMW Commanders - Click here...
For 38th TMW Commanders - Click here...
Harry Anderson. Saw your post. I was assigned to GSC same time you were in GEMS. Drop me an email at V8Logsserv@cs.com when you get a change and I'll dig out some old files to refresh my memory on shop personnel.
Going through some old files I came across the name of someone I lost track of.
Does anyone know or remember Don Franklin? We trained on the same launch crew in Orlando in 1961 but he didn't ship out to Kadena with us. I was under the impression that he would arrive with the next group but he never did.
I would appreciate any information you might have.
Thanks,
John Wood
Does anyone know or remember Don Franklin? We trained on the same launch crew in Orlando in 1961 but he didn't ship out to Kadena with us. I was under the impression that he would arrive with the next group but he never did.
I would appreciate any information you might have.
Thanks,
John Wood
Arrived at Kadena Air Base assigned to the 498TMG in January 1965 with the Mace B. (the Mace A was in Bitberg Germany, where I really wanted to go!!) Stayed 18 months leaving June 1966. I was a young second lieutenant as the Launch Control Officer on a 7 man crew.. My training out of OTS was at Lowry AFB and Orlando AFB. How was that for training sites.
Lived in a Quonset Hut with two fellow officers, Dave Parker and Chuck Prince. Came across this site looking for a model of the Mace Missile to hang in my room along site the Minuteman Missile, which was my next assignment.
I need it quick before I leave this earth and then I can leave it to my daughters who will probably throw it away.
I have a few pictures to post. How do you do that?
Lived in a Quonset Hut with two fellow officers, Dave Parker and Chuck Prince. Came across this site looking for a model of the Mace Missile to hang in my room along site the Minuteman Missile, which was my next assignment.
I need it quick before I leave this earth and then I can leave it to my daughters who will probably throw it away.
I have a few pictures to post. How do you do that?
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Hi Richard, If you have photos that you'd like added to the website, send them to me - webmaster@TacMissileers.org
Regards, Russ Reston
ps - The Revell Mace Model is currently available on Amazon and eBay. Here's the Amazon URL.
https://www.amazon.com/Revell-32-Teracruzer-Missile/dp/B007JQ8II4
Regards, Russ Reston
ps - The Revell Mace Model is currently available on Amazon and eBay. Here's the Amazon URL.
https://www.amazon.com/Revell-32-Teracruzer-Missile/dp/B007JQ8II4
498 MMS Okinawa Kadina 1962 1965
Assigned to 498th MMS from 9/1961 to 6/1965. I was assigned to the GEMS Shop,responsile for setting up the test modules and checking out the guidance system boxes. Some of those working for me were Armand Roux, Richard Sully, Jim Jackson,Terry Acree. After checking out the boxes, we sent them to the GSC Section, withDon Moody in charge. Some oh the people working out there were Henry P. La Montagne, Gil Lomax Mac McKay,George Bennet. They would install the black boxes into the nose cone and assembled the missile. Flight Controls, run by Pete Samples would do their thing and then to the silos. Floyd Clark was also one of group that was there. We all trained at Lowery AFB, then went to Orlando AFB and on to Okinawa as a group. Most staled on until 65 or 66 before before returning to the states. These were some of the best times in my USAF Career. I went to McCoy AFB Fla as a radar tech with the 966th AEW&C until I retired in 1973. Would enjoy hearing from anyone having like memories
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Pls check 6/1/2020 entry by Guy Vanderman.
It is with great sadness that I inform you my father, MSgt. Norris J. Maxwell (Bitburg Steinborn '57-'60) passed away on December 21, 2019. The Denver, Colorado reunion we attended together was one of his fondest memories. Services to be held at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Houston, Texas on Friday January 10th, 2020. Family & Friends Gathering will be from 1100- 1215, Military service will start promptly at 1230.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
My condolences. His name has been added to the website Honor Roll.
https://www.tacmissileers.org/honor-roll-of-deceased-missileers/
https://www.tacmissileers.org/honor-roll-of-deceased-missileers/
Thanks to our new President Guy for his article about his early days in the "MACE" family. Much of what he relates to was a later version of my experiences before deploying. Although I was Nuclear Weapons Specialist on the early TM-76A Mace 1956-1962 assigned to Sembach AFB Germany my basic training , and Missile school in Denver was similar.
Thanks
Ed
Thanks
Ed
I went to school on the TM76-A at Lowry during 1958-1959. I worked on the TM61C Matador at the 310th TMS at Osan during 1959-1960. Also at the 71st TMS in Bitburg during 1960-1962. Would like to here from anyone that served at these locations at the same times. Ron Baertsch
Found this on internet tonight. Chuck was at Bitburg for at least two tours once with Matadore (?) or Mace A(?) and with Mace B - Job Control.
Charles Rondall Sisson
Copperhill, Tennessee
Aug 18, 1936 – Aug 30, 2019
Atkins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge - Blue Ridge Obituary
Charles was born on August 18, 1936 and passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019. Mr. Sisson retired from the United States Air Force after nearly twenty-three years. A private interment followed at the Sisson Family Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge, 907 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or The Gideons International.
Charles Rondall Sisson
Copperhill, Tennessee
Aug 18, 1936 – Aug 30, 2019
Atkins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge - Blue Ridge Obituary
Charles was born on August 18, 1936 and passed away on Friday, August 30, 2019. Mr. Sisson retired from the United States Air Force after nearly twenty-three years. A private interment followed at the Sisson Family Cemetery with military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church of Blue Ridge, 907 East Main Street, Blue Ridge, GA 30513 or The Gideons International.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
I've added his name to the Honor Roll.
Thank you Carolyn & Max for the terrific 2019 reunion pictures on our site. Great memories of our Tac Missileer friends preserved forever !
I was honored to volunteer to be the president of the association for the next period. Hats off to Max and Jerry for all they do. I had a great time at the reunion, the fourth one I have attended. I don't (didn't) know too many of you as I was not married and only 18 when I went on the Mace B. Did not socialize too much other than with my fellow Guidance techs, none of which are part of the association as far as I can notice. I will try and capture my thoughts on the Mace and what it did for me in later entries. Suffice it to say it got me started off on the right foot for a 35 year Air Force career.
Happy Birthday U.S.A.F
Congratulations to Max Butler and all Tac Missileers on another terrific reunion!
Congratulations to Max Butler and all Tac Missileers on another terrific reunion!
My TM71A career began at Lowry during 1961-62 where I met and married my present wife. Then on to Orlando 1962 and Hahn 1962-66. I spent my entire time in Germany as a Maintenance Mech 1 (TM76A ATRAN guidance) at Hahn Site IV (Wuscheim). We lived a few miles from Site IV in a little village named Reckershausen. The town folks took us right in and we became part of their community (no one spoke English so we learned German)! We wouldn’t trade these experiences for the world! Left USAF in 1966 and went to work for Telco companies as a datecomm/telcomm engineer for 39 years. Retired in 2005. We sure have a lot of great memories of the folks we met in the USAF!
I hope you enjoyed your tour at the Mariners' Museum today, as I certainly enjoyed being one of the Navigators. To the guys asking about the steering wheel on the Miss Belle Isle, the 1923 Chris-Craft Runabout, we were both right. One stick was the throttle, and the other was the spark adjustment.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
We had a great visit to the museum. Thanks for the hospitality!!!
I received a recent call from the daughter of Jim and Marge Harrison asking that I give Marge a call. Marge told me that Jim Harrison, Hahn site VI weapons tech. 1964-1966, had passed away.
Jim Marge and their young daughters lived in Kirchberg and would always invite a few of us; me, Jim Schmaltz, John Ray and others, to their apartment for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday dinner and sometimes Sunday meals. We last saw Jim at the Denver reunion. Both Jim and Marge were both special people, making the holidays so much better for some young, single airmen! Bless you both !
Jim Marge and their young daughters lived in Kirchberg and would always invite a few of us; me, Jim Schmaltz, John Ray and others, to their apartment for Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday dinner and sometimes Sunday meals. We last saw Jim at the Denver reunion. Both Jim and Marge were both special people, making the holidays so much better for some young, single airmen! Bless you both !
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
I've added his name to the website Honor Roll.
Russ
Russ
I was at Hahn from 1965 to 1966 in the 89th TMS. I'm not sure what site I was at but it had sheds over the missiles. I was there until the shutdown in 1966 and then got orders to Whiteman AFB in the Minuteman system. I would like to hear from some of my old mates that were with me during my stay at Hahn.
Lance Moorman Nuclear Weapons Launch Technician at Sembach & 887th TMS Grünstadt passed away earlier this week. The link to his obituary is:
https://www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com/notices/Lance-Moorman
https://www.armeshuntfuneralhome.com/notices/Lance-Moorman
I was stationed at Sembach AB from 1978-1980. I returned to Germany in 1988 as a member of the 38th TMMS at Wueschheim AS living on Hahn AB in the NCO dorm. I also was a member of the crew who refurbished the Matador missile as a static display on Wueschheim.
I was stationed at Bitburg, from January 1968 until it closed in 1969. I was a tech 4 can't remember the team #
I do remember some of the other team members. I may spell their name wrong but here goes.
CCC Cpt. Al Myers
CCC Wilber Holt(s)
Tech 1 Battin(spelled that wrong)
Smith
Harris
Al Glosser
and myself Pat Vetter
Great people to serve with after Bitburg I went to Wheelus AFB in Libya. and then to England (Bentwaters)
I do remember some of the other team members. I may spell their name wrong but here goes.
CCC Cpt. Al Myers
CCC Wilber Holt(s)
Tech 1 Battin(spelled that wrong)
Smith
Harris
Al Glosser
and myself Pat Vetter
Great people to serve with after Bitburg I went to Wheelus AFB in Libya. and then to England (Bentwaters)
Hallo, ich bin in Hochspeyer 1954 auf diese Erde geboren worden. Ich bin Deutscher. Hier war im Wald eine Matador/ Mace Stellung. Das Commando war auf der Air Base Sembach stationiert. Zu den Raketenstellung gehörte auch ein Munitiondepot und eine Feuerwache mit einem C 530 Fire Truck.
So war meine Familie Augenzeuge dieser Aktionen dieser Einheiten.
Sehr tolle Zeit für mich. Seitdem bin ich ein Freund der Amerikaner und der USA.
Hello, I was born in Hochspeyer in 1954 to this earth. I'm German. Here was a Matador / Mace position in the forest. The commando was stationed at the Air Base Sembach. The rocket position also included a munitions depot and a fire station with a C 530 Fire Truck.
So my family was an eyewitness to these actions of these units.
Great time for me. Since then I am a friend of Americans and the USA.
So war meine Familie Augenzeuge dieser Aktionen dieser Einheiten.
Sehr tolle Zeit für mich. Seitdem bin ich ein Freund der Amerikaner und der USA.
Hello, I was born in Hochspeyer in 1954 to this earth. I'm German. Here was a Matador / Mace position in the forest. The commando was stationed at the Air Base Sembach. The rocket position also included a munitions depot and a fire station with a C 530 Fire Truck.
So my family was an eyewitness to these actions of these units.
Great time for me. Since then I am a friend of Americans and the USA.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Hello Eckhard, thanks for your guestbook entry.
If you want any photos to be attached to your entry, please send them to me and I will add them. Danke.
Best Regards,
Russ Reston
russ@SembachMissileers.org
If you want any photos to be attached to your entry, please send them to me and I will add them. Danke.
Best Regards,
Russ Reston
russ@SembachMissileers.org
To Joe Heeter, reading over old entries I ran across your 3/28/17 entry mentioned Agent Orange usage on Okinawa Missile sites and connection with Prostrate Cancer. Curious, I worked site #1 as a Mech 1, crew 5 from Sept '61 to March of '63. I suffered the consequences of Prostrate Cancer, surgery, radiation, etc. and have survived over 20 years since.
FYI
FYI
Denver 60 Orlando AFB 61 _ Kadena 61-63_Orlando 63-66_Bitburg 66-68 crosstrained. Retired 1986 E-9 Happy living in Myrtle Beach. 9 years with the Mace B were the best years of my career.
Lackland 1959, Lowry 1959 60, Orlando & Cape 1960, 61. Okinawa 1961 to 63. AFC 31170 guidence systems control Mech 1. Crew 5 at Bolo with Capt. Klintworth.
Home base Kadina, 873TMS.
Home base Kadina, 873TMS.
To John Alfieri. Yes, this is the same Gary Renfrew from the 1st TMS in Bitburg and worked for Capt Reinhardt. My TBI at Bitburg was subtle for 60 years then reared it's head with explosive headaches and dizziness. The VA Hospital here in Albuquerque has been great in treating me. Now retired and enjoying travels with my wife.
Spent my tour after Lowery and Orlando the city, not yet Disney World, at Bitburg 1962-Feb 1965 in the 71st TMS with Logan E. Wing III (Hi Logan), Steve Burguss, Edward Schmutzer(deceased), George Wolfe, Raymond Pageau, LCO. Lt. whats his name , Launch crew 8 @ Edenheim, TM76B underground site. I have pictures of site under construction by German builders. I can't recall everyone yet, the NCOIC and Mech 1 but I think I have it in my military records somewhere.
Ought to mention to Wolfe if he is still out there that I crashed his drunk 1954 VW on some black ice en-route to the sister base a few miles downstream.
When I returned home I made a phone call to Klarchen in Bitburg at her job, a big shock to her since I spent my last 30 days in Germany in the hospital for stomach problems and never had a chance to talk to her before I left. And no, she wasn't a bar girl, she worked in a factory job.
Last I heard from a guy who emailed me from Bitburg doing research on the 71st Missilers for the town, reported to me that he knew Klarchen and was still there. Lost her phone number by then but strange he would know her in such a small town.
Never found out what information Bitburg was able to find on the missile squadron, apparently the German people were not allowed to discuss or say anything about the base, German law. Never heard or found out if anyone knew the fate of the missile monument near the barracks, if anyone knows give us all a holler. After Bitburg I spent 2 months making Williams tractor trailers and dump trucks then went to Hill AFB for 36 years as civil service Aircraft Mechanic on F4, F101, F16, F18 navy blue angels birds which the navy has a whole new concept of aircraft maintenance by flying them to unusable and airworthy condition and dumps them in the ocean after removing any spare parts like engines sill running and actuators etc. Perfect jet for carriers, could be airborne before the end of flight deck. Then during the Vietnam era I was sent TDY to modify the F4 with major upgrades with ejection seats changes and EMT radar jammers blocking GLM missile attacks, very effective defense system still used today by all jet fighter and base organizatoins.
Logan and pageau and burgess I have a new email address and was out of service with no internet for a few years because Utah has been working on this new fiber optic service which seemed to take forever to get working.
I plan to attend the reunion this year with a lady companion yet to be found. If interested I would like to hear from anyone who was there new this little shit head. email tactech3@outlook.com. catchy name huh. I retired from civil service in 1998 and learned new trade in Electronic care systems and emission systems and that the global warming is hoax and fake compiled information they could be a million years out of sync with millennial who are fumbling through life as education dumb with ancient dark ages fears and ignorance of any scientific facts.
Ought to mention to Wolfe if he is still out there that I crashed his drunk 1954 VW on some black ice en-route to the sister base a few miles downstream.
When I returned home I made a phone call to Klarchen in Bitburg at her job, a big shock to her since I spent my last 30 days in Germany in the hospital for stomach problems and never had a chance to talk to her before I left. And no, she wasn't a bar girl, she worked in a factory job.
Last I heard from a guy who emailed me from Bitburg doing research on the 71st Missilers for the town, reported to me that he knew Klarchen and was still there. Lost her phone number by then but strange he would know her in such a small town.
Never found out what information Bitburg was able to find on the missile squadron, apparently the German people were not allowed to discuss or say anything about the base, German law. Never heard or found out if anyone knew the fate of the missile monument near the barracks, if anyone knows give us all a holler. After Bitburg I spent 2 months making Williams tractor trailers and dump trucks then went to Hill AFB for 36 years as civil service Aircraft Mechanic on F4, F101, F16, F18 navy blue angels birds which the navy has a whole new concept of aircraft maintenance by flying them to unusable and airworthy condition and dumps them in the ocean after removing any spare parts like engines sill running and actuators etc. Perfect jet for carriers, could be airborne before the end of flight deck. Then during the Vietnam era I was sent TDY to modify the F4 with major upgrades with ejection seats changes and EMT radar jammers blocking GLM missile attacks, very effective defense system still used today by all jet fighter and base organizatoins.
Logan and pageau and burgess I have a new email address and was out of service with no internet for a few years because Utah has been working on this new fiber optic service which seemed to take forever to get working.
I plan to attend the reunion this year with a lady companion yet to be found. If interested I would like to hear from anyone who was there new this little shit head. email tactech3@outlook.com. catchy name huh. I retired from civil service in 1998 and learned new trade in Electronic care systems and emission systems and that the global warming is hoax and fake compiled information they could be a million years out of sync with millennial who are fumbling through life as education dumb with ancient dark ages fears and ignorance of any scientific facts.
USAF 310th TMS 1960/1961 Ring
Ring commemorating the 310th TMS in Korea found. If anyone has information on this ring or others like it please contact me.
Ring commemorating the 310th TMS in Korea found. If anyone has information on this ring or others like it please contact me.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Bob, I've attached the photos...
I arrived at Hahn a week before the assassination of President Kennedy, a depressing way to begin a new assignment. I was trained extensively on the AANC at Orlando, so I was naturally assigned to the MPT in the periodic maintenance area. Became MPT crew chief. A SMSGT showed up from USAFE Hq and was looking for guidance system guy and took me with him to Wiesbaden for a change of pace in my last year.
If I remember correctly we had a display TM 76 Mace Missile at Hahn AB. I was with the 586th Missile Maint Sqdn at Hahn from Dec 62 to Dec 66 and remember one there. I could be wrong tho, my memory is fading.
I happened to be reading one of our postings in 2012 when the TM-76B Mace Display was completed in Indiana.
FYI- in 1959 when we first inserted the TM-76A Mace into Sembach to replace the Matador, we had a display that we took to Paris LeBourget Airfield to display in the International Air Show in June 1959. We also took the MM-1 Terracruzer. This Mace display was painted White like the one in Indiana. I also posted a picture of the display at that time June 1959 FYI.
FYI- in 1959 when we first inserted the TM-76A Mace into Sembach to replace the Matador, we had a display that we took to Paris LeBourget Airfield to display in the International Air Show in June 1959. We also took the MM-1 Terracruzer. This Mace display was painted White like the one in Indiana. I also posted a picture of the display at that time June 1959 FYI.
I was stationed at Hahn from 83-86. I've been researching the aircraft and histories of all the aircraft that were part of the 38th and 50th. If anyone has any information on the final disposition of tail numbers let me know.
Recently assembled model of TM-76 Mace and Terracruiser Launcher. Picture attached
A1C, Edward T Nangle, Jr, 46350B, Nuclear Weapons Mechanical Specialist, 38th TMW, 587th TMG, 822nd TMS, Sembach AB TM-76A Mace Flight A, April 1959, 822nd TMS Standardization Board Member April 1959-1960. Completed the model in August 2018.
A1C, Edward T Nangle, Jr, 46350B, Nuclear Weapons Mechanical Specialist, 38th TMW, 587th TMG, 822nd TMS, Sembach AB TM-76A Mace Flight A, April 1959, 822nd TMS Standardization Board Member April 1959-1960. Completed the model in August 2018.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
I've attached your photo to your guestbook entry. Regards...
Lowry 1960, Orlando 1960-61, Kadena Sep 61 to Jul 64, 498 MMS, back to Orlando as instructor (443) 64-67, Bitburg, eval team 67-69. Retired as E-8 Aug 1986.
I was at Hahn A B last week and it is about gone. Went to the housing unit I lived in and its still standing but in bad shape. Could not access the building. There is a big tree growing in front of the entrance and the building is locked. Went out to the maintenance area and it is now a recycle plant. Stunk like hell. There were people working but would not let us in. They had the gate locked. The old buildings are there and they added one bldg where we parked the MM-1"s. Sad
Like old times. Was assigned to the 585th Support Squadron 1957-1960, Special Weapons AFSC. Is this Gary Renfrew from the old E-Bay, worked for Capt Rheinhardt??
Does anyone have a picture of the 1st PBS patch, or an original patch? I would love to obtain one or two...or to get decals made. Also the 1st TMS patch.
Thanks for the response.
Thanks for the response.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
See this link... https://www.tacmissileers.org/photos-videos/photos/patches/
I was a missile instructor for the TM-76A & B from 1959 thru 1964 in the big hanger at Lowry AFB, Denver, Colorado. I enjoyed driving the big FWD Translauncher.
I was at Bitburg from May 56- May 59 spent 2 years on a launch crew. I was a nuclear weapon specialist, I went to Wheelus once.
Saw John Gibbs' entry. I was also on the 1st PBS, then 1st TMS.
Bitburg AFB '54 to '57, was going to make a career, but TBI at Bitburg made me get Hon. Discharge in Aug '57. VA is taking excellent care of me in NM. Any others from 1st PBS out there?
Bitburg AFB '54 to '57, was going to make a career, but TBI at Bitburg made me get Hon. Discharge in Aug '57. VA is taking excellent care of me in NM. Any others from 1st PBS out there?
Haven't been on the site in a good while. Good to see all the postings.
585th Support Squadron
Bitburg Air Base, Germany
58-61,
585th Support Squadron
Bitburg Air Base, Germany
58-61,
the B-61 story/launch was great,brings back some memories!
I have a document titled Project Sunset Lily Part A. Is there a Part B? I was part of that Project when I was an airman.
Site IV was actually turned into a U.S. Army chaparral missile tac site which is where I served 75-78. Really cool to see it's previous history as a MACE missile site.
Were the warheads Nukes?
Were the warheads Nukes?
Has anyone tried to sign up to the PX/BX online? I tried but they couldn't find my records. I was in the Air Force from July 1958 to July 1962.
Admin Reply by: Russ Reston
Gene, I had the same problem... I called Vet Verify at 1-844-868-8672 and they 'walked' me through submitting (online) a copy of my DD-214. Within a few hours after the submission I received an email stating "Thank you for applying to participate in the Veterans online shopping benefit. Congratulations! You have been verified and can begin shopping on November 11, 2017. The exchanges will keep you updated with important developments."
498th GEMS 1967 - 1969. Was there for shutdown of the 498th - disassembled the GEMS Shop, and cut up the big cables for scrap at the four launch sites. Left Oki in January 70 for AMMS Squadron at Fairchild AFB. Notified on arrival of acceptance to the AECP program. Commissioned in September 72. Retired from the AF in 82 as a Captain. Retired in 2010 as Manager of Telecommunications for the National Weather Service.
Just checking in,did my time [after tech school ] at Bitburg,launchcrew.. C-pad ..71 st TMS [60-62] then off to Hahn site IV [62-63]...site MMS...Hello to those of us still here [ lol ]
Hahn AFB, 1964; Mace Missiles (maintenance) until I moved into fixed and then mobile radar at Giebelstadt and Grafenwoehr.
It's with much regret that I am posting this notice of the passing of one of Grünstadt's original Mech 1s. Steven Andrew Moore, "Sam" to his close friends.
Sam passed in early February. He served at Grünstadt from early 1962 until shutdown September 1966. Sam went on to serve 20 years with the Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force he earned a degree in Electronic Engineering and worked for Delco. He is dearly missed by all his Missileer friends and fellow Grünstadt grovelers.
Sam passed in early February. He served at Grünstadt from early 1962 until shutdown September 1966. Sam went on to serve 20 years with the Air Force. After retiring from the Air Force he earned a degree in Electronic Engineering and worked for Delco. He is dearly missed by all his Missileer friends and fellow Grünstadt grovelers.
I was at Patrick AFB in 1953 assigned to 69th PBS. We left Jacksonville in 1953 on board a troop ship. We landed in Bramerhaven two weeks later. We were fasted trained to Hahn AB. 3 month later assigned to detachment (4) Back to the US in 1955
I was in Okinawa 1962-1964 as NCOIC Launch crew. Capt Brown, Roger Huckabee, Felix Nadolny, Richard (Whip) Wilson, Bruce Covey & J Fortman. I am seeking information about the use of agent orange at the launch sites. I understand that it was used extensively as a defoliant to maintain security around the sites. So if anyone can verify this procedure, Security guards, Maintenance personnel, it would be greatly appreciated. If you know of any personnel that has Prostate Cancer, Malignant Lymphoma, Type 2 Diabetes, Hodgkins Lymphoma or have children suffering from birth defects or any personnel have died from any of these malady's Please let me know.
I was at Hahn airbase 64-66, site IV, blockhouse 1. I bought one of the original Renwal plastic models of the mace, but was lost many years ago. Last year the redo came about for $40. I bought one, but wanted more, so I have a CGI version made that can be incorporated into photos and videos. I have just started working on some images and though I would share them with you. I own the CGI version outright, so if you look for it, it will not show up in the search engine. I will be doing more images and updating the link below in the next couple months. Gray body, different locations, that kind of thing. Here is the link to the images. No www at the front of the web address.
mace.jackandsue.com
Jack Drafahl
mace.jackandsue.com
Jack Drafahl
Current Member of TAC Missileers.
1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron, Patrick AFB 1953; Deployed to Germany "on The Boat",1st PBS, later the 1st Tactical Missile Sqn, Bitburg AB 1954-56.
AMLO Wheelus AB 1954, 55, 56.
Hon. Discharged 56.
Just Checkin In. John
1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron, Patrick AFB 1953; Deployed to Germany "on The Boat",1st PBS, later the 1st Tactical Missile Sqn, Bitburg AB 1954-56.
AMLO Wheelus AB 1954, 55, 56.
Hon. Discharged 56.
Just Checkin In. John
For Walter Sudol--Please contact me at 334-220-2709
President at USAF Nuclear Weapons Technicians Assoc. - Reminder that annual convention 2017 will be in Wash. D.C. area ,Sept. 14 thru 16th. visit for future info.
Just found this site, I served at Kadena AFB in the 873rd TMS from 1/62 - 5/64 . I was NCOIC of crew 12, with Capt William Brown as LO, Roger Huckabee M1, Richard Wilson M2, Felix Nadolny M3, Bruce Covey M4, and Fortman M5. Picked up another crew until Capt Brown and I were reassigned back to the states.Returned to Orlando as instructor, then went to Lowry after Orlando was turned over to the Navy. Left the military for family reasons. Worked for 3M corporation for awhile, Sears for awhile Frigidaire corporation finally opened my own business. Retired from business became a Hospital Chaplain, retired from that in 2014, now work in my shop refinishing furniture, still with my wife of 58 years.
I was assigned to the 71st TMS at Bitburg, Germany from Feb \'66-Apr \'69 until Shutdown. I was a Tech 3 on a launch crew with Capt. Robert Parrott, crew chief TSgt Tom Black, Tech 1 SSgt John Cunningham, Tech 4 Sgt Gary Carmine Bocce and Tech 5 Roy (can't remember last name). I roomed with Sgt Jesse Dapra, Rocky Harris, and Dave Smith. After Bitburg, I spent my last year at Ellsworth AFB (Minuteman Base) in South Dakota where I turned down a whole lot of money to re-up. Great times all in all. I now live in Gig Harbor, WA, enjoying retirement.
Rick Meyers
2917 73rd Ave NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Ph: 253-265-6443
email: rick.meyers253@gmail.com[b[b
Rick Meyers
2917 73rd Ave NW
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
Ph: 253-265-6443
email: rick.meyers253@gmail.com[b[b
hope to see my old comrades from bitburg 1964-1966 at las vegas
victor shoepe
chuck kennedy
ken Kinkel
George burns
roland krom
frank DuPont
jerry Hedrick
garland stevens
jim witcher
etc;etc;etc
victor shoepe
chuck kennedy
ken Kinkel
George burns
roland krom
frank DuPont
jerry Hedrick
garland stevens
jim witcher
etc;etc;etc
Joe DiPietro,
It been a long time since our days working at Sperry/Loral/Lockheed.
Hoping all is well and welcome to the Tac Missileer Group!
Jules Esposito
It been a long time since our days working at Sperry/Loral/Lockheed.
Hoping all is well and welcome to the Tac Missileer Group!
Jules Esposito
Kadena May 64-Nov 65, Site #4 Mech.1.
Was good friends with Eddie George, Jim Ringer, Al Joseph.
Launch Officer was Lt Womac. It was really great to see these postings.
Was good friends with Eddie George, Jim Ringer, Al Joseph.
Launch Officer was Lt Womac. It was really great to see these postings.
At Bitburg, 67-69, till shutdown. Ops crew, with Geovanni Nozolino as crew chief. Capt Ed Clark was Launch Officer.
Hi Andrew, I enjoyed the flight conversing with you as well, especially taking the pics out the aircraft window that you were going to show your son as I recall. Take care and if you ever get down around Eustis, Fl. give me a holler. Take care.
Max, I wanted to drop in and say hey. We flew from Charlotte to Las Vegas together, and I had a great time hearing a few of the stories from you and Joe. I hope you guys had a good time scouting out Vegas!
God Bless all of you guys for your service!
God Bless all of you guys for your service!
Paul Davis,
My email is jlindsay_2@centurylink.net. I have been in touch with Kent Washburn & Larry Johnson. Thought I would post this so we could communicate.
-Joe
My email is jlindsay_2@centurylink.net. I have been in touch with Kent Washburn & Larry Johnson. Thought I would post this so we could communicate.
-Joe
Great to hear from Paul Davis. If there was any mischief going on at Lowry, it was perpetrated by either Paul or I.
Wife,I and 3 children tried to visit the Steinborn ,Det 4,585 C&G last year , July 2015. The roads out of Steinborn were all blocked due to utility work and the only thing there now at the site is windmills. Still beautiful countryside and welcoming Germans .Economy not so good since Bitburg AB closed . Was great when was there 56 to 59 and part of the crew to set up the Steinborn site . Great times we had . Carpenter ,Pelletier Young,Crowbar ,Smiley ,Tosh, Talbot,And give me some time I can remember more . Looking forward to the Las Vegas reunion if I can live that long. That is a long time away guys .couldn't we have it in the spring,maybe May.
I was at Hahn AB serving at Wueschheim from 1987 to 1990. I provided communications support as a member of the 2141st Communications Squadron. I really enjoyed my time there as I attended Frankfurt American Jr High and High Schools from 1981 - 1985 and was able to visit my old friends and teachers. I do not miss the exercises and chemical warfare gear. Alarm Red was a nightmare. Black out curtains and night sorties of F-16's. Good times!! Thanks for the pictures.
Just found your website. It brought back great memories.
Started my AF career as a Mech 1 on a launch crew at Kadena AB, site 3 in 1967. Next assignment was test equipment maintenance in the "Black Shack" at Lowry AFB. Shortly after settling in at Lowry, the Mace program was cancelled...too bad, great bird.
Did a couple of years in air-to-air missiles and then crossed trained. I spent the next 17 years in B-52's as a gunner. I enjoyed flying, but you never forget your first love, the CGM-13B.
Started my AF career as a Mech 1 on a launch crew at Kadena AB, site 3 in 1967. Next assignment was test equipment maintenance in the "Black Shack" at Lowry AFB. Shortly after settling in at Lowry, the Mace program was cancelled...too bad, great bird.
Did a couple of years in air-to-air missiles and then crossed trained. I spent the next 17 years in B-52's as a gunner. I enjoyed flying, but you never forget your first love, the CGM-13B.
Dear Joe,
I am alive and well living in beautiful Woodstock, Ga.
I remember our time very well at Lowry.
I hope to see you soon so we can catch up and have a beer!
Talk to you soon!
I am alive and well living in beautiful Woodstock, Ga.
I remember our time very well at Lowry.
I hope to see you soon so we can catch up and have a beer!
Talk to you soon!
The posting by Tanya Archer prompted me to post this. Paul Davis and I were very good friends. I was an instructor at Lowry & a Crew Chief On crew 7 at Site 1 & later in my career I was a Crew Chief on Site 2. I hope he is still with us.
I have updated the Guestbook. Let me know if you experience any problems when trying to make an entry. Thanks!
Russ 🙂
Russ 🙂
Arrived Bitburg 1964 and left in 1966. Launch crew member, Mace B..71st, power mech. Trained at Orlando AFB late 1963. Lived off base as I had my family with me, on my nickel(under 4).Got my E4 promotion day before family arrived in Luxembourg. That helped out for sure. My crew officer was Lt Dave Gross, Crew Chief SGt. Hall, Weapons SGT.King,Missile Tech. Tom Coughlan, Robert Taube, and Jeff Morton. Was a great experience to have been part of something special. I finished out a 4 1/2 years as I had extended to make this tour happen.
Cheers,
Cheers,
My father, James E. Falconer, was at Sembach 1960. Were you in this group?
Captain James E. Falconer, USAF
Officer in charge of Armament Section,
589th Missile Maintenance Squadron,
589th Missile Group,
38th Tactical Missile Wing,
Sembach Air Base, Germany 1960.
I have a picture of the Squadron with a missile (?) TM-76A MACE with the above information on it. I\'m trying to locate others in the picture.
Thank you,
Brenda Falconer Harris
817.319.0321
Captain James E. Falconer, USAF
Officer in charge of Armament Section,
589th Missile Maintenance Squadron,
589th Missile Group,
38th Tactical Missile Wing,
Sembach Air Base, Germany 1960.
I have a picture of the Squadron with a missile (?) TM-76A MACE with the above information on it. I\'m trying to locate others in the picture.
Thank you,
Brenda Falconer Harris
817.319.0321
Bittburg 1960 Sembach 1961-1963Please send me info on July reunion at Dayton Thanks Dave
My Dad, James Rodney of the 454th. Airborne Missile Maint. Sq., Has passed away. I know he enjoyed staying in touch with friends he made in the Air Force on this site. 3 years ago, he purchased a model kit of a Mace missile for us to build together, but sadly his parkinsons left him unable to participate in the actual construction of it. Still, when I would show up to work on it in the garage, he would pull up a stool and we would shoot the breeze while I worked on it. Fond memories of that summer that I will cherish. If you have any questions, feel free to email me, or if you want to leave condolences the web site is: http://www.trimblefuneralhomes.com/obituaries/James-Rodney-2/#!/TributeWall . Thanks- Chris McGatha
Looking for US Army personnel that served at Tainan AS, Taiwan in 1961-1963. You can message me on FB (Rick Slater/ I am seated at my drawing board, sketching an F-5E Taiwan fighter jet). Or you can email me at rslater3@tampabay.rr.com
Bitburg Air Base, Germany from 25 Jul 1964 to 18 May 1967. GSC at MSA. Barracks 104. My classmates included the following:
Truman A. Bass, III
James E. Witcher
John C. McHaney, IV
Roger D. Ford
Hayward McKinney
William (Bill) Maraffio
Charles Holubiak
Robert S. Lambert
Truman A. Bass, III
James E. Witcher
John C. McHaney, IV
Roger D. Ford
Hayward McKinney
William (Bill) Maraffio
Charles Holubiak
Robert S. Lambert
Stationed at Hahn, 1960-1963, worked sat asll three sites as they opened. I jusdt learned that my former Launch Officer, Major Charles Zauzig passed away last month, December 2015.
Just checking familiar names again. Joined USAF Aug 1960..OAFB teck school Jan 61 thru Aug 61 then to Oki thru Feb 63 as Mech 2 Site 1..B Complex.. Feb 63 assigned to Launch Training back to OAFB. Closed the Squadron then went to Bitburg thru 69 as Sq training and eval. Mace now done but crosstrained to R&D at Holloman AFB thru 71. Old Mace friend, Bob Holloway, said Recruiting would be good for me...so71 thru 84 I was recruiting in Fla. Retired Chief Msg Oct 84. Now living in Myrtle Beach. Recently lost my best friend from Oki..Dan Parsley..Much 2.Hope some of you may have also known him. I am on Face Book and email creustle@bellsouth.net...wife Judy also on FB. Good to see some familiar names. Just finished reading \"The Pioneers\" that my wife got me on Amazon. Fun read. Best of luck to all. Chuck Reustle
Hahn 65/66 586th MMS MEMS Section. Worked with Dave Derain, Randy Doi, Gerald Johnson and others
Bitburg AFB 3/54 to 8/57. One of the original members of the 1st PBS..we were trained in Albuquerque, NM at Sandia Base, beside Kirtland AFB where they had the B36 3-pusher engine bombers that shook the ground when taking off. Many memories of Bitburg and the great crew I worked with as a Weapons Fusing Systems Specialist, though I am among the few remaining today, and my wife and I are buying a home in Wasilla, Alaska to move this April.
Hi
I was in Sembach from 64-66 till they shipped the Mace back to the US.I was one of the last to be in the 38MMS-Nov.66. I am looking for Jim Dutcher ( he changed his Email addresse) and Sewell-in 65 A1C-the man that saved us from going to war.
I wish all of you a healthy 2016.
Regards H.Engel
I was in Sembach from 64-66 till they shipped the Mace back to the US.I was one of the last to be in the 38MMS-Nov.66. I am looking for Jim Dutcher ( he changed his Email addresse) and Sewell-in 65 A1C-the man that saved us from going to war.
I wish all of you a healthy 2016.
Regards H.Engel
Korea OSAN AFB K55 1960-61 310th TMS (We closed the 310th active squadron and then were transferred to Kadena where we met a dozen of our previous classmates from Chanute AFB Training School in Illinois).
Okinawa Kadena AFB 1961-62 498th TMG
Okinawa Kadena AFB 1961-62 498th TMG
I was in first class for missile guidance at Lowry and graduated Dec 1, 1951. I then was sent to Patrick as member of 1st Pilotless Bomber squadron.
I worked in Missile Guidance repair shop. In late 1953 I was kicked out of the squadron along with most of the electronics people as we did not have sufficient time left to go overseas.
I then worked in 6555th missile support squadron where I operated one of the missile Shanicle guidance stations and spent last 9 months of service at the station in Pompano Beach Florida.
I assisted Quint (Mickey) Hart getting an annual reunion of 1st and 69th people starting about 1982. I stopped attending about ten years ago and no longer have contact with any members.
Wife died and I moved to Houston area after 50 years in Arizona.
Omar
I worked in Missile Guidance repair shop. In late 1953 I was kicked out of the squadron along with most of the electronics people as we did not have sufficient time left to go overseas.
I then worked in 6555th missile support squadron where I operated one of the missile Shanicle guidance stations and spent last 9 months of service at the station in Pompano Beach Florida.
I assisted Quint (Mickey) Hart getting an annual reunion of 1st and 69th people starting about 1982. I stopped attending about ten years ago and no longer have contact with any members.
Wife died and I moved to Houston area after 50 years in Arizona.
Omar
Kadena 873 TMS 62/64, OAFB 64/66.
Served as Mech 1 Crew 3 site 1. Returned to the zi as served as an instructor at OAFB until discharge.
Served as Mech 1 Crew 3 site 1. Returned to the zi as served as an instructor at OAFB until discharge.
OL 18 Ilmspan, Germany 1958 - 1960 SHANICAL Guidance Site.
71st TMS at Bitburg The best missile maint. shop 1960 - 1961
71st TMS at Bitburg The best missile maint. shop 1960 - 1961
Hello Max,
I just wanted to get on the list so I can help my dad (Paul Davis) sign up for your reunions.
We had a great time in Orlando!
Thank you so much for all your hard work. My dad had a great time too!!
I appreciate all you do and all the work that goes into these reunions.
Thanks again!!
Hope to see you in a coup,e of years!
God Bless!
Tanya Archer
I just wanted to get on the list so I can help my dad (Paul Davis) sign up for your reunions.
We had a great time in Orlando!
Thank you so much for all your hard work. My dad had a great time too!!
I appreciate all you do and all the work that goes into these reunions.
Thanks again!!
Hope to see you in a coup,e of years!
God Bless!
Tanya Archer
Hahn Site-VI, 1964/66
I recognize your name but can\'t place the face (It has been 50 years!)
Zito
I recognize your name but can\'t place the face (It has been 50 years!)
Zito
Hahn 586 MMS 1963/67
Bitburg - 1962/64
Sembach 1958 to 1961
Hahn - 1961/63
I was the first crew chief as an A/1C; I was 21 years old. We had a munitions sergeant who signed off on all matters requiring an NCO\'s signature.
I was the first crew chief as an A/1C; I was 21 years old. We had a munitions sergeant who signed off on all matters requiring an NCO\'s signature.
498 TMG Kadena Okinawa Guidance Shop 12/67 to 12/69
Hahn - 1964/66 589th MMS
my fathers name is raymond w. maul . he was stationed at Bitburg Airbase 1964 to 1966. He was 1967 tranferred to Torrejon AFB, Spain. He was a weapons man while in Bitburg. Worked on F4\'S. I will have to ask him to verify. I was just a child, living in town not far from the Pilz. brewery. He is currently in a long term care facility in the denver area. He celebrated his 90th birthday May 7. He is an ex-pow from WWII. Shot down november 26 north east germany. Hamm,Germany. I know there were many stationed there. But might be a chance you knew him. thanks
Mech 1 at Kadena AB 1967 to 1969.
Served with the 1st PBS in Bitburg from \'54 to \'57. Currently very happily retired in Albuquerque, NM where we first trained. Spent 8 years in Costa Rica where I met and married my wife...came back to Albuquerque for VA care since medical care in Costa Rica \"sucks\". Had a VERY successful total right shoulder replacement last October...now at 90% recovered.
I\'d like to contact any of our former crew that remembers our Bitburg ventures.
I\'d like to contact any of our former crew that remembers our Bitburg ventures.
Just wanted to make everybody ware of my new Email Add.
rest@centurylink.net
rest@centurylink.net
586th C&G 58-60.Radio relay van (C FLT Com)at Kirchberg launch location (M-109 van). Was a relay site for A,B,C and D sites.Closed down & reassigned to MOC when launch flt was to be coverted to Mace. Did do some TDY to OL\'s for tests in Dec 1959. Ended up at Air Proving Ground,Eglin 1960-62.Retrained as a Drone Analyst Tech (Guidance & Controls) on F-80 & B-47 aircraft.Planes coverted for various weapons testing as recoverable Drones (hopefully) target platforms. Got out, after being extended (Berlin Wall) May 62. Reired from the Telco on Feb 2003 as a Network manager.Attended one reunion ,Orlando,2001. Pals were John Lucas,John Mahoney(deceased) Bob Dupnik Duane Hearell Sam Smith& Bob Brown.
We are looking for Sam Evans who was stationed in Bitburg around 1958/1959.
If anyone knew Sam or knows his whereabouts, please do get in touch.
Sam was born in 1929.
Many thanks.
If anyone knew Sam or knows his whereabouts, please do get in touch.
Sam was born in 1929.
Many thanks.
I was at OL#1 Koterberg, Oct 1957-Nov 1959. 586th Com & Guide SQ. Got to Hahn many times.
You have a nice website. Too bad we don\'t have one for the guidance guys.
You have a nice website. Too bad we don\'t have one for the guidance guys.
I arrived in Bitburg January 1962 and there was snow everywhere and two weeks earlier I was swimming in the ocean at Orlando. I was assigned to a matador site temporarily as the Mace sites were muddy holes in the ground. I served with the Matador crew for about 3 or 4 months and was assigned to the Training Crew for the Mace B with Capt. McAnally , Msgt Forster, Tech Sgt Harvey and others whose names I cannot remember at present. Later the Training Crew was also assigned duties as the Tactical Evaluation Crew that certified new crews for duty. Still later I was assigned to an operational launch crew when new Officers arrived. I stayed with Lt. Huge\'s Crew (pronounced Hugee) until I rotated Stateside in July 1964.
I spent my first tour with the 71st TMS from 1962 to 1965. I trained on the Mace B, but when I arrived in Bitburg I was assigned to a Matador Crew as a weapons tech. I worked there for about six months. I then was assigned Temp duty (about a year and a half) as Nuclear Weapons Safety Instructor to the 36th Fighter Wing. I was recalled to the 71st and helped with the acceptance inspections on the Mace B sites.
I returned to the US in 1965 and married in 1966. When I returned with my new wife after our Honeymoon, I was assigned to Bitburg and ordered to train in Florida for Launch Crew training.
I now find myself with the same wife (49 years); four children, seven Grand Children and three Great Grand Children and about thirty pounds heavier.
I still miss the Air Force and the 71st TMS.
I returned to the US in 1965 and married in 1966. When I returned with my new wife after our Honeymoon, I was assigned to Bitburg and ordered to train in Florida for Launch Crew training.
I now find myself with the same wife (49 years); four children, seven Grand Children and three Great Grand Children and about thirty pounds heavier.
I still miss the Air Force and the 71st TMS.
17th Tactical Missile Squadron at Orlando AFB, 1957; 868th Tactical Missile Squadron, Armament Section, Tainan Air Base, Taiwan 1957 - 1960.
Does anyone know what happened to a TSgt Knowle? (SP??) He was a Mace B Guidance and Control Instructor at Orlando circa 1964-65. He was a German that immigrated to the US. He was one heck of an instructor. I saw his name mentioned in an article a long time ago, but never followed up.
Sembach 60-61
Any of you folks know the Google Earth coordinates for the Mace sites at Hahn and Bitburg?
3/29/2015
Webmaster's comments...
Per Wikipedia (http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Mace), Mace coordinates were as follows:
38th Tactical Missile Wing (TMW) - Sembach Air Base - Germany
822th Tactical Missile Sqn (TMS) - Mehlingen - 49 ° 28' 16.33 "N, 7 ° 50 '55.47" E.
823th TMS - Enkenbach - 49 ° 28' 06.2 "N, 7 ° 53' 53.38" E
887th TMS - Grünstadt - 49º 33' 27.91 "N, 8 ° 08' 5:13" E
586th Tactical Missile Group (TMG) - Hahn Air Base - Germany
89th TMS - Wüschheim - 49 ° 59' 57.9 "N, 7 ° 24' 00.77" E
405th TMS - Kirch Burg - 49 ° 54' 47.7 "N, 7 ° 24' 46.7" E
405th TMS - Hundheim - 50º 02' 38.0 "N, 7 ° 25' 35.9" E
586th Missile Maintenance Sqn (MMS) - Hahn Air Base
585th TMG - Bitburg Air Base - Germany
71st TMS - Rittersdorf - 49 ° 59' 05:59 "N, 6 ° 28' 51.54" E
71st TMS - Idenheim - 49 ° 53' 22:17 "N, 6 ° 33' 27.21" E
71st TMS - Steinborn - 50º 04' 09:54 "N, 6 ° 37' 21:04" E
587th MMS - Oberweis
498th TMG - Kadena AFB - Okinawa - Japan
873rd TMS - Site 1 - Bolo Point
873rd TMS - Site 2 - White Beach
873rd TMS - Site 3 - Kin
874th TMS - Site 4 - Centre Island
58th TMG - Osan Air Base - Korea
310th TMS
Any of you folks know the Google Earth coordinates for the Mace sites at Hahn and Bitburg?
3/29/2015
Webmaster's comments...
Per Wikipedia (http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Mace), Mace coordinates were as follows:
38th Tactical Missile Wing (TMW) - Sembach Air Base - Germany
822th Tactical Missile Sqn (TMS) - Mehlingen - 49 ° 28' 16.33 "N, 7 ° 50 '55.47" E.
823th TMS - Enkenbach - 49 ° 28' 06.2 "N, 7 ° 53' 53.38" E
887th TMS - Grünstadt - 49º 33' 27.91 "N, 8 ° 08' 5:13" E
586th Tactical Missile Group (TMG) - Hahn Air Base - Germany
89th TMS - Wüschheim - 49 ° 59' 57.9 "N, 7 ° 24' 00.77" E
405th TMS - Kirch Burg - 49 ° 54' 47.7 "N, 7 ° 24' 46.7" E
405th TMS - Hundheim - 50º 02' 38.0 "N, 7 ° 25' 35.9" E
586th Missile Maintenance Sqn (MMS) - Hahn Air Base
585th TMG - Bitburg Air Base - Germany
71st TMS - Rittersdorf - 49 ° 59' 05:59 "N, 6 ° 28' 51.54" E
71st TMS - Idenheim - 49 ° 53' 22:17 "N, 6 ° 33' 27.21" E
71st TMS - Steinborn - 50º 04' 09:54 "N, 6 ° 37' 21:04" E
587th MMS - Oberweis
498th TMG - Kadena AFB - Okinawa - Japan
873rd TMS - Site 1 - Bolo Point
873rd TMS - Site 2 - White Beach
873rd TMS - Site 3 - Kin
874th TMS - Site 4 - Centre Island
58th TMG - Osan Air Base - Korea
310th TMS
I was stationed in;
Patric Airforce base from ???? To 1954 then transferred to Bitburg Germany until 1957 ( mid year).
I am writing this in behalf of Charles Mills. If there is anyone with information regarding the unit, any type of information, reunions, or people served in unit please forwRd any information. Thankyou and hope for any response.
Patric Airforce base from ???? To 1954 then transferred to Bitburg Germany until 1957 ( mid year).
I am writing this in behalf of Charles Mills. If there is anyone with information regarding the unit, any type of information, reunions, or people served in unit please forwRd any information. Thankyou and hope for any response.
498 TMG 1969
just surfing by..... realy nice pictures of Lautzenhausen iam from there, grew up and was living there 46 years. Did not know that the Oberbayern was called Roulette and found out that the name Hillbilly was existing... was born in 1960 so missed a few of the golden years... but remember a bounch of fräuleins working in that places (Ref. George Tkach's Hahn Memories - http://www.tacmissileers.org/photos/member-albums/george-tkachs-hahn-memories/)
71st TMS Bitburg,Germany 1967/1969
Bitburg 1959-62
A Flight (Steinborn) Crew 1 Guidance Sys Mech
Ran across a group of TAC Missileer hams on 20 meters Sunday.
Would love to hear from any of the Steinborn gang that are still with us!!
73, KG5EN
Charlie
A Flight (Steinborn) Crew 1 Guidance Sys Mech
Ran across a group of TAC Missileer hams on 20 meters Sunday.
Would love to hear from any of the Steinborn gang that are still with us!!
73, KG5EN
Charlie
My sincere thanks to all of you who had worked at Wheelus AB during the 50’s and shared their memories with us and posted many valuable photos that brought back the wonderful history of my home town Tripoli.
My special thanks to Mr. Donald G. Rhodd for the wonderful pics of old Tripoli.
Thank you so much Mr. Donald. You can’t imagine how I wish if you had more photos of Tripoli in hand.
With my best wishes.
An old Libyan teacher.
My special thanks to Mr. Donald G. Rhodd for the wonderful pics of old Tripoli.
Thank you so much Mr. Donald. You can’t imagine how I wish if you had more photos of Tripoli in hand.
With my best wishes.
An old Libyan teacher.
Trained at Lowery and Orlando in 1964 then to Kadena 1965-67 as a Mech. 3 and worked mostly at site 1. Was involuntary extended for three months due to a shortage of Mech. 3s. Was transferred to ATC at Hurlburt Field in Fl. on Bomarc A birds until 1970 and then to SAC at F. E. Warren in Wy. on Minute Man and got out after a year and half. Trained with Steve Beckman, Terry Bennett, and David Lewis, on the Mace and keep in touch and are still close.
Was at Cape Canaveral Complex 20 while Launch Crew Training as a Mech 3 on the Mace B at Orlando AFB 1965. At Kadena AB 1965-1967, Assigned to Site 3, but worked at all of the sites occasionally. Then transferred to SAC, Vandenberg AFB, 394th Strategic Missile Squadron, test launching the Minuteman 1967-1968. I rode motorcycles all over Okinawa and really enjoyed my time there - as a single young man.
Complex 20 (mace launch site) was utilized today as one of the camera sites for the Orion launch which was beautiful !
59-61 Steinborn Controls Tech & StandBoard Team. Later, Minuteman at EllsworthAFB. Was TAC Missileers member previously, now with Steinborn Survivors Group.
Interested in rejoining TAC M., attending next Reunion regardless of location.
Would prefer Boston because am from locally and Cape Cod. Spend much time in Denver, also, so that is also good choice. Also like August for either location.
Would like to rejoin Missileers. Can someone email info to do that? Thanks for your help.
Interested in rejoining TAC M., attending next Reunion regardless of location.
Would prefer Boston because am from locally and Cape Cod. Spend much time in Denver, also, so that is also good choice. Also like August for either location.
Would like to rejoin Missileers. Can someone email info to do that? Thanks for your help.
I was stationed at Sembach 38th TMW 1963-1966 in depot maintenance. I was very active in the base Aero club and got my FAA private pilot license while stationed at Sembach. Lee Garwig was my flying buddy. Rode home at discharge with Larry Kading.
Was wife of Ernest E Fitzgerald, stationed at Bitburg in 62 thru 65
I am CMSgt Don Vann,Las Vegas. I was at Osan. All Missileers/Vets are invited to the American Legion Post 8, Las Vegas on Vets Day 2014. Big open house/BBQ,etc. Largest Vets Day Parade west of Miss. Many VIPs including vets orgns like F86 pilots/Korea War. Old WW 2 Vets along with Korea & Vietnam/current War Vets. Make an excuse to come see us in Las Vegas. Best Regards. 10 -4.
tech.4,capt.ridgeway crew
Stationed at Kadena AFB 498TMG 1966-1968 Mech 3, most of my time
was spent at Site 3 Kadena Okinawa
was spent at Site 3 Kadena Okinawa
Imagine my surprise to see my "mug shot" in the AFMDC photo book submitted by someone I couldn't recall. served at Holloman AFB on my return from Kadena in 1964. Also in the photo book are a lot of folks I remember and a few young officers who were pilots as well as engineers and are now on our Vietnam Heros wall in DC.
Dear all,
I am reaching out to you with the hope that someone can advise or guide me to locate people because that would be extremely important for me.
I am looking for a gentleman called Rick, Ricardo or Ricky, he originates from Puerto Rico and was stationed in Bitburg in the period 1962/1963, his age was around 20 years at that time.
Occasionally he went to Eindhoven to a Bar called El Sombrero with a couple of friends. One of his friends was Raymond Hartman. In Eindhoven they spend a lot of time with Koosje van Ras, Annelies and Thea Cools. Both Annelies and Thea relocated to the US and Annelies married with Raymond Hartman.
If one of you knows one of them or would be able to connect me to one of them I would really appreciate that because it is highly important to me.
Thank you very much and I will be looking forward to your responses.
Kind regards,
Roger Molenschot
I am reaching out to you with the hope that someone can advise or guide me to locate people because that would be extremely important for me.
I am looking for a gentleman called Rick, Ricardo or Ricky, he originates from Puerto Rico and was stationed in Bitburg in the period 1962/1963, his age was around 20 years at that time.
Occasionally he went to Eindhoven to a Bar called El Sombrero with a couple of friends. One of his friends was Raymond Hartman. In Eindhoven they spend a lot of time with Koosje van Ras, Annelies and Thea Cools. Both Annelies and Thea relocated to the US and Annelies married with Raymond Hartman.
If one of you knows one of them or would be able to connect me to one of them I would really appreciate that because it is highly important to me.
Thank you very much and I will be looking forward to your responses.
Kind regards,
Roger Molenschot
I was assigned to the 71st TMS at Bitburg Germany with duty at Rittersdorf from 1962 to 1964. I got out and went to work for the Phone Factory here in Texas. I spent 32 years at Southwestern Bell before being forcibly retired on disability in 1996 ( couldn't climb anymore so they put me out to pasture ). I really enjoyed my time in Germany and was a proud Missile Troop back in those days. The 71st didn't take any guff from anybody including the Frenchie Combat Troops and their fancy black berets more, than one of which ended up in the wall locker of some of our more adventurous troops.
Work at GSC from July 1965 to Jan 1967. Had a great time at Kadena and enjoyed my time in the Air Force. Got out on June 1968 and went to work for Phone Company in Washington State. Put in 37 years before retiring in 2005.
1960,61- Lowry, Orlando, Canaveral, Osan, S.Korea
I have had some 498th TMG patches made and will give them away free and postpaid on a first-come-first-served basis (one per person). Email me name and address. Jim Padgett, SMSgt, Retired, 498th MMS, 1962-63
Just a couple of comments on the Conclusion of \"only 15 Minutes to Atomic Strike.\"
From 1979 to 1982 I was a Technical Inspector, then Chief Technical Inspector at the Joint Service Unit Defense Nuclear Agency. As such I, and our Tech Inspectors, inspected all service units that were nuclear certified, including Pershing I (PI) Units. I can assure you that PI units were very easy to detect due to the logistical tail that supported them. As such, PI units were set up in permanent facilities. I helped evaluate a PI advanced stage of readiness exercise once as a unit prepped for deployment. The number of heavy vehicles involved were amazing and the power generation equipment alone had a signature that would have been very difficult if not impossible to conceal.
I was offered the chance to go to the GLCM Program when I left DNA, but was advised to steer clear as the program would not have a long life span. So I opted for the F-16 program instead and went to Hahn AB, FRG.
Later in 1983-85 I was the Maintenance Supervisor for the 50th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. at Hahn. A team of individuals from the \"cruise missile\" program needed a conference room to work in so I agreed to loan them mine. I was floored, when some of the \"mustang\" officers associated with that team were previous Mace B people. We swapped a few lies about the good old Mace B days! The team wanted to use our (50TFW) Zulu Alert facilities for their first operating location. While at Hahn I used to go hiking up in the hills and saw where the old Mace A Bird pads had been located.
I found it interesting that the Army was operating out of hard facilities with the Pershing and the Air Force was going to operate a \"deployed tactical\" weapon system. Seemed to be a role reversal.
As late as 1985 I would drive by Wuscheim and look at the GLCM facility being built at the old Army facility and the Army using the facilities at the old Mace A facility. In fact I had inspected the US Army unit located there before they closed down and gave everything over to the Air Force.
Still a little later, but not much, the advice my mentor gave me about steering clear of the GLCM came to pass at the system was taken out of service.
I thank the Air Force for all the opportunities they gave this dumb 18 year old without a clue. I hope I paid back some of their investment in me. I have been heartbroken lately to see my Air Force\'s name drug through the mud lately with the Nuclear Surety Program problems, cheating scandals, and senior leadership ethics issues.
Thanks,
Guy Vanderman, Col, USAF, Ret.
From 1979 to 1982 I was a Technical Inspector, then Chief Technical Inspector at the Joint Service Unit Defense Nuclear Agency. As such I, and our Tech Inspectors, inspected all service units that were nuclear certified, including Pershing I (PI) Units. I can assure you that PI units were very easy to detect due to the logistical tail that supported them. As such, PI units were set up in permanent facilities. I helped evaluate a PI advanced stage of readiness exercise once as a unit prepped for deployment. The number of heavy vehicles involved were amazing and the power generation equipment alone had a signature that would have been very difficult if not impossible to conceal.
I was offered the chance to go to the GLCM Program when I left DNA, but was advised to steer clear as the program would not have a long life span. So I opted for the F-16 program instead and went to Hahn AB, FRG.
Later in 1983-85 I was the Maintenance Supervisor for the 50th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. at Hahn. A team of individuals from the \"cruise missile\" program needed a conference room to work in so I agreed to loan them mine. I was floored, when some of the \"mustang\" officers associated with that team were previous Mace B people. We swapped a few lies about the good old Mace B days! The team wanted to use our (50TFW) Zulu Alert facilities for their first operating location. While at Hahn I used to go hiking up in the hills and saw where the old Mace A Bird pads had been located.
I found it interesting that the Army was operating out of hard facilities with the Pershing and the Air Force was going to operate a \"deployed tactical\" weapon system. Seemed to be a role reversal.
As late as 1985 I would drive by Wuscheim and look at the GLCM facility being built at the old Army facility and the Army using the facilities at the old Mace A facility. In fact I had inspected the US Army unit located there before they closed down and gave everything over to the Air Force.
Still a little later, but not much, the advice my mentor gave me about steering clear of the GLCM came to pass at the system was taken out of service.
I thank the Air Force for all the opportunities they gave this dumb 18 year old without a clue. I hope I paid back some of their investment in me. I have been heartbroken lately to see my Air Force\'s name drug through the mud lately with the Nuclear Surety Program problems, cheating scandals, and senior leadership ethics issues.
Thanks,
Guy Vanderman, Col, USAF, Ret.
In reading the latest newsletter, I am reminded of all the problems we had in constructing the GLCM Sites in the UK at RAF Greenham Common and RAF Molesworth. In my job as Commander of the Air force Civil Engineer-Northern Region, based at RAF West Ruislip (London) England, we finished Greenham around 1987 and Molesworth around 1989. They were operational until the Reagan initiative with the Russians, about 3 or so years and were then decommissioned. Great facilities and a superb weapons system, a hell of a lot more accurate than my time with the Mace B at the Cape and with the 873rd at Kadena 63-66. Great memories of our time in Okinawa and Europe. Bruce Johnson, Col, USAF Ret.
Hahn AB, 1963-1964, 405th TMS Launch crew
Bitburg AB, 1966-1969, 71TMS Flight controls
Tom Campbell if you see this contact me
Bitburg AB, 1966-1969, 71TMS Flight controls
Tom Campbell if you see this contact me
Should have come to the Cape mini-reunion, Gordon. Met some nice people and shared a lot of memories of my time at Sembach (1962-65). I was a young Airman in the Nuclear Weapons shop (Mech-5). Swung many a warhead at Sites 1, 2, & 3.
just checking the guest book to see what`s happening.....
this is my 2nd try,1st one didn`t take?...........
was with the system from 55-66,lotta traveling..........
met a lot of life long friends......
probably should have went to the mini reunion at the Cape since I`m due west of
there on the west coast of Fl.,but I don`t like traveling by myself anymore....
hope you all have a nice spring/summer!
this is my 2nd try,1st one didn`t take?...........
was with the system from 55-66,lotta traveling..........
met a lot of life long friends......
probably should have went to the mini reunion at the Cape since I`m due west of
there on the west coast of Fl.,but I don`t like traveling by myself anymore....
hope you all have a nice spring/summer!
Hello out there in greater America. Ken White here looking to contact anyone from the 71st TMS(1962-1964). Most especially David A. Schmidt, Odie Watts, Big George whom I shared a room with but can't remember his last name. Fat Smitty, Bill Knebel, or anyone who remembers me. Like to chew the fat about the GOOD OLD DAYS in Bitburg. Ken
Hahn 1954/1959 in the 69th PBS,69th TMS and 586th TMG.
Site Survey / Target Computation Sections.
I am looking for David W. Johnston who served at Hahn in the late 50\'s in the
586th TMG as an Intelligent Operations Technician.
Site Survey / Target Computation Sections.
I am looking for David W. Johnston who served at Hahn in the late 50\'s in the
586th TMG as an Intelligent Operations Technician.
I served as a Missile Combat Crew Commander at Hahn AB, Germany for the 38th Tactical Missile Wing, 405th Tactical Missile Squadron from June 1964-Oct 1966. Due to the Mace sites being closed down in 1966 my tour was cut short. My outstanding crew consisted of MSGT Arnold Fluster (deceased), SSGT George Sershen and SSGT Herschel Young. I graduated from OTS in Sep 1963 class 64B. I was a high school girls basketball coach for basketball and fast pitch softball. In 1964 I also played for the Hahn Hawks base basketball team until my season was cut short due to an injury. When leaving Germany I cross trained into the computer career field thus luckily missing being assigned to the Atlas or Titan sites. I eventually was rifed by the USAF in 1974. I then joined the active reserves and retired from the reserves (LTCOL) in 1988. Am looking to locate any of the Hawkettes that I coached in 1964-66. Have only located one, Becky. Great duty and responsibilities for a 2nd LT. in charge of four nuclear weapons.
Was in 498th GEMS from June \'62 to June\'66. There are many individuals I would like to make contact with and not all from the GEMS shop.
My dad was Ambrose \"Andy\" Gampper and we were stationed at Hahn from \'63-\'66. At the time, I was going to Hahn Jr. High school and one of my fondest moments was when my dad took me to site IV so he can keep an eye on me while I did one of my homework assignments (didn\'t like school very much!). After we left Germany, my dad was stationed at Vandenberg as an instrumentation technician for the 6596 IS. Later, I became a Minuteman launch control officer stationed at Grand Forks AFB. My dad passed away in 2001.
Arrived Bitburg Air Base January 1962 and found our missile sites that we were rushed overseas for were nothing but muddy holes in the ground. We were assigned trivial duties such as turning over the gravel in the O club parking lot, sanding roads during snow storms, assisting on the flight line with the 521st Fighter squadron, add nauseum for nearly two years. Our unit suicide rate became the highest in the Air Force during this period. Finally we were assigned to duty stations and I had the honor of serving on the Training/Tac Eval Section with Robert Waggoner, Odie Watts, Sergeant Forster, Capt McAnally and others that I can\'t recall at this late date. There were several great guys in our outfit and, as ever, a few a*****es. To date I,ve only located two buddies I served with and unfortunately they are both deceased. Hello to all who served and best wishes for a long fulfilling life.
Ken White
Ken White
Served at both Bitburg and Sembach as Guidance Crew Tech. One of Original Recipients of Missile Badge presented to by Col Fred Vetter, Commander 585th TAC Missile Wing Bitburg Germany.
4504 missile training wing Orlando AFB 1960. Thru 62 then detacthment two Camp happiness at the Cape PCS without PCS until Aug 65 when The Mace program there shut down. I was mechanic number 4 on four live launches of the Mace B at compklex 21 AF speciality was ground power/ AGE.
okie,1963-1965,email change
498 MMS, GEMS 1963-65, Lots of good memories, seems we only remember the good times. Someone asked if there was a gate 2 street, you bet and the paris steam bath business was on it, plus about 300 pawn shope and bars.Got an early out, went back to college, got some degrees and taught jr college and vocational. love to hear from some of the guys. Hear from Ronnie Ruiz from time to time. He stayed in an retired as a captain.
Matador training Lowry (1959), Martin Mace factory training(1960), Set up school at Lowry, assigned to FTD-911L (1960), FTD-911L Kadena, Okinawa (1961-1964), Orlando, FL instructor, launch crew training (1964-1966).
1959 - TM61C school at Lowry AFB was kept at Lowry to be an instructor.
Cross trained on the \"A\" Bird while awaiting attending the \"B\" Bird factory school at the Martin Company in Baltimore. Back to Lowry to write course material for the \"B\" Bird. Received orders to attend crew training at Orlando AFB. Went to Okinawa and was the Crew Chief on Site 1, Crew 7.Back to Okinawa to close the program down and in the interim went to Avionics school at Keesler and worked on B52s & KC135s (SAC). Also went back to Lowry to attend PME school.
Cross trained on the \"A\" Bird while awaiting attending the \"B\" Bird factory school at the Martin Company in Baltimore. Back to Lowry to write course material for the \"B\" Bird. Received orders to attend crew training at Orlando AFB. Went to Okinawa and was the Crew Chief on Site 1, Crew 7.Back to Okinawa to close the program down and in the interim went to Avionics school at Keesler and worked on B52s & KC135s (SAC). Also went back to Lowry to attend PME school.
My name Is Richard (Dick) Rake. I was at Hahn from July 1962 - July 1965. I was on a launch crew with Major Glenn Dorset and later with Captain Lee. Other names I remember are Tom Redding and Sgt Vess. Another name that comes to mind is Kosloski or something like that. I can\'t remember for sure but I think I worked at site 4. I did a lot of model airplane building and learned how to drink beer while I was there. I just found this site so I\'[[ keep looking to see if any names pop up that I remember.
by Linda Clark Hamilton, MD on 07.11.2013 20:42
My father was with the 69Th Tactical Missile Squadron out of Patrick. He did go down to Wheelus to launch missiles. ( I saw someone commented i a history of missile launches at Wheelus, that two lieutenants were not speaking and a missile caught fire. Wonder who they were? Anyhow, the AF sent DAd to the University of Michigan to get two Master\'s degrees, after his assignment at Hahn. And later he was military liaison to Martin Marietta among other things he did. Do you have a lot more photos of the missile launchings? I have all DAd\'s slides and will look to see if there are any. DAD was Edward Paul Clark, USNA, class of 51, retired Col, USAF.
My father was with the 69Th Tactical Missile Squadron out of Patrick. He did go down to Wheelus to launch missiles. ( I saw someone commented i a history of missile launches at Wheelus, that two lieutenants were not speaking and a missile caught fire. Wonder who they were? Anyhow, the AF sent DAd to the University of Michigan to get two Master\'s degrees, after his assignment at Hahn. And later he was military liaison to Martin Marietta among other things he did. Do you have a lot more photos of the missile launchings? I have all DAd\'s slides and will look to see if there are any. DAD was Edward Paul Clark, USNA, class of 51, retired Col, USAF.
Sembach AB,1962-65, Mace. 17thAir Force Stockpile Storage (4thTac Depot Sq), 38th TAC Missile Wing.
Was a Warhead Weapons Instructor with the 4504th Training Wing at Orlando AFB 1959 & 1960.
I served at Site V, Hahn from October 1961 until September 1963. At approx. 21 1/2 years of age and an E-4, I became a a crew chief (maintenance crew) in a very unusual way. Sgt. Strayer (warhead) was the NCO of record and had the responsibility while I was given the authority to run the crew. I wouldn\'t do an early re-up as they wanted me to; with the promise of a promotion. I didn\'t fall for that old trick. So they gave me the job anyway. It actually ran smoothly and we got the job done. In fact, I had already received permission to get an early out, for college, when I was handed the crew chief job.
873 TMS 63-65 site 2
I was assigned to the 310th TMS at Osan AB Aug \'59 - Sep \'60, Launch Team #6. I\'ve been trying to contact an old teammate, S/Sgt Ken Youmans without success. Any help? Thanks. Bert Schwind. beegooglee1@wildblue..net.
Served at K55 (Osan Korea) 62-63 with the Matador. Retired in 71. live in Fl
Hey all,
I live near Wuescheim, I trying to find some one that was stationed there. We still have a big Base near it that was never really used. ITs called Pydna. Now it belongs to the german millitary of kastellaun. the bunkers are still intact. Its once a year a place for a big Rave called Nature one. if you wanne see some pictures just google. I wanne get some information of how this opertation worked there. please email me who ever has some pictures and infos about HAHN area.
all the best.
mike
I live near Wuescheim, I trying to find some one that was stationed there. We still have a big Base near it that was never really used. ITs called Pydna. Now it belongs to the german millitary of kastellaun. the bunkers are still intact. Its once a year a place for a big Rave called Nature one. if you wanne see some pictures just google. I wanne get some information of how this opertation worked there. please email me who ever has some pictures and infos about HAHN area.
all the best.
mike
I was a mech #4 at Kadena 1961-1963 site #1. LCO Capt. Peterson NCOIC S/Sgt. Jose Espinoza.
I was in Bitburg from Sept. 1964 to Dec. 1966. We were in electronic working on the guidance system. Lt. Dion Turner was CO. Sgts. Lindbaugh, Robt. E. Lee are some I remember. Left the USAF and got a degree in accounting. Worked for CPA firm but that didn\'t take. Sold steel for 17 years and then became a burger flipper, which is what I was probably cut out for to begin with. Became a McDonald\'s Owner/Operator in 1989 in Minnesota. Ended up with 5 stores in southern MN. and sold them and retired in Feb. 2012. Wife Mary and I have 6 kids and 6 grandkids.
MY NAME IS GERALD BRENEISER. I SERVED IN GERMANY AT SEMBACH BASE FROM 1957-1960 IN THE 587TH TMS, RADIO RELAY. YOU MAY ADD MY NAME TO THE ROLL CALL PAGE. IF ANYONE WOULD LIKE TO CONTACT ME, YOU MAY GIVE THEM MY EMAIL.
THANKS
THANKS
I am looking for Paul Decoste, Wife Dina, who went with me from Orlando AFB Mace Missles to Hahn in 1963 and then got a hardship transfer to Aviano, Italy sometime prior to 1966. He was one of the good guys and his wife could sure cook. He may have stayed in Italy when he retired. About 1976? Any one remember or know him.Dick Moffett rrmoff@bellsouth.net
holloman 60-63 sembach 63-66 lowry 66-69 69-70viet nam 70 malmstrom (7 mos)70-72 udorn rtafb would like to hear from espec. charlie smoote mason (mac) mcinville
Toronto, Italy, Jupiter 1959-1962, launch team trainer
Patrick AFB, Atlas E&F, Titan IIIC, 1962-1966, Mil Launch Team
Vandenberg AFB, Titan IIIC, 1966-1971, Qualiy Assurance
Davis Monthan AFB, Titan II, Crew Chief 1971-1972
Patrick AFB, Atlas E&F, Titan IIIC, 1962-1966, Mil Launch Team
Vandenberg AFB, Titan IIIC, 1966-1971, Qualiy Assurance
Davis Monthan AFB, Titan II, Crew Chief 1971-1972
kadena 1961-1963
lowry 1966-1968
lowry 1966-1968
GEMS Instructor \'61-65, Kadena GEMS \'66-68; and Launch Crew Mech 1 trained. Just finished a nostalgic trip at the mace-b.com website and poking around other web locations. Ordered the tacticle missiles book. What memories! From BC Street to Orlando AFB; what a trip! Been a missileers member for a while but unable to make the reunions---maybe soon. Hello to all my comrades from the past.
\\Norm
\\Norm
Orlando 1955-1968; Formosa 1958-1960; Orlando(again!)1960-1963; Okinawa 1963-1965
Flight Control 55-60 Orlando; Camp Happiness; Formosa(Taiwan)
Instructor; Mace B Orlando
Crew Chief Launch Crew 38, Site 4 Kadena Okinawa
Retrained Avionics B52 Minot ND, Guam and Blytheville AR where I retired., F4s at Thailand, Eglin with TDYs worldwide, Hq USAFE (Electronic Warfare) in Ramstein Germany.
Retired, went back to college. Worked at Singer Kearfott in NJ then built Tomahawk Missiles for McDonnell-Douglas in Titusville Florida
Now living in Pensacola Florida. I would like to hear from all of the \'old heads\'.
Flight Control 55-60 Orlando; Camp Happiness; Formosa(Taiwan)
Instructor; Mace B Orlando
Crew Chief Launch Crew 38, Site 4 Kadena Okinawa
Retrained Avionics B52 Minot ND, Guam and Blytheville AR where I retired., F4s at Thailand, Eglin with TDYs worldwide, Hq USAFE (Electronic Warfare) in Ramstein Germany.
Retired, went back to college. Worked at Singer Kearfott in NJ then built Tomahawk Missiles for McDonnell-Douglas in Titusville Florida
Now living in Pensacola Florida. I would like to hear from all of the \'old heads\'.
Bud Coffman
586th Comm & Guidance SQ OL2 (Koterberg) 1957- 1959.
Looking for anyone who was there. Patterson, Kortus, Bennett, Zink?
budc@nwi.net
9XWiX
586th Comm & Guidance SQ OL2 (Koterberg) 1957- 1959.
Looking for anyone who was there. Patterson, Kortus, Bennett, Zink?
budc@nwi.net
9XWiX
Lowery, 59 - 67 instructor for GEMS late 61 thru 67. Great site, and see some member names that bring back lots fo memories. Elby Walker, Ken Ross, Norm Trudell, and Ernie Hedburg. I am honored to get to see the Mace B every time I go to the Museum at Wright Pat.
Hahn 63/66 Just been looking thru the Hahn AB FB Page. Missileers are sadly missing. It is all about the fighter wing now.
Guess I was getting nostalgic when I heard that Jim Skeltion from the mace crews had died. He was good people.
Guess we are getting old.
Guess I was getting nostalgic when I heard that Jim Skeltion from the mace crews had died. He was good people.
Guess we are getting old.
Danny Dinger passed away on 1 Feb, 2013 at the age of 71. Danny was Tech 2 on Crew 3-7 at Sembach\'s Site III
Lowry Training 1956 class 11076B, Bitburg - 1957-1960, 585th Support Squadron Weapons Maintenance.
Sembach 587th tms 1962/1964 Gruenstad site 3
Hahn AB 54-56, Rhein Main AB 56 to 58. Served as a Radio maintenance Chief at Hahn, maintaining radio contact with several of our outlying units. Moved to Rhein Main as Chief Radio Maintenance for Det 1, 69th Pilotless Bomber Squadron. Some of my friends that I remember names of were George Gehres, and a short fellow whose last name was Bernzweig (not sure of the spelling) who lived in New York city after his discharge. Been searching for anyone I knew back then, but having really bad luck finding them. They would be like me, someshere in their upper 70\'s or early 80\'s, if they are still alive.
I am looking for members of the Rader Maintinance crew that were in korea from 1958 to 1960 that also took there traing in Orlando Fl. 1957/58.
Weapons mech trained at Orlando was statione from 1962/1964 at Hahn worked for a Sms Melinaro left to go to Eod school when sites closedqwmeq
Okinawa Jan \'65- Jun \'67
Mech 1 Crew 38 Site 4B
I notice Danny Grossman recently posted site locations on Oki. You can see a recent photo of Site 4 via Google Maps at the following coordinates:
26Deg 27min 44sec N
127Deg 49min 28.59sec E
Eye at 955 Ft
Good Hunting
Mech 1 Crew 38 Site 4B
I notice Danny Grossman recently posted site locations on Oki. You can see a recent photo of Site 4 via Google Maps at the following coordinates:
26Deg 27min 44sec N
127Deg 49min 28.59sec E
Eye at 955 Ft
Good Hunting
Hi all! Flt Controls tech school at Lowry Dec \'55 to Jun\'56, Orlando \'til \'57 Xfer to Pinecastle AFB (SAC), 321st Bombardment Wing, Orlando, Fla in support of Bell\'s RASCAL Pgm. Pinecastle was renamed McCoy AFB after Col. McCoy was killed in a air disaster. The RASCAL Pgm was cancelled and I got orders to Sembach 11th TAC Missile Sq. in Sep \'57. Next to Hahn AB and the 822nd TAC Missile Sq in mid \'58. Each time on a launch crew until rotation to states. Then to Lowry once more and 451st Strategic Missile Wing (Titan I) to oversee build and installation of first Titan I\'s and part of 451st Missile Maint Sq. In Jun \'63 PCS to Vandenberg AFB and 576 Strat. Missile Sq. in support of classified Thor pgm. I have the \'57 yearbook published for the 11 TAC Missile Sq at Sembach is anyone is interested in a copy (pdf). Also an official photo of Matador on Launcher at Patrick AFB, Fla and the launch team I was on, I believe Flt \'B\', taken 8-5-1959. Team traveled from Hahn to Patrick for launch.
Contact me at: rober36p@carolina.rr.com
Contact me at: rober36p@carolina.rr.com
55to66 Orlando Patrick Canaveral Taiwan Hahn happy new to all you missileers I just got a computer and am learning how to use it my email is: FISKY531@YAHOO.COM Hows the Duece?
I was stationed at Bitburg from January 1962 through August 1964 and assigned to the 71st. Tac Msl Sq with duty at Rittersdorf
1963 - 65 Mech. 2 Crew 9 Site 1A 873TMS
I was a 498TMG (Kadena AB Okinawa) launch officer at site 2B from late 1967 to closing Dec69. Thought you\'d be interested in viewing this Google Maps of the 4 Mace-B missile sites (what\'s left of them) on Okinawa. Pls pass this on to others. Thanx and Happy Christmas,Danny Grossman Chantilly VA http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=217521885012988081397.00046a473042543a32938
My dad, T/Sgt James M Ruth (deceased) was stationed at Hahn AFB from 1959/1963. Thanks for hosting this site as I recognize some of the names of men dad served with!
Okie,11-63to 11-65.I remember some of these names.I was a mech 2 at site 1,mech 1 wa Poist,mech 3 was Border,mech 4 williams,mech 5 La Gree,Lt.Suhan was launch officer.
In 1958-59 I was in the 58th Tactical Missile Group at Osan AFB, Korea. Our mission was to assemble and the operation of the TM-61 tactical missile. In September 1958 I got orders to go TDY Tainan, Taiwan for 90 days.Our job to support the TM-61 missile Gp. there.
was at hahn from the end of 1955 to 1956 then transfered to bitburg untill oct 1958 was in 69th tms at hahn then 36th field mant. then to vandenberg afb for atlas missle then open 565thtms at fe warren afb wyo 1959 helped build the sites there untill we closed the sites down in 1965 then went to plattsburg ny to help closed those sites down. was there 1 yr then to castle afb calf untill i got outoct 1966
Fifty years ago this week OAFB was busy supporting our military build up in response to the Cuban Missile Crisis.The TAC unit 4504MTW was sending drivers, trucks and equipment to Opa-Locka near Homestead AFB as well as around the clock support personnel to McCoy AFB to assist the large Air Force and Army presence there. Were any of you involved in these endeavors during those 13 days in Oct. 1962? Jim Gooch 4504MTW
Lowry AFB and Orlando AFB, 1964. 498th Tactical Missile Group (CGM-13B Mace), Kadena Air Base, Okinawa-Jan 65 to Jul 66. Minuteman School, Chanute AFB, IL 1/67-3/67. 44th Missile Maintenance Squadron, Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota-Aug 66-Jan 68 (44350G Minuteman)
Sembach - 1963/66 I was a H-19 Helicopter Crew Chief/Flight Engineer with the 38th missile maintance squadron. Transferred to Davis-Monthan AFB 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing to CH-3C Helicopter Maintance. Reconnaissance Drone Mid-Air Retrieval was our job. TDY to DaNang AB Jan. to May 1967. Loved every minute at Sembach AB.
Matador school @ Lowry - 1959
Martin Co. factory training (Mace) - 1960
Lowry AFB - 1959-1961, Instructor
Guidance Systems, Kadena, Okinawa 1961-1964 (FTD911L)
Launch Crew Instructor, Orlando AFB 1964-1966
Martin Co. factory training (Mace) - 1960
Lowry AFB - 1959-1961, Instructor
Guidance Systems, Kadena, Okinawa 1961-1964 (FTD911L)
Launch Crew Instructor, Orlando AFB 1964-1966
I would like to find out if any missileers recieved the Mace missile tie tac. I recieved mine in early 1958. I think it was during the TDY trips to White Sands Proving Grounds on the development of the Mace or before the scheduled trip to the California State Fair.
If anyone knows the facts,they can contact me.
Note: To respond to George via email, click on the envelope icon located at the top / right hand side of this guestbook entry.
If anyone knows the facts,they can contact me.
Note: To respond to George via email, click on the envelope icon located at the top / right hand side of this guestbook entry.
Patrick AB 53, packed everything up ,shipped everything to Bitburg,made S/Sgt in HF Radio operator,good duty, at Bitburg,married in town and also on base 1956,reception at The Albach,our favored place.went back there several times and owners still had our photos. Was with 1st Pilotless,then585th PBS.made one trip to Tripoli,watched the Patient Wife lift off. Was NCO in charge of new commutation equipment delivered to Bremen.Still owe Sgt. In HQ phone shoulder pads. Still looking for William W.Jackson in Louisville. Went back to Bitburg several years ago, visited old Comm building site on base with son-law who was with NATO AWAX.
Tech School at Lowry AFB grad Dec 60. On to Orlando AFB for crew training (Mace B) Jan 61-Sep 61 on Launch Crew with Lt. George Blair. (Still in contact with him in Mass.) Went to Kadena in Sep 61 as member of the first launch crews at site 1 when operational. Came back to Orlando AFB as a Mech 2 Launch Instructor. Then on to Bitburg AB from 67 to Squad closing in 69. Had the oppertunity to go back to Kadena but chose cross training to Instrumentation. Retired in 86 after 12 years of recruiting. 26 years 1 month 23 days and loved it all!!! Good to see some names I remember. Chuck Reustl, CMS, USAF (Ret)
Hi Don Ross here.......Matador Missile Guidance crew chief......PY-Do Korea Dec 60 to Sept 61 and Kimpo AB Korea Sept 61 to Jan 62.
Then into SAC (Radar Bomb Scoring) til retirement June 1979
Then into SAC (Radar Bomb Scoring) til retirement June 1979
Orlando, Sembach, Frankfurt, Dreidorf, Garian, etc - I would like to contact Gene Buckner - appreciate any info on Buck or Tom Clement.
Thanks
Thanks
Picked up this site fromTom Maslow thru the 100AMMS Past Our Prime Squadron (POPS).
I was stationed @ Bitburg as a crew chief from 1964 to 1967. I was also stationed in Tucson with Tom & Sid Couey. 100th AMMS, 100SRW with the Drones AKA: RPV\'s, SPA\'s.
I left DM in 1976 and took the position as Satellite Mechanical System Supervisor until I retired on March 1st, 1980 with 21 years of service. Had another 21 years with Harris Corporation, Government Aerospace Division, as the Quality Assurance Supervisor located in Palm Bay, Florida.
I still have a lot of documents from my time at Bitburg. Hope to search your site @ a later date as I travel frequently and review my folder on Bitburg also.
\" THE PATH FINDER\"
AL Carangelo
I was stationed @ Bitburg as a crew chief from 1964 to 1967. I was also stationed in Tucson with Tom & Sid Couey. 100th AMMS, 100SRW with the Drones AKA: RPV\'s, SPA\'s.
I left DM in 1976 and took the position as Satellite Mechanical System Supervisor until I retired on March 1st, 1980 with 21 years of service. Had another 21 years with Harris Corporation, Government Aerospace Division, as the Quality Assurance Supervisor located in Palm Bay, Florida.
I still have a lot of documents from my time at Bitburg. Hope to search your site @ a later date as I travel frequently and review my folder on Bitburg also.
\" THE PATH FINDER\"
AL Carangelo
Just returned from visiting the restored \"B\" Bird at the Indiana Military Museum. Kudo\'s to Frank Roales, Jerry Brenner, and Max Butler for the 2 yrs spent restoring, preserving, and displaying the bird. When in the midwest, it is worth the travel to see \"Miss L\" and the many other pieces of military history at the museum in Vincennes.
Lowry,Osan,and Kadena
Lowry,Osan,and Kadena
868th TMS, Tainan AS, Taiwan, 1961-1962
Worked in Weapons Storage Area, (Area 8). Dismantled warheads when Matador was taken out of service.
Remember Dennis Hornberger, Roger Evans, and Roger St. Germain, they were on launch sites.
Worked in Weapons Storage Area, (Area 8). Dismantled warheads when Matador was taken out of service.
Remember Dennis Hornberger, Roger Evans, and Roger St. Germain, they were on launch sites.
While we have been working on restoring Miss L in Vincennes, we get lots of questions on what it is and how it works. I can answer all of the questions EXCEPT one question: Where did the AAU unit in the bay receive it\'s signal from? Since I was the Tech 5, it wasn\'t necessary for me to know this but now it has become a priority to learn. Anyone that knows the answer, please e=mail me at jerrbrenn@hotmail.com because I will be a tour guide at the Indiana Military Museum once it is all moved to its new location.
71 tms 1962-1965 launch crew at ritt worked the 105 for awhile before we went operational all at bitburg
I WAS COMMANDER OF SITE ON MAKUNG OFF COAST OF CHINA FOR 15 MONTHS 1959-1960 THEN INSTRUCTIOR FOR THE 4504 TAC MISSILE WING 1960 AND SCHOOL SCECRETRARY 1961-62 IN ORLANDO
STILL ALIVE KICKING RETGIRED AIRFORCE AND PROFESSOR LIVE IN THE VILLAGES FLORIDA BEST TO ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS ME
STILL ALIVE KICKING RETGIRED AIRFORCE AND PROFESSOR LIVE IN THE VILLAGES FLORIDA BEST TO ANYONE WHO REMEMBERS ME
Orlando 1959/1962 MM1 and special vechicle mechanic 4504th Support Squadron OAFB. Miss L restoration team leader @ the Indiana Military Museum. New e-mail flroales@nwcable.net
Charlie Smoote is still alive and kicking!
I will be a member again as soon as Max gets it straightened out!
I would like to hear from any my old teammates from the Cape, Orlando (Matador and Mace A and B), Taiwan (Matador), and Okinawa with the Mace B.
Charlie Smoote
Pensacola Florida
I will be a member again as soon as Max gets it straightened out!
I would like to hear from any my old teammates from the Cape, Orlando (Matador and Mace A and B), Taiwan (Matador), and Okinawa with the Mace B.
Charlie Smoote
Pensacola Florida
Langerkopf (Ger)- 1957/57 ACW 603rd
Molesworth (UK) 1957/58 RBS 603rd Det.10
Prüm (Ger) 1958/58 MSQ 615th
Kleinhau (Ger) 1958/59 MSQ 615th Det.3
Kirscheimbolanden (Ger) 1959/59 MSQ 615th
Molesworth (UK) 1957/58 RBS 603rd Det.10
Prüm (Ger) 1958/58 MSQ 615th
Kleinhau (Ger) 1958/59 MSQ 615th Det.3
Kirscheimbolanden (Ger) 1959/59 MSQ 615th
Anyone that would like to contact me please use
drdjlb1@live.com
Email address has changed.
Thanks
drdjlb1@live.com
Email address has changed.
Thanks
Hahn 1963/66 Site IV Flight Controls Tech
Still got my coffee mug(Site IV First and Finest)
Just doing my bio for my 50th HS Class reunion and for the military part I did a search for the 38th TAC Missile Wing and found this site. Names of those I worked with and pics of Hahn bring back so many great memories.
Still got my coffee mug(Site IV First and Finest)
Just doing my bio for my 50th HS Class reunion and for the military part I did a search for the 38th TAC Missile Wing and found this site. Names of those I worked with and pics of Hahn bring back so many great memories.
Lowry AFB Sept 58-April 59
Orlando AFB April 59-Jan 60
Osan, Korea Feb 60-March 61
Orlando AFB April 61-August 62
Controls Tech and Calibration in Maint.
Orlando AFB April 59-Jan 60
Osan, Korea Feb 60-March 61
Orlando AFB April 61-August 62
Controls Tech and Calibration in Maint.
I was stationed at Sembach AFB & assigned to Grunstadt from 1965 to 1966 as an AGE repairman.
I was assigned to the Tactical Missile School at Lowry AFB right out of basic training as a 44310L in Jan 1962. Upon graduation in June, three other of my fellow trainees and I received orders assigning us to instructor duty in that very school, which was located in the Black Hangar, much to our collective horror! We wanted to see the world in the operational Air Force - we\'d seen enough of Denver! All four of us eventually finagled our way out and were assigned to SAC with the B-52/GAM-77 weapon system. My time at Lowry was from Jan 1962 - Dec 1963. I tought Basic Physics, Blocks I and II, and Basic Electricity, Blocks I - IV in the TAC Missile Maintenance training program. Hated it! Absolutely hated it! Left Lowry and went to the 320th BW at Mather AFB in Sacramento, which was way better duty. Subsequently, spent 34 years with USAF/WA ANG, retiring as a MSgt in 1994. The highlight of my military career was service with our KC-135E tanker unit at Jeddah, Saudi Arabia during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. If interested in contacting me, my telno is (509) 299-4136.
Beryl C. Ristine passed away from natural causes on 26 January, 2012. Beryl arrived at Sembach in March, 1961, assigned to the Missile Maintenance squadron. Initially, he was a maintenance crew chief/supervisor and subsequently assigned to quality control performing administrative duties. He was transferred to Vandenberg AFB, Ca. in March, 1965 where he was assigned to the 4392d Comm Squadron maintaining the telemetry systems on the Minuteman missile. Beryl retired as a MSgt and made his home in Santa Maria, California, after 24 years of service.
Sembach, Bitburg, Steinfeld, Dreidorf, Landsberg, Franfurt, etc. Staff sergeant with 11th tms/587. One of 4 techs trained in Link missile simulator. I was detached to Link Aviation and Reeves Instrument to install and train missile simulators and train guidance officers in Germany. While stationed in Germany, we deployed to Libya for live missile launches.
My system guided the first Matador missile in the 1956 acceptance tests for USAF. We had MSQ-1 number 1 and we also had the first MSQ-1a. The first MSQ-1a was released to the AF at Canaveral early in 1956. It was located at Site Rose, next the hangars at Patrick AFB.
I developed the secondary RTFR system, later installed on front-line radars.
I also developed a MSQ rapid-deployment system, using a second set of short cables already in trucks. We could have all three vans, OA-626, MPS-19, and the COM van on the road in less than one hour.
My system guided the first Matador missile in the 1956 acceptance tests for USAF. We had MSQ-1 number 1 and we also had the first MSQ-1a. The first MSQ-1a was released to the AF at Canaveral early in 1956. It was located at Site Rose, next the hangars at Patrick AFB.
I developed the secondary RTFR system, later installed on front-line radars.
I also developed a MSQ rapid-deployment system, using a second set of short cables already in trucks. We could have all three vans, OA-626, MPS-19, and the COM van on the road in less than one hour.
Lowry 1958
Orlando (w/TDY Holloman) 1958/59
Sembach 1959/62
Lowry 1962
Missile Systems Analyst Specialist - 587th MMS
Orlando (w/TDY Holloman) 1958/59
Sembach 1959/62
Lowry 1962
Missile Systems Analyst Specialist - 587th MMS
Sembach June 56 june 59, 587 Support sq, Armament section Shipped with the 11TMS in june of 56 after Nuc wpns school 46350 at Lowrey
I was in TM 76A school at Lowry April 1958 - September 1958. Went to Orlando for training on Mace A. Nothing was ready for the training at Orlando. By April 1959 I was tired of doing details and jumped on an opportunity to transfer to Matador and went to the 310th TMS at Osan, Korea from April 1959 - April 1960. Went consecutive tour to Bitburg, Germany and served with the 71st TMS between April 1960 - April 1963. I would enjoy corresponding with folks from that served in either of these locations during the dates mentioned.
Ron Baertsch
Ron Baertsch
Bitburg 1956-59 T/sgt John Dawson ther at asembly area \"A\" also Billy Joe Wnchester on launch crew. Guidance system tech later calibration tech for systems made two trips to Tripoli north africa. The last one we had a missile burned on launch pad. I have good photos of that
Lowry AFB - 1963/64, Orlando AFB - 1964, Kadena AFB - 1964/65. Trained with a crew that was se nt to Germany (Bitburg AFB, I think). Some may recall me as a nitwit (ha-ha). But seriously I was barracks chief, troop marcher, & class leader while we were in school at Lowry. Visited the site of the former AFB in Aurora, Colorado, a couple of years ago. Wow! Lowry AFB is now a modern, upscale urban development...a far cry from our delapidated, coal-fired, wooden World War II-relic barracks. The only remnants of the base that I could recognize were a couple of large aircraft hangers, with one being used as an air museum and sporting a retired B52 bomber on the tarmac. Anyway, when finished with training at Orlando AFB, because of the growing conflict in Vietnam, I asked for and received orders to be switched to missile duty in Okinawa. And now, a century later, it would be great to to touch bases again with former friends...Mike Rowland, Missileman, CGM-13C Weapon System
Lowry, Orlando, Osan,Korea 1960-61.
Control Systems Mech, Launch Team
Control Systems Mech, Launch Team
My grandfather was MSGT Bobby Diener. I know at one point he was a senior controller in Hahn with the 586th MMS. I am looking for anyone that may have met or worked with him. I was referred here by a mod on Missileforums.com
http://www.missileforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?uid=2333&f=16&t=1534&start=0
http://www.missileforums.com/forums/viewtopic.php?uid=2333&f=16&t=1534&start=0
I was at Lowry for tech. school in Dec.-Mar. \'68-\'69. Upon arrival i was assigned to a PATS (personnel awaiting tech school)squadron. After what seemed like an eternity I was assigned to a training squadron, where thinds weren\'t much better. All in all, and without going into detail, my time at Lowry AFB was the most MISERABLE time I spent in my entire 4 years in the USAF, and possibly the most miserable time of my entire life. The day I left there was pure elation. Got orders to Nellis AFB in Las Vegas, where I was stationed for 16 months before going to Thailand for a year of loading bombs on F-4\'s, then the remainder of my time at March AFB (SAC) and a few months TDY in Guam when Tricky Dick decided it\'d be a good idea to bomb the hell outa North Vietnam and Hanoi Harbor. Finally got out on Halloween, 1972. End of career..... Jeff Nix, San Diego, CA
Tom, Please send me Beth\'s or Becky\'s e-mail when you get a chance. I had no idea until I saw your posting. My wife, Ilse, and I drove Bill and Becky to Frankfurt from Bitburg in the middle of the night many many years ago for the emergency trip back to the States. Thanks, George
Was stationed at Hundheim [site 6] from july 1961 until November 1966.
I returned to Lowry for instructor training. Taught Mace B guidance, then air to air and air to ground [Sidewinder,Schrike,Sparrow.]Did a
second tour in Korea, first was in 1956-1957. Reterned and did a tour as a recruiter in north central Pennsylvania. From there worked on Maverick at Englansd AFB until retirement in 1976. Then moved to Spring TX. and got a real job, Ha Ha! Still working at 73. Good to see that some of us are still around.
I returned to Lowry for instructor training. Taught Mace B guidance, then air to air and air to ground [Sidewinder,Schrike,Sparrow.]Did a
second tour in Korea, first was in 1956-1957. Reterned and did a tour as a recruiter in north central Pennsylvania. From there worked on Maverick at Englansd AFB until retirement in 1976. Then moved to Spring TX. and got a real job, Ha Ha! Still working at 73. Good to see that some of us are still around.
This is to notify everyone that a another Missileer has passed on.
Bill Williams died on the 14th of November of Cancer.
He was a \"B\" bird guy until 1970 when he became an Instrumentation guy. His duty assignments were Okinawa, Bitburg, Lowry, Holloman, and Hill AFB. He retired from Vandenburg AFB and returned to his home state, Oregon. Let me know if anyone wants to get in touch with the family as I have their email address.
Thomas Campbell
Bill Williams died on the 14th of November of Cancer.
He was a \"B\" bird guy until 1970 when he became an Instrumentation guy. His duty assignments were Okinawa, Bitburg, Lowry, Holloman, and Hill AFB. He retired from Vandenburg AFB and returned to his home state, Oregon. Let me know if anyone wants to get in touch with the family as I have their email address.
Thomas Campbell
Hahn 1963-1965 Site IV Thank you to Robert \"Scotty\" Scott for your posting of the T.O. 21-TM76A-1-2. I was a Mech 1 at site IV and noticed on page 49 my name was penciled in as being assigned to crew #2. Working on the site was a great experience and re-reading the T.O. brought back many memories of the hard work we all endured keeping the \"birds\" and the site operational (modernizing the site to incorporate shelters was dare I say a humbling experience during the summer of 64?).
Orlando-1959, Osan-1960. I\'ve noted one of my Launch Team 6 mates, Art Arrowsmith, has an entry in the Camp Happiness Site. I\'ve been trying to contact him but the phone #s listed on the internet have been disconnected. I do not get a response from his e-mail address, arthura@macconnect.com. My ph # (623)848-8527. Help anyone?
Orlando AFB 1957
Tainan AB 1958/59/60
I was with the 17th Tactical Missile Squadron (Martin Matador TM-61C Surface to surface missile) at Orlando AFB in 1957 which became the 868th Tactical Missile Squadron when it located to Tainan Air Base, Taiwan. I was there with the Armament Section for three years - extended my assignment twice while there. What a wonderful experience. I have pictures if interested.
Tainan AB 1958/59/60
I was with the 17th Tactical Missile Squadron (Martin Matador TM-61C Surface to surface missile) at Orlando AFB in 1957 which became the 868th Tactical Missile Squadron when it located to Tainan Air Base, Taiwan. I was there with the Armament Section for three years - extended my assignment twice while there. What a wonderful experience. I have pictures if interested.
Hahn, A.B. 1959-1962
Just thought I,d say hi and make a couple of corrections to the roll call. I was in Bitburg, Okinawa and a instructor in Orlando.
Bitburg 1957/1960
Okinawa 1965/1968
retired as Msgt in 1975
Bitburg 1957/1960
Okinawa 1965/1968
retired as Msgt in 1975
I was a fireman stationed at Hahn AB 61-64. Worked at Metro Tango until the Mace Sites went Operational. Rotated between Sites 4, 5, 6, and Metro Tango frim Mar 61 - Oct 62. Was first assigned to the 586th SS which was deactivated in Oct 62. All fireman and air police were transferred to the 50th. Retired from the USAF in 1989 and retired Civil Service 2005. Now living in Beaver Dam, Arizona - extreme Northwest corner of state.
Well, another TAC Missileer reunion is now history, after a really fun time in San Diego. My thanks to all of the TAC-M officers and anyone else who helped to put it together! The special Oktoberfest was a great cap on the festivities. I feel sure that our private \'fest was far superior to the public one! I\'m already anticipating the final date for San Antonio in 2013. Just hope we don\'t have to wear pith helmets....
Jim Cagle
Bitburg MEMS, Mace-B, 62-64
Jim Cagle
Bitburg MEMS, Mace-B, 62-64
11th Pilotless Bomber Squadron, 11th Tactical Missile Squadron: Orlando Air Force Base - 54/56
Bitburg Germany - 56/58. Helped train Shanicle crews.
Bitburg Germany - 56/58. Helped train Shanicle crews.
Bitburg - 1954/1956
ENTERED SERVICE IN 1953, INITIALLY ATTACHED TO MATADOR 1st TACTICAL MISSILE SQUADRON BASED AT BITBURG 1954 – 1956 FOLLOWING TRAINING AT KEESLER AFB AND SANDIA. TASKED WITH DISASSEMBLY, CONVERTING, ASSEMBLING, MAINTAINING AND TESTING NUCLEAR BOMBS TO PBS MISSILE WARHEADS. ALSO PERFORMED MANY VARIOUS TASKS WITHIN COC TRACKING BY MAINTAINING OPERATION READINESS REPORTS, AT TIMES WAS PERSONAL DRIVER TO BASE COMMANDER TO FIELD OPERATION LOCATIONS. TRANSFERRED TO MARCH AFB PERFORMING TESTS OF MK 15 AND MK 30 THERMO-NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR SAC B47 BOMBERS. DISCHARGED AT END OF OF SERVICE DUTY IN 1957.
Was in both 873rd and 874th, site four Kadena crew 36 or 38 1962 and 1963.
Just found old friend and crewmember Jerry Strong on this site.
Just found old friend and crewmember Jerry Strong on this site.
Well, the 2011 reunion is upon us everyone. 4 more days to the official start. Hope all you reunion attendee\'s are bursting with anticipation of a great time. I assure you, it will be. Of course the best part of the reunion is getting to be among your former comrades from just a few years ago. OH, how I wish it were just a few years ago. I do know that I would gladly do it all, over again, if it were possible. I truly enjoyed every minute of my Air Force years, even when I received a butt chewing for doing something stupid. Don\'t recall what that was, but I\'m sure I probably did something to warrant a chewing out.
For those that have never been to a TacMissileer reunion, please give it some serious thought about attending the next one that will be held in 2013. LOcation to be voted on at the upcoming reunion in San Diego. Being in the company of all those former Cold War Missileer Warriors, just gives you a very proud feeling. Of course when you witness someone recognize an old comrade from over 45 years ago, it really tugs at your heart. IN past reunions I have even witnessed a few damp eyes, from time to time. Don\'t think it was from having something in the eye, either.
For all the former Missileers that have been signing in on our web-site, we would love to have you as members in this wonderful TacMissileer organization. Due\'s are very reasonable at $15.00 annually, or $30.00 for 3 years, which is a $15.00 savings.
IF any of you would like a unit patch, I may have them in stock or can have them made if there is enough demand for a certain patch. Also can have the TacMIssileer jackets made with any and all lettering you may wish to have.
Also if any of you have any stories you would like to share with the MIssileer family, please contact our Newsletter Editor, Bob Bolton. He would greatly appreciate any newsworthy articles from you former Missileers. Why, they don\'t even have to be entirely true, but would appreciate them being reasonably close.
BY the way, I was at Hahn 58-60 and BItburg 60-61. WAs in armament on the Matador. Everyone stay safe. For those going to the reunion. SEE Y\'ALL THERE. EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE TRIP. Max
For those that have never been to a TacMissileer reunion, please give it some serious thought about attending the next one that will be held in 2013. LOcation to be voted on at the upcoming reunion in San Diego. Being in the company of all those former Cold War Missileer Warriors, just gives you a very proud feeling. Of course when you witness someone recognize an old comrade from over 45 years ago, it really tugs at your heart. IN past reunions I have even witnessed a few damp eyes, from time to time. Don\'t think it was from having something in the eye, either.
For all the former Missileers that have been signing in on our web-site, we would love to have you as members in this wonderful TacMissileer organization. Due\'s are very reasonable at $15.00 annually, or $30.00 for 3 years, which is a $15.00 savings.
IF any of you would like a unit patch, I may have them in stock or can have them made if there is enough demand for a certain patch. Also can have the TacMIssileer jackets made with any and all lettering you may wish to have.
Also if any of you have any stories you would like to share with the MIssileer family, please contact our Newsletter Editor, Bob Bolton. He would greatly appreciate any newsworthy articles from you former Missileers. Why, they don\'t even have to be entirely true, but would appreciate them being reasonably close.
BY the way, I was at Hahn 58-60 and BItburg 60-61. WAs in armament on the Matador. Everyone stay safe. For those going to the reunion. SEE Y\'ALL THERE. EVERYONE HAVE A SAFE TRIP. Max
stationed at kadene in 498th tms 1966-1969
i was in maintenance in charge of electric and airconditioning shop
i was in maintenance in charge of electric and airconditioning shop
I Just read the submission by SM/SGT Sid Segler and I hope someone can say that isn\'t so and provide a resonable alternative theory, \"ie: that during the RFML changeover involving the TM76A an undetected defect was involved with the LEU hand crank that would have resulted in no Mace ever leaving the launch pad\" I shudder to think that so many of us spent 3 years or more of long wakefull hours on alert duty in the block house, and that if the time ever came to do what we were trained for, the system would have failed, and none of our birds would have left the pad. Even though the cold war era is long past and it no longer makes a differance I would like to know that what we trained for would have actually functioned as we believed it would
\"JR\" Moore 823rd TMS crew 2-7
\"JR\" Moore 823rd TMS crew 2-7
I was a 30353A AutoTrack technician, assigned to OL5, 601st TCS (Mausdorf) from Jul 1961 to Sept 1962. I was the last enlisted man to get orders after the disbanding of the TDPs. So many good memories. So many names forgotten, though I\'m still in touch with 4 guys from OL5. Would love to hear from anyone who served at Mausdorf.
Orlando AB - 1959, Osan AB - 1960. I was LO on Launch Team 6. We were originally told we\'d go to Germany but went the other way. Some guys get all the luck. During \'59, I had additional duty as commander of \'Camp Happiness\' during live launch for Teams 3&4. Our 310th Launch Officers were: Team 1-Capt Hughes, Team 2-Lt ??, Team 3-Lt Bob Kajawa, Team 4-Lt Bill Malone, Team 5-Lt Don Hensen, Team 6-Lt Bert Schwind. I\'d like to hear from any of the old heads who were at K-55 at the time. Maybe not too many of us left. Regards & good health. Bert Schwind
Bitburg 1959/62. Spent 4+ years with SAC in AGM-28 Hound dog, flying in B-52s now and then. Cross trained into PMEL in 68 where I spent my last 13 years. Retired from Eglin in 78 and enjoyed a second career as a Professional with the Boy Scouts of America. Graduated from Florida Southern College in 74. Married 45 years, 2 sons and currently 2 grandsons. Living in Birmingham, AL.
Orlando 1958
Osan K-55, Korea, 1959/60
Osan K-55, Korea, 1959/60
Hahn 1964/1966
Lowry AB 12/62-05/63
Orlando AB 05/63-12/63
873rd TMS Okinawa 12/63-06/65
71st TMS Bitburg 06/65-01/67
Mech 2 on launch crews both in Okinawa and Germany. Had lots of great times with friends and good working crews at both locations. Remember adventures with Max Saylor, Kirk Kaskin, Joe Andrews and Steve Rozic, but there were many others. Learned to play golf with Kaskin and spent time in the \"snake pit\" with many friends. One memory I have is rebuilding a VW engine in Rozic\'s attic in Germany in the winter, because he had no other place to work on it. Looking forward to the reunion in San Diago soon.
Orlando AB 05/63-12/63
873rd TMS Okinawa 12/63-06/65
71st TMS Bitburg 06/65-01/67
Mech 2 on launch crews both in Okinawa and Germany. Had lots of great times with friends and good working crews at both locations. Remember adventures with Max Saylor, Kirk Kaskin, Joe Andrews and Steve Rozic, but there were many others. Learned to play golf with Kaskin and spent time in the \"snake pit\" with many friends. One memory I have is rebuilding a VW engine in Rozic\'s attic in Germany in the winter, because he had no other place to work on it. Looking forward to the reunion in San Diago soon.
I cross trained from comm. to guidance systems in 1958. We moved from Shaw field S.C.to Orlando Fla.where we trained,fired our bird,the OLD MATADOR TM61c, then we all left for OS AN A.B. K55 Korea. Our sq d.launched the 1st MATADOR from K55. I left Korea in early 1960,went to LOWERY AFB Colorado where i went to instructor training and helped close out the MATADOR TM61c program.From there i went to Patrick AFB where i retrained to telemetry tech.and worked with the ATLAS A-BREEZE Program until it was moved to Calif.I did not want that so i went back to LOWERY,retrained into the SKY BOLT A.L.B.M. guidance. That system folded as well so i took my discharge and went work for FORD Motor co. for 33yrs. I am RETIRED now. I hunt,fish and look for old AF friends.
Lowery AFB, 1960
Orlando AFB 1961
Kadena AFB, 1962-1963
Orlando AFB, 1964
Orlando AFB 1961
Kadena AFB, 1962-1963
Orlando AFB, 1964
Kadena May 64-Nov 65, Site #4 Mech.1.
Was good friends with Eddie George, Jim Ringer, Al Joseph. Also knew Sid Couey, Les Dretsch,
Willy the pool player and ___ Kenny.
Launch Officer was Lt Womac. It was really great to see these postings.Have some good stories to tell.
Was good friends with Eddie George, Jim Ringer, Al Joseph. Also knew Sid Couey, Les Dretsch,
Willy the pool player and ___ Kenny.
Launch Officer was Lt Womac. It was really great to see these postings.Have some good stories to tell.
I was assigned to the 11th TMS 1955 and was transferred to the 17th upon the deployment of the 11th I deployed with the 17th advance party to Formosa (Taiwan) in 1957. Somewhere along the line our designation was changed to 868th? (I think) I was assigned to Assembly and took care of the generators and vehicles crane operator.The Assembly Officer was LT Willie C Wilson The Ncoic was SSgt Nolan . The Launch team officer was Capt Carol and the Launch team Ncoic was SSgt Wilt. I left Tainan January 1959. I had the pleasure of returning to Tainan AB in 2001 as the Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Pacific Areas and as such was given a tour of the base by the Operations Officer whom is now in Washington DC as a general representing The Taiwan Military . Believe it or not the bse looks the same. There is a TM61C Matador Missile mounted at the front gate Itook pictures I think it was one of the ones that we took over as the advance party. It sure brought back a lot of memories. I think the best part of that assignment besides the usual was the MAGAMBO
I was at Lowery in \'64, then to Orlando for 2 schools, we went to \"A\" bird school and at graduation they told us it was over so they put us through \"B\" bird school. Already had orders to Kadena. Ended up in Bitburg in late 1965 to early 1968.
Trained at Lowery \'60 - \'61. Crew training in Orlando \'61. Worked in GEMS at Kadena in \'62 to \'63 time frame. Returned to Orlando as permanent party in \'63 - \'65 adn then Back to Okinawa for 66-Dec 69. Worked in GEMs and then Maint Control under MSgt Scotty Wagner. Also interested in locating Reef Rovers and those who worked with me at the Swimming Pools.
I was in the 498th from 65 to 67 - I was mech 1 on crew 40 at site 4. Lt Mccoy was my LO
Bitburg--585th--Feb 62--May65 some good years
hope to make the San Diego reunion thanks to Mike wilzcnski
hope to make the San Diego reunion thanks to Mike wilzcnski
I was stationed at Wheelus from Sept. 65 thru Mar. 67. Civil Engineering Sqd. Airman 1st class at that time.
(Lowry: Aug64 – Jan65; Orlando: Feb65 – Jun65: Kadena: Jul65 – Jan 67: Holloman: Feb67 – Jun68). While on Okinawa I was assigned as a Mech 1 on Crew 38 Site 4B, 874 TMS. I think the LO was Capt. Byrd, Crew Chief was Ssgt Barbaux, Mech 3 was A2C Lipscomb, Mech 5 was A1C Bannister. I have many fond memories of the 498th and the great people we worked with. Thanks to Reg Zimmerman I have posted a number of his pictures of off duty life in and around 602 and 604, remember? I included photos of the Airman’s club. Check out the photo album. By the way does anyone remember “The Village Ratz�
Orlando 1955/1958, Formosa 1958/1960, Orlando 1960/1963, Okinawa 1963/1965 when I retrained to Aircraft.
I met and remember a lot of people. Feel free to Email me.
Charlie Smoote
I met and remember a lot of people. Feel free to Email me.
Charlie Smoote
I was at Sembach from Aug 1959 to August 1963. Im woeked in Missle Control Center [the hole]. I really enjoyed my stay thare.
Duty from Feb 1962 to Dec. 1964. 38th Msl. Maint. Sqd. Duty near Bremen at a shooting range. Nuclear detonation detection system repairman. Group of 15 airmen at 3 different sites. Any info of original group will be gladly received.
Kadena AB from 21 July 1965 to 20 Jan 1967. Worked at GSC on the evening shift.
Mec 3, Site four, Kadena AFB, March, 1967 to Dec.,1968. I wormed on Crew 38, Training Crew 36 and finally SMELE Crew 35.
Three most interesting incidences while on duty: the UFO sighting, 6.3 earth quake and the night when the N. Koreans took over the USS Pueblo.
Tom A. Mohler
406-755-7226
missionmtnman@yahoo.com
Three most interesting incidences while on duty: the UFO sighting, 6.3 earth quake and the night when the N. Koreans took over the USS Pueblo.
Tom A. Mohler
406-755-7226
missionmtnman@yahoo.com
A1C Tech 4 on launch crew headed by 1stLt Dale Huge, Crew Chief Msgt.Carl Scott (dec.2011) Tech 5 SSgt Stan Pisel. Served in Bitbug 1965 to 1967. 71st TMS. Lived with my wife over the Gasthaus Crystal in Bitburg and my youngest daughter was born there in June 1966 at the base hospital.Hope to make the reunion in San Diego. Left AF in 1971 from Malmstrom AFB Mont. Worked and went to school nights, Graduated law school in 1979 and retired after 20 years on the bench in 2010. Sitting part time as a retired judge now. I know Lt Huge is retired and living in Arizona, Carl Scott died in early 2011 in Pueblo, CO. Havent heard from anyone else. Went back to Bibgurg in 1983 and saw most of the things I remembered. couldn\'t find the missile sites but didn\'t have time to try too hard.
Kadena, sep67-dec69, LO Crew16 Site 2B
I was with the 11th TMS and later 587th Comm. & Guid. sq. Sembach, June 1956-May 1958. I was attached to one of the four Shanicle guidance stations and spent a lot of time in Libya and various locations throughout Germany for Matador missile launches.
kadena 63-65 maint site
Trying to locate Paul A. Smith. We were together at Sembach (60 - 63), then Orlando from 63 - 66. I got orders to Bitburg and \"Smitty\" had orders to Okinawa. I remember some great times, especially Orlando, and am finally casting the net to see if anyone knows where he may be.
Thanks.
See you all in San Diego.
Thanks.
See you all in San Diego.
I\'m not a veteran of your service or occupational specialty. I\'m just looking up the history of Okinawa and the nuclear role it played so long ago and I found this site. I have lived here for a long time and I never realized how much history this little island has seen; it\'s been very informative. I\'m glad we never had to use these things, but thank you for your service gentlemen.
Korea K-55 1960-61, launch 10, then Lowry until dischared in 9-62. Its been awhile since I have checked in. I haven\'t heard from my fellow team member Jean Brandt. Does anyone seen or talked to him recently. We usually send greeting to each other at Christmas time, I didn\'t receive a respnce this past holiday time. All my best to all of you out there and to our men & women now serving. Contrbute to the Wounded Warrior group, as I do each month.
my father gerald k hughes \"jerry\" was stationed at hahn in 1962 I was born there he passed in 1998 if anyone has any pics of him or the base I would be very greatful thanks.Mark Hughes
Transfered from Karamursel, Turkey in Feb, 1965. Shipped out for discharge in June 1966. Worked in Combat Operations Center with Sgt Webb, Sgt Dawson,Sgt Valkovich, Major Wildermuth, Capt Nichols,Maj. Bennett and others. Locaated under the Tiger Stadium. I used to get a big thrill out of firing up the alert siren and announcing over the base PA system \" Attention all personel, This is a Yellow Alert.Report to your duty stations\". Flew over to Majorca one weekend on a C-47. Just saw some photos of the remains of the flightline, tower, and some of the hangers. Really makes me feel old to see the weeds growing over the place I used to live.
Bitberg AFB, 1954/56 , Damma Ger. Radeo relay site between the sites at Braman And Winterberg 1954 to 1956 First Tach. Missile
Kadena Sep. 1967- Jan 1970
LO, Training, SEF Cmdr. Went to Eglin AFB and launched all the ones we packed up and sent home. The 498th was the best unit I served with in 2o years in the AF.
LO, Training, SEF Cmdr. Went to Eglin AFB and launched all the ones we packed up and sent home. The 498th was the best unit I served with in 2o years in the AF.
Dyess 4/59-12/62...Lowry 1/63-4/63...Orlando 5/63-8/63...Kadena 9/63-3/65...K I Sawyer 5/65-1/67.
Lowry/Orlando class was McGruder, McDonald, Bagley, ?
Kadena Site 4 ( Mech 3)Crew 33: L/O Church then Stephenson. Subasa crew chief. J Kiening M-5, ?
Memory clouded by too many trips to airmans club happy hour then down Koza street.
Only place worse than Sawyer was Minot, place sucked with great vigor, altho summer was great, all 2 weeks of it. took discharge rather than be stuck there
Lowry/Orlando class was McGruder, McDonald, Bagley, ?
Kadena Site 4 ( Mech 3)Crew 33: L/O Church then Stephenson. Subasa crew chief. J Kiening M-5, ?
Memory clouded by too many trips to airmans club happy hour then down Koza street.
Only place worse than Sawyer was Minot, place sucked with great vigor, altho summer was great, all 2 weeks of it. took discharge rather than be stuck there
Bitburg AFB, Germany, 1954 - 1957 (Wpns Fuzing Sys spl/office) Hi to all and please write me if you remember me. I am now retired 7 years in Costa Rica..living on SS and small VA disability. Have been fighting the VA for 5 years to upgrade my disability..and then move back to USA...hopefully SOON. I am re-married to a Costarican woman who will be coming \"home\" with me. The socialized medicine here SUCKS, so VA care will be so much better. Will attend the reunion in San Diego if I get back in time...looking forward to seeing a lot of old friends again.
Mech 3 site 3 Kadena 1965/66 . Instructor crew... Don Homrighausen was LO Cant remember my crew number . Live in Windham Maine after leaving Okinawa was assignned to Malmstrom AFB 341st Missile Mtce Sq. Minuteman . 4 Year Veteran...just joined the website 1-27-2011
Site 2 was my primary site, I was a mech1 (EAE) under Major Piner, from 1967-1969 at Kedeena AFB, Okinawa on the CGM-13B
Lackland 1/61, Lowry 3/61 thru 8/61, Orlando 9/61 thru 12/61. Then off to Sembach 1/62 thru 12/64, applying most of my Engine & Airframe Mechanic abilities out a \"A\" flight. Worked under Crew Chief Max Sanchez, and Frank Nesgoda along with Leonard Hannasch as Guidance Tech. Returned to Sembach 2007, enjoyed the fond memories of my service time. Max and Crew did a fantastic job moving the \"B\" Bird from Wildwood to Indiana. Attended my first reunion at Dayton, and looking forward to seeing everybody at San Diego.
Tainan,Taiwan 1960 thru 1961
Just wanted to say hello and update my new Email address.Wishing all a Happy New Year..
Just wanted to say hello and update my new Email address.Wishing all a Happy New Year..
Kadena (1961-63)
Good Morning,
I thought that some of the members might find this interesting.
The perfect mountain retreat. Your own refurbished Adirondack missile silo. (sporting solid wall construction and great views!)
Noted in the HUD statement:
Property has been verified \"Decommissioned\" and cleared from the Russian\'s \"First Strike\" target list per SALT Agreement 1987.
Atlas-F ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) not included. (Begs the question \"where is it?\")
http://www.silohome.com/index.htm
Good Morning,
I thought that some of the members might find this interesting.
The perfect mountain retreat. Your own refurbished Adirondack missile silo. (sporting solid wall construction and great views!)
Noted in the HUD statement:
Property has been verified \"Decommissioned\" and cleared from the Russian\'s \"First Strike\" target list per SALT Agreement 1987.
Atlas-F ICBM (Intercontinental Ballistic Missile) not included. (Begs the question \"where is it?\")
http://www.silohome.com/index.htm
For those of you who have following the Tokyo Broadcasting System documentary and one of us returning to Okinawa after 50 years, let me say , it was a \"TRIP OF A LIFETIME\".
Brenda and I are back with a load of memories we will never forget. The changes on the Island are something that I still can\'t comprehend.The people are the most gracious and attending I have ever met, the new construction is a testament to their attitude, \"what recession\" ??? Everything crane on the Island is in use for high rise buildings.Kokasaui Street in downtown Naha is straight out of a Bruce Lee movie with all its glitz and glamour. The City is one massive jumbo-tron scoreboard from any NFL stadium. The economy appears to be booming with Cartier, Louis Vutton, and Rolex specialty stores everywhere, and they are not fake knockoffs either. It is truly a 21st Century city of Starbucks and McDonalds... oh, did I mention the cost of food was thru the roof ?
I was only able to locate one of the original Mace launch sites, the one at Onna Village. It is now a Peace Memorial and has been retro-fitted to resemble a high class Museum. I was greeted with much enthusiasm by the caretakers and given a fantastic tour of the complex.... it only took 5 full days to locate the place. The Site was very difficult to locate and no one at the local Onna Village City Office knew of its existence.No one understood English and could not speak Japanese. We got along quite well with much pointing grunts and SMILES, the other universal language right up there with music.
Brenda, myself, and two Grandkids were there for 12 days and will always look upon favor with the memories. I had always talked going back but never thought it would be a reality, not cheap, but well worth it.
As soon as the Jet-Lag subsides and normal returns, I have loads of images to post here. For those of who were on Okinawa , you won\'t believe your eyes.
Bill Horn
Original Pioneer
September 5th 1961 - March 5th 1963
Site 1
Brenda and I are back with a load of memories we will never forget. The changes on the Island are something that I still can\'t comprehend.The people are the most gracious and attending I have ever met, the new construction is a testament to their attitude, \"what recession\" ??? Everything crane on the Island is in use for high rise buildings.Kokasaui Street in downtown Naha is straight out of a Bruce Lee movie with all its glitz and glamour. The City is one massive jumbo-tron scoreboard from any NFL stadium. The economy appears to be booming with Cartier, Louis Vutton, and Rolex specialty stores everywhere, and they are not fake knockoffs either. It is truly a 21st Century city of Starbucks and McDonalds... oh, did I mention the cost of food was thru the roof ?
I was only able to locate one of the original Mace launch sites, the one at Onna Village. It is now a Peace Memorial and has been retro-fitted to resemble a high class Museum. I was greeted with much enthusiasm by the caretakers and given a fantastic tour of the complex.... it only took 5 full days to locate the place. The Site was very difficult to locate and no one at the local Onna Village City Office knew of its existence.No one understood English and could not speak Japanese. We got along quite well with much pointing grunts and SMILES, the other universal language right up there with music.
Brenda, myself, and two Grandkids were there for 12 days and will always look upon favor with the memories. I had always talked going back but never thought it would be a reality, not cheap, but well worth it.
As soon as the Jet-Lag subsides and normal returns, I have loads of images to post here. For those of who were on Okinawa , you won\'t believe your eyes.
Bill Horn
Original Pioneer
September 5th 1961 - March 5th 1963
Site 1
Kadena 1964-65 498th GEMS Shop. Was there a place clled gate 2 street?
61-63 Lowery AFB, Travis AFB, Orlando AFB
Okinawa 63-65. 873 TMS/498 TMG. Site 1 mech 5.
Lt. Decelio LCO
Kozo Palace hotel bar 63-65!!!
Okinawa 63-65. 873 TMS/498 TMG. Site 1 mech 5.
Lt. Decelio LCO
Kozo Palace hotel bar 63-65!!!
Hello,
Just a short note to ask that any of you who served with the Air Force Air Defense Radar Sites, during the years of about 1950 through the present time, if you\'d like to belong to a web forum which has much discussion of the times served on these sites (Worldwide) look into joining us at the following web; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFRSV/
When you open the web, if you would like to be a member (free with no member dues or fees) click on the switch you\'ll find mid homepage which is labeled Join this Group and follow the instructions.
Thanks everyone and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year to all of you and your family\'s.
Regards,
Lowell (Woody) Woodworth - lgwdwrth@earthlink.net
AFRSV (Air Force Radar Sites Veterans)
Just a short note to ask that any of you who served with the Air Force Air Defense Radar Sites, during the years of about 1950 through the present time, if you\'d like to belong to a web forum which has much discussion of the times served on these sites (Worldwide) look into joining us at the following web; http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AFRSV/
When you open the web, if you would like to be a member (free with no member dues or fees) click on the switch you\'ll find mid homepage which is labeled Join this Group and follow the instructions.
Thanks everyone and Merry Christmas/Happy New Year to all of you and your family\'s.
Regards,
Lowell (Woody) Woodworth - lgwdwrth@earthlink.net
AFRSV (Air Force Radar Sites Veterans)
I was a Martin Company Tech Rep with the 69th TMS, 586th TMG and ended up assigned to 701st/38th Wing Staff at Hahn. Served from 1956- 1959. Was a member of the Proof Test Task Force. Many operations in Libya.
I am a member of the 701st, 586th Reunion Association.
I am a member of the 701st, 586th Reunion Association.
I was stationed at Hahn from Jan 1956 to Dec 1958 as a missile electronic tech. Enjoyed the work and the comraderie during that time. Retired from the civil service in 1990 as a Production Superintendent, working as a civilian in the air arm of the Navy, at Alameda Naval Air Station. Hello to all my old friends.
I was stationed at Sembach AB with the 11th from the July/Aug 1956 to July 1957. I was a control systems maintenance S/Sgt during that time. I was with the 69th at Patrick AFB in 1954 to the time they shipped to Germany. Then I was moved to Orlando AFB where we built up the 11th TMS. I had only 13 months of time left on my enlistment, but because it was a unit shipment, i was required to go we the unit to Sembach.
Tainan - 1959/61
Hello, I\'m looking for any photo\'s from the 868TMS. Thank you, Ken
Hello, I\'m looking for any photo\'s from the 868TMS. Thank you, Ken
I made a earlier entry and first I want to Thank Sid Couey for making contact with me since since my first posting...in Nov...
I remember after Lackland I went to Lowry like most all but I will share a funny story about Lowry... There was another Airman name Bill Bardon I believe his name was from VT...He had a 1958 Corvette and I had 1958 Blue Chevrolet Impala... So of course we were down having a few 3.2 beers at the airman club and decided on a race... Like dumb shits we decided to race on the airfield...LOL...return runway... Yep you guess it the Air Police got us both and we had our cars inpounded and we both got busted back to Airman Basic ... oh well shit happens... Does that ring a bell with anybody being at Lowry in the Spring of 1963... Oh by the way ...Bill Bardon Corvette beat me... Dang I lost all around.... Just some memories gone by...LOL Les Dretsch (Okinawa 64 65 and 66)
I remember after Lackland I went to Lowry like most all but I will share a funny story about Lowry... There was another Airman name Bill Bardon I believe his name was from VT...He had a 1958 Corvette and I had 1958 Blue Chevrolet Impala... So of course we were down having a few 3.2 beers at the airman club and decided on a race... Like dumb shits we decided to race on the airfield...LOL...return runway... Yep you guess it the Air Police got us both and we had our cars inpounded and we both got busted back to Airman Basic ... oh well shit happens... Does that ring a bell with anybody being at Lowry in the Spring of 1963... Oh by the way ...Bill Bardon Corvette beat me... Dang I lost all around.... Just some memories gone by...LOL Les Dretsch (Okinawa 64 65 and 66)
at sembach 1955 to 1957 msq1a radar maintenance. sgt t volk ,allison ,stewart ,don bastian all friends served with.
498TH TMG Okinawa A1C 1965 66 time frame site 3 Mech 3 LO was Lt Don
Homrighausen (He use to take his unicycle to the site and ride it in the hallway occasionally ) Now that I look back it was a great experience . Great people to work with
Homrighausen (He use to take his unicycle to the site and ride it in the hallway occasionally ) Now that I look back it was a great experience . Great people to work with
ORLANDA,WHITESANDS,SEMBACH.I WAS ONE OF THS SIGNATURES OF EXCEPTANCE FOR THE MACE AFTER WE EXCEPTED IT AT WHITESANDS.I WAS A CALIBRATION TECH.
I WAS WITH BOTH. CALIBRATION TECH. ORLANDO AND SEMBACH.
Orlando \'59-\'60, Osan \'60-\'61
I\'m sad to notice fewer Matador Vets as time goes on. Wishing ALL the best Holiday Greetings and a Happy New Year!! Especialy to Fred Notar, my fellow Team 10 mate.
I\'m sad to notice fewer Matador Vets as time goes on. Wishing ALL the best Holiday Greetings and a Happy New Year!! Especialy to Fred Notar, my fellow Team 10 mate.
Okinawa 1964-1965 and 1968-1969. The first time over I was in the 873rd at site 1 crew 8. LT. Jorden was the LCO. The crew chief was a Canadian (can\'t remember his name)may have been Johnson, Al Joesph was the Mech1, I was Mech2, Les Dretsch was the Mech3, Teddy Collins was the mech5. I can\'t remember who the Mech4 was. 2nd time over was in the GEMs Shop and the supervisors name was Dewitt I was there till the 498th shut down then I was off to Tucson AZ Davis Monthan. Good to see W.C. Smiths name he and I were in the 100SRW in Tucson!
Orlando AFB 1957-1958
Osan Korea 58th TMG 1958-1959, Part of the original move of the Matador missile from Florida to Korea. Worked in Guidance, Radar, Plotter, Radios, and Link Signial Simulator.
Osan Korea 58th TMG 1958-1959, Part of the original move of the Matador missile from Florida to Korea. Worked in Guidance, Radar, Plotter, Radios, and Link Signial Simulator.
Bitburg;GSC:Jan 1964-Oct1966
6 months temp Sembach launch 1966
AT&T 1967-2002
retired 2002-?
bought George Midling\'s VW when I arrived at Bitburg $300 gas 15 cents.
HIGHLIGHTS:Rozic\'s Lux Wedding!!!
Peace to all
6 months temp Sembach launch 1966
AT&T 1967-2002
retired 2002-?
bought George Midling\'s VW when I arrived at Bitburg $300 gas 15 cents.
HIGHLIGHTS:Rozic\'s Lux Wedding!!!
Peace to all
Well I do remember a bit about Okinawa... Unfortunately on my return to state side my duffel bag was stolen with all my uniforms, orders...pictures etc etc never to be found again... I was at Orlando when Kennedy assassination spending 65 and 66 on the rock...I did work at all four sites with a number of different crews I liked the stand-by X-crew status..I do remember I did start out with a Lt Jordon Sid Couey Sgt Winters..and can\'t remember the rest..I was the squadron PT Recertification Instructor..and I played First Base on the Squadron Soft Team..My name is Les Dretsch after getting out of the USAF in ..I was a RR Engr..for Southern Pacfic (now Union Pacific RR) working in Or NV and UT...until my retirement...I lived on my 45 ft in San Diego for spell and traveled in my Motorhome...and now finishing it out I guess in San Antonio..TX...if you remember and would like to connect my phone number is 210-376-7653 or email me...whynotles@Yahoo.com
55 - 66 orlando formosa canaveral hahn
I am about as far away from Mace and/or Matador missles involvement as you could get unless you were to have caught us on the surface. I was in the USN on the old diesel submarines in the Pacific, early \'68 thru \'71. The reason for my interest here is that I have in my possession a totally functional and operable MM-1 Teracruzer which was used to transport the Mace missles I believe. I Live in Alaska and use this machine to haul freight, fuel and cargo to a gold mining operation I have in the Talkeetna Mts. As soon as I figure out how to...I will post some photos of the Teracruzer in its present condition...which is quite good, btw.
Lackland 1961
Lowry 1961
Orlando 1962
Hahn Site V 1962-1965 Mace Flight Control Mechanic.
I still have my Site V coffee mug somewhere around here.
I retired from IBM in 1997. My wife and I spend the summer in Robbisville,NC and the winter in Fort Myers,FL
Hope to make the 2011 reunion in San Diego.
Lowry 1961
Orlando 1962
Hahn Site V 1962-1965 Mace Flight Control Mechanic.
I still have my Site V coffee mug somewhere around here.
I retired from IBM in 1997. My wife and I spend the summer in Robbisville,NC and the winter in Fort Myers,FL
Hope to make the 2011 reunion in San Diego.
Airman Notar reporting in, its been a while since I did. Time flies in retirement with normal duties and playing with Grandchildren. The last two years I have gone to concerts for the first time. The little lady says that I am a groopy for the \"Celtic Woman\", group. I don\'t hear her say she didn\'t want to go along with me to the shows in Seattle and Denver. Denver sure has changed and nothing is there at Lowry, except Hanger 2.. I was in from Nov. 58 to Sept 62. I was at Lowry, Orlando, Osan 60-61(Launch 10),and back to Lowry. I think back at my service with fond memories. I salute all who are serving now, God Bless. Scott
Good to see more people from the Mace B program in Bitburg on the web site, Jerry Katzenberger and George Callahan. Hope they join and come to the reunion in San Diego next year. Looking forward to the reunion. Hope to have more pictures for the reunion.
Mace B
Bitburg, 67-69 shutdown.
Mace B
Bitburg, 67-69 shutdown.
71st TMS Bitburg 67/69
Tech 5 Capt Acuff and Harry F. Hummel
Tech 5 Capt Acuff and Harry F. Hummel
I WAS SENT FROM ORLANDO AFB TO HOLLOMAN AFB, WHITE SANDS PROVING GROUNDS IN \'59 TO REJECT OR ACCEPT THE MACE \"A\" MISSLE. WE FIRED 5 MISSILES TO WINDOVER UTAH, 3 RECOVERY AND 2 NONRECOVERY. THEN WE TOOK MACE TO GERMANY.
Orlando1957-1962
Hahn 1962-1965
Hahn 1962-1965
Lowry/Orlando/Holloman 1958/59. 587 MMS, Sembach/Gruenstadt 1959-1962.
A2C Nickname Chad
Now Spokane, WA tel. 509-413-2492
A2C Nickname Chad
Now Spokane, WA tel. 509-413-2492
George Callahan,
Bitburg, Feb \'66-Apr \'69 (Shutdown)
L.O.: Edward A. Clark
Crew Chief: Geovano J. Nozolino
Tech 4 Pwr Pro: John Vining.
Spent my time on a launch crew as a Tech-3.
Lots of good memories. Great people..I was new in the A.F., and got my start with the 71st TMS.
Spent 30 yrs in the A.F. I bet not many days went by I didn\'t think, \"what would Nozolino do?\" Remember when the new grade of Sgt was re-assigned on 1 March \'69. I made Sgt that day. Nozolino took me to the NCO Club, to the NCO bar, and bought me my first drink as a new NCO, and explained how much growing up I had to do. Made me write my APR as a SGT (Training he said), I must have written that thing 10 times before he finally said \"with some work, it will do\" He was tough, but I learned. Showed me often guys like Ed Davis, Dave Getter, and some I forget, sorry...
Got a call from John Vining (tech 4) last week, and then Gil Merriman (tech 5), have to call Gil back.
After shutdown was assigned to F.E.Warren in Minuteman. Had a career in that! Did get to go to Russia for the S.T.A.R.T. treaty, and what did they have? Missiles like our Matador and Mace in 1988 & 1989!
Have been in touch with Steve Rozic over the years, and Ken Bunker.
Will check in more often.
Respectfully,
George Callahan
Warrensburg, MO.
660-429-6415
Bitburg, Feb \'66-Apr \'69 (Shutdown)
L.O.: Edward A. Clark
Crew Chief: Geovano J. Nozolino
Tech 4 Pwr Pro: John Vining.
Spent my time on a launch crew as a Tech-3.
Lots of good memories. Great people..I was new in the A.F., and got my start with the 71st TMS.
Spent 30 yrs in the A.F. I bet not many days went by I didn\'t think, \"what would Nozolino do?\" Remember when the new grade of Sgt was re-assigned on 1 March \'69. I made Sgt that day. Nozolino took me to the NCO Club, to the NCO bar, and bought me my first drink as a new NCO, and explained how much growing up I had to do. Made me write my APR as a SGT (Training he said), I must have written that thing 10 times before he finally said \"with some work, it will do\" He was tough, but I learned. Showed me often guys like Ed Davis, Dave Getter, and some I forget, sorry...
Got a call from John Vining (tech 4) last week, and then Gil Merriman (tech 5), have to call Gil back.
After shutdown was assigned to F.E.Warren in Minuteman. Had a career in that! Did get to go to Russia for the S.T.A.R.T. treaty, and what did they have? Missiles like our Matador and Mace in 1988 & 1989!
Have been in touch with Steve Rozic over the years, and Ken Bunker.
Will check in more often.
Respectfully,
George Callahan
Warrensburg, MO.
660-429-6415
64-66 Hahn Site IV. Tech 2
Several images at http://hahn.jackandsue.com/
One of the images was taken of the crews the day the site was closed.
Several images at http://hahn.jackandsue.com/
One of the images was taken of the crews the day the site was closed.
email address correction
email me if you remember me
email me if you remember me
65-66 Site IV Under Capt Lewis and Sgt Stover
Many Pictures of the Site
Many Pictures of the Site
Sembach 1960/63
Hello to every one I was with the mace and matador for a long time don\'t remember all the dates Hollaman Orlando Cape Germany kadena Patrick email me if you remember me
Arrived APO130 Sembach January 1962, after brief wait until site was completed was assigned to A bird launch crew ( Mech 1) at B site in Fishbach ( Enkenbach) on Capt Thoen\'s crew along with S/Sgt Bill Rowe and Mech 2 A/2C Tom Baker. Returned to 4504th in 1965 as Training site B Bird Maint. until shut down 1966.
Training at Lowery/Orlando 1961 with a bunch of great guys who will never be forgotten - Joe Gorichanaz, Bob Arnold - Gene Dahl- Steve Moore - Steve Briscoe.
Training at Lowery/Orlando 1961 with a bunch of great guys who will never be forgotten - Joe Gorichanaz, Bob Arnold - Gene Dahl- Steve Moore - Steve Briscoe.
Served under Howard Brand at site six from 1964 / 1966 till close in 1966.
orlando 55 57
taiwan 58 59
orlando 60 61
patrick/canaveral 62 63
hahn air base 64 66
matador mace a/b
have enjoyed all the pics and info/fond memoies
from this website. i finished my af career with
the minuteman program.retired in 82.wish you all
the best!
taiwan 58 59
orlando 60 61
patrick/canaveral 62 63
hahn air base 64 66
matador mace a/b
have enjoyed all the pics and info/fond memoies
from this website. i finished my af career with
the minuteman program.retired in 82.wish you all
the best!
868th TMS at Tinan As was muc wpns mech on Capt Robert Givens crew. switch fields into EOD. retired AF 1975 1959
I was with the 11th and 17th while they were still in Orando.I was transfered to Myrtle Beach when the 17th was being deployed to Germany. I worked in missile maint. section, 1955/1957.
Sembach - 1964/66
Thanks Bob! Hopefully y\'all will chip in and buy me a beer in San Diego. 🙂
I\'m enjoying my assignment as the TAC Missileers Secretary and webmaster. It has been interesting to connect with all the Missileers...
Thanks Bob! Hopefully y\'all will chip in and buy me a beer in San Diego. 🙂
I\'m enjoying my assignment as the TAC Missileers Secretary and webmaster. It has been interesting to connect with all the Missileers...
Grünstadt 822nd \'C\' Flight 887th...1962 - 1966 RFML Launch
Russ,
You are doing a fantastic job with our web site. I\'m going to vote to give you a pay raise at the next reunion in San Diego. I really appreciate the work you are doing, the look and feel of the web site is breathtaking.
Bob
Russ,
You are doing a fantastic job with our web site. I\'m going to vote to give you a pay raise at the next reunion in San Diego. I really appreciate the work you are doing, the look and feel of the web site is breathtaking.
Bob
Okinawa 1964-1965 worked at several sites as a mech 3. LO\'s were lt stevenson and Lt Mellick.
i am wally lupton,i served in the 587 tac mslgrp in bitburg germany 64/66.i was an engine and airframe mechanic for 2 yrs and launch crew for 1 yr.i was also a member of launch show team with johnny hawkes and sgt davis.
587 tac msl grp Bitburg, Germany 1964-1966. I was a Engine and Airframe Mechanic/Maintenance Controller. Some friends; Wittenmeyer,
Wenerowicz, Ferguson,Hawkes,Lupton,Murray,Kinkle,Shoepe,Rozic,Kohler,
etc.,etc. Anyone in this time period\"over there\" plz contact me for a possible reunion, OCT,2001-Las Vegas.
Wenerowicz, Ferguson,Hawkes,Lupton,Murray,Kinkle,Shoepe,Rozic,Kohler,
etc.,etc. Anyone in this time period\"over there\" plz contact me for a possible reunion, OCT,2001-Las Vegas.
I was in Bitburg from 1963 to 1967. I worked in the E and A section on the B-Bird. I also had my training at Lowery and Orlando before going to Bitburg with a Great bunch of guys who are still friends to this day. Thank you for the great Video.
1964 - 67 Bitburg 71st TMS (tech 2).
I am trying to locate anyone of my old crew.
LO was LT Gross Wayne Douglas, Don Walters, Walt Stole were friends from Lowery to Bitburg.
Also trying to replace group photos that were lost in a fire, especially around the Missile Monument. Any assistance will be appreciated.
I wish I had known about this group before the Wildwood move. Would like to have participated.
I am trying to locate anyone of my old crew.
LO was LT Gross Wayne Douglas, Don Walters, Walt Stole were friends from Lowery to Bitburg.
Also trying to replace group photos that were lost in a fire, especially around the Missile Monument. Any assistance will be appreciated.
I wish I had known about this group before the Wildwood move. Would like to have participated.
I was stationed at Hahn with the 405th TMS in 62 abd then went to 38th TMW for a short time prior to being assigned to the 822ns TMS from 63-64. I am currently residing in Cape Coral Fla.
I was at Bitburg 71st TMS \"B\" Pad Flight B-5 1959-1961. We were \"Select Crew\" I believe it was 1960. We also came back to Cape Canaveral that year for a live firing. Our Missile flew directly over the target and kept going till it ran out of fuel. \"B\" Pad was located outside Rittersdorf.
Sembach Flugplatz
587th C&G Sqdrn
June 1956/Des 1957
Ran phone patches At MARS station. Hooked a lot of you with family in the ZI.
FYI, Bob Stillen passed in DEC 2009.
Auf Wiedersehn
587th C&G Sqdrn
June 1956/Des 1957
Ran phone patches At MARS station. Hooked a lot of you with family in the ZI.
FYI, Bob Stillen passed in DEC 2009.
Auf Wiedersehn
Bitburg June 66 to April 69
Both sites 7 & 8 and also both complexes
After 1969 was all over the world until 1985 when I retired the first time.
Both sites 7 & 8 and also both complexes
After 1969 was all over the world until 1985 when I retired the first time.
ORLANDO 11 TMG
SEMBACH 587 C&G SQD
DEPARTED GERMANY NOV 58......
SEMBACH 587 C&G SQD
DEPARTED GERMANY NOV 58......
Joined AF in 1964. Training at Lowry and Orlando. Sembach - Grunstadt 1966 to closing in 1967; Airman 2nd class - missile launch crew. Subsequently to Minot ND in Minuteman Maintenance. Airmans Education and Commissioning Program - University of Missouri 1967-1967. Commissioned in regular AF. Electronics Engineer in 4000th Support Group at Offutt AFB in Neb. Squadron Officer\'s School, Maxwell. Engineer at Wright Pat until leaving service in 1975. Now reside in upstate NY.
Lowry School 65 Kadena 66-69 Crerw 40, NCOIC Procedures 67-69. Remember the Group picnics at White Beach aND kADENA kARNIVAL
Kadena, Okinawa 1961 - 1963
498th TMG, 873rd TMS
498th TMG, 873rd TMS
I am a 60-year-old Air Force brat who researches UFO sightings at nuclear weapons sites. My father, SMSgt. Robert E. Hastings, was career USAF and was stationed at Malmstrom AFB in 1966-67, where UFO sightings at ICBM sites were frequent at the time. That sparked my interest in the subject.
Over the past 37 years I have interviewed more than 120 former or retired USAF personnel who had UFO experiences at ICBM sites, WSAs, or other nukes-related locations. However, to date, I have not been able to locate anyone with a tactical nuclear missile background who had a UFO experience while on the job. Nevertheless, I suspect those individuals do indeed exist.
I was on Larry King Live on July 18, 2008. Appearing with me were three former U.S. Air Force officers who discussed disturbing incidents involving UFOs hovering over our nuclear missile sites, just moments before those missiles malfunctioned.
The King show video is on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIYpdBJxxdI
I am wondering whether YOU had a UFO experience while in the Air Force? If so, would you be willing to tell me about it? Your response will be kept strictly confidential unless you give me written permission to publicly discuss it.
Thanks for your time and attention.
Robert Hastings
www.ufohastings.com
Over the past 37 years I have interviewed more than 120 former or retired USAF personnel who had UFO experiences at ICBM sites, WSAs, or other nukes-related locations. However, to date, I have not been able to locate anyone with a tactical nuclear missile background who had a UFO experience while on the job. Nevertheless, I suspect those individuals do indeed exist.
I was on Larry King Live on July 18, 2008. Appearing with me were three former U.S. Air Force officers who discussed disturbing incidents involving UFOs hovering over our nuclear missile sites, just moments before those missiles malfunctioned.
The King show video is on YouTube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIYpdBJxxdI
I am wondering whether YOU had a UFO experience while in the Air Force? If so, would you be willing to tell me about it? Your response will be kept strictly confidential unless you give me written permission to publicly discuss it.
Thanks for your time and attention.
Robert Hastings
www.ufohastings.com
Was Mech 5 on Crew 39, Site 4, 498th TMG, Kadena, from early 1968 to July of \'69.
Kedena-1968/1969
Kedena-1968/1969
LO Crew 16 Site 2B 498TMG Kadena AB Okinawa from Sep68 to Dec69(closing)
Kadena AFB Sept.\'68 till closure in Dec.\'69
Missile Guidance & Flight Control Tech.
Arrived in the middle of a typhoon after training at Lowry. Many fond memories of the island, the experience and the folks that I worked with.
Missile Guidance & Flight Control Tech.
Arrived in the middle of a typhoon after training at Lowry. Many fond memories of the island, the experience and the folks that I worked with.
Bitburg GSC 1962 - 1964 Bitburg Job Control 1967 - 1969
Kudos to all involved with the Missile relocation from Florida to Indiana. Great job! George Mindling did a great job on the movie documenting the move. Our organization is blessed to have such people.
Kudos to all involved with the Missile relocation from Florida to Indiana. Great job! George Mindling did a great job on the movie documenting the move. Our organization is blessed to have such people.
Proud to be part of the Wildwood Mace move from Florida to Indiana, April 2010. (Truck Driver)
1982-1988 USMC Infantry.
1988-2002 Indiana Air National Guard F-4 F-16 Avionics.
2002-2007 Indiana Air National Guard Motorpool.
2007-present Indiana Air National Guard Telecommunications.
1982-1988 USMC Infantry.
1988-2002 Indiana Air National Guard F-4 F-16 Avionics.
2002-2007 Indiana Air National Guard Motorpool.
2007-present Indiana Air National Guard Telecommunications.
Stationed at Kadena AFB 498th Msl. wing 873rd sq
crew 6 and 8. LCO LT. Jorden. First time 1964 to 65. 2nd time 498th maint. 1968 to 69 (Shutdown).
crew 6 and 8. LCO LT. Jorden. First time 1964 to 65. 2nd time 498th maint. 1968 to 69 (Shutdown).
Kadena 1961 - 1963
498th TMG - MMS
498th TMG - MMS
Matador Missile Guidance Officer from Sept 1949 R&D including deployment of the 1stPBS 1954 to Germany thru 1TMS 1957 White Sand(Eglin)/Patrick/Bitburg
Orlando jan- june 59...Osan aug 59--sept 60
Matador guidance tech
Matador guidance tech
Kadena AFB 1968-1969 Missile Guidance Tech.
Stationed at Bitburg most of 1961 (585th C&G) Transferred to Sembach(Wing HQ Squadron) late \'61 thru summer of \'62. Transferred to remote site in Bad Tolz(Site Chief for ASTREC program) for balance of \'62 and most of \'63. Transferred to remote site in Alzey(also ASTREC) for rest of tour.
Kadena 61-63
Wow--thanks for the great photos from Kadena by Larry Johnson. Best I\'ve seen. I\'m especially blown away by the photos of site 4 after being converted to a buddist temple/conference center.
Congrats to Max and crew for the work at Wildwood in preparation for relocating the B bird. Great project!
Wow--thanks for the great photos from Kadena by Larry Johnson. Best I\'ve seen. I\'m especially blown away by the photos of site 4 after being converted to a buddist temple/conference center.
Congrats to Max and crew for the work at Wildwood in preparation for relocating the B bird. Great project!
Looks like this site is hosted in Hawaii--it\'s 5 hours behind me (here in Orlando).
Yeah, I was a \"typhoon crew volunteer\" in 64-65. We had all the \"comforts of home\" in the missile compound--lights and everything, even popcorn! I got caught \"off island\" by a typhoon in 65 and couldn\'t get back, 4 of us from GSC were on a 2-week vacation in Taiwan and they wouldn\'t let any flights back in.
Kadena September \'68 till closure December \'69
Inertial Guidance & Flight Control System Mtc.
Spent my 20th and 21st birthday in the middle of a typhoon. Speed equipment broke at 150 knots both times. Worked 6 hours on and 6 off for three days running Gen Sets and GSC consoles.
Inertial Guidance & Flight Control System Mtc.
Spent my 20th and 21st birthday in the middle of a typhoon. Speed equipment broke at 150 knots both times. Worked 6 hours on and 6 off for three days running Gen Sets and GSC consoles.
585th C&G koterberg 1960-62
anyone still around thats knows of this MSQ location?
anyone still around thats knows of this MSQ location?
Thanks to Bill Rinker for sending the dedication ceremony at Wright Patterson during the TAC Missileers reunion. Great memories.
Spoke with Walt Gronkoski today who is still in Buloxi and would like to hear from those of you who inquired in previous guest book entries. Walt hasn\'t been of the best of health and dosen\'t have a computer so he can only communicate via phone & can be reached at
228-392-0302. Thanks and he is looking forward to your calls. Bill Wannamaker, Naples,FL
228-392-0302. Thanks and he is looking forward to your calls. Bill Wannamaker, Naples,FL
See entry 667----- Another in 2002 ????
Went to Bitburg Germany from Patrick AFB Florida with the 1st. PBS in March 1954. MPS-9 radar Tech. AFSC 30353A/30373A. Next to Landsberg April 54 with Det #3 of the 1st. PBS.
Took part in \"Operation Suntan\" late 54. Was at the radar control site in Garian, some 70 miles South of Tripoli. After Suntan we moved our radar site to Schwarzenborn/Knull some 90 miles NE of Frankfurt by the Bad Hersfeld Army Base from where we drew our supplies from.
Believe I have been back to Germany about 17 times total since my discharge in 1956. Planning on going again this year for the May.
If anyone remembers me, my e-mail address is
george8898@hotmail.com Drop me a message. Would love to hear from you.
George Craig
Went to Bitburg Germany from Patrick AFB Florida with the 1st. PBS in March 1954. MPS-9 radar Tech. AFSC 30353A/30373A. Next to Landsberg April 54 with Det #3 of the 1st. PBS.
Took part in \"Operation Suntan\" late 54. Was at the radar control site in Garian, some 70 miles South of Tripoli. After Suntan we moved our radar site to Schwarzenborn/Knull some 90 miles NE of Frankfurt by the Bad Hersfeld Army Base from where we drew our supplies from.
Believe I have been back to Germany about 17 times total since my discharge in 1956. Planning on going again this year for the May.
If anyone remembers me, my e-mail address is
george8898@hotmail.com Drop me a message. Would love to hear from you.
George Craig
61-62 Orlando/62-66 Hahn Site IV, Training & A&E
Sembach AB - 823rd TMS (1964/66)
Gene, per my understanding, the 586th MMS designation was suspended 25 Sept. 1962 and reinstated 1 July 1964.
So, before 25 Sept. 1962 and after 1 July 1964, you were assigned to the 586th MMS.
From 25 Sept. 1962 until 1 July 1964, you were assigned to the 38th MMS DET 2.
-------------------------------------------------
Spring 1960
38th TAC Missile Wing
. 586th TAC Missile Group
. 586th Missile Maintenance Squadron
25 Sept. 1962 to 1 July 1964
38th TAC Missile Wing
. 38th Missile Maintenance Squadron - Detachment 2
1 July 1964 to 25 Sept. 1966
38th TAC Missile Wing
. 586th Missile Maintenance Squadron
-------------------------------------------------
As you have noted, many 38th TAC Missile Wing Special Orders (e.g., promotion orders) span more than one base. That\'s why you may find names of people that served at Hahn, etc. listed on 38th TMW orders that I have posted on www.SembachMissileers.org.
Regards,
Russ
Gene, per my understanding, the 586th MMS designation was suspended 25 Sept. 1962 and reinstated 1 July 1964.
So, before 25 Sept. 1962 and after 1 July 1964, you were assigned to the 586th MMS.
From 25 Sept. 1962 until 1 July 1964, you were assigned to the 38th MMS DET 2.
-------------------------------------------------
Spring 1960
38th TAC Missile Wing
. 586th TAC Missile Group
. 586th Missile Maintenance Squadron
25 Sept. 1962 to 1 July 1964
38th TAC Missile Wing
. 38th Missile Maintenance Squadron - Detachment 2
1 July 1964 to 25 Sept. 1966
38th TAC Missile Wing
. 586th Missile Maintenance Squadron
-------------------------------------------------
As you have noted, many 38th TAC Missile Wing Special Orders (e.g., promotion orders) span more than one base. That\'s why you may find names of people that served at Hahn, etc. listed on 38th TMW orders that I have posted on www.SembachMissileers.org.
Regards,
Russ
I received orders in October 1962 assigning me to the 586th MMS at Hahn Air Base. Sometime during the first part of 1963 we were renamed Detachment 2 38th MMS. I have orders awarding me the Good Conduct Medal issued by the 50th Tact Fighter Wing on 26 July 1963 for personnel assigned to Det 2 38th MMS at Hahn. When I was reading some of the old orders on this web site, I see some names of guys I worked with on promotion orders in 1965 issued by 38th Tac Msl Wing at Sembach and they were listed as being assigned to the 586th MMS. Anybody know why the difference in unit desiganation? What were we ,586th MMS or Det 2 38th MMS?
My bad! I was in the 498th on Kadena AB from Apr\'64 till Oct\'65.
Mace \"B\" birds--Guidance System Checkout (GSC), Lowry AFB, (Denver)Feb-Oct\'63, Orlando AFB Oct\'63-Apr\'64, (both bases are now large housing subdivisions), Kadena AB, Okinawa Apr\'65-Oct\'65, Eglin AFB, FL Oct\'65-Jan\'67.
Orlando AFB...April 59-Dec 59:
Calibration school
Osan, Korea...Feb 60-Mar 61:
Maint.Shop next to Squadron Hq.
Orlando AFB...Apr 61-Aug 62:
Mace training until discharge in Aug 62.
Damn, we\'re getting old.
Calibration school
Osan, Korea...Feb 60-Mar 61:
Maint.Shop next to Squadron Hq.
Orlando AFB...Apr 61-Aug 62:
Mace training until discharge in Aug 62.
Damn, we\'re getting old.
Was Guidance Tech from Aug 67 until Aug 69.
Lowery 1963-64
Orlando 1964
Kadena Okinawa 1964-66 - 498TMG 874th TMS
Worked at site 3 on Crew 32 for Capt. Walters as his Flight Controls Mechanic 2 and later at Site 4 for Crew 33 for Lt. Mellick as his Guidance and Launch Mech 1
Holloman New Mexico 1966-67 - Guidance Lab Test Technician for Maj. Kalish
Orlando 1964
Kadena Okinawa 1964-66 - 498TMG 874th TMS
Worked at site 3 on Crew 32 for Capt. Walters as his Flight Controls Mechanic 2 and later at Site 4 for Crew 33 for Lt. Mellick as his Guidance and Launch Mech 1
Holloman New Mexico 1966-67 - Guidance Lab Test Technician for Maj. Kalish
With the 11th Tac Missile Sq., later the 587th Tac Missile Group. I was in the Comm. & Guidance Sq. Sembach June, 1956 until June, 1959.
Was part of the Mace A test launch crew at White Sands.
Took the Mace A to Sembach in 1959 and served on laucnh crew at Enkenback for 2 yeras. (1959-61)
Returned to Orlando and served as a instructor in the missile school. (1961-65)
Then went to Kadena as a Mace B inertial guidance technician. (1965-68)
Took the Mace A to Sembach in 1959 and served on laucnh crew at Enkenback for 2 yeras. (1959-61)
Returned to Orlando and served as a instructor in the missile school. (1961-65)
Then went to Kadena as a Mace B inertial guidance technician. (1965-68)
Trained at Orlando AFB on Matador. Launched last Matadors from Cape Canaveral, overseas orders were cancelled. Became Mace Instructor, Orlando AFB then went permanent party Camp Happiness. Launched about Mace Missles including the one that killed power at the entire Cape. Took discharge 12-1962 went to work for Pan Am, civilian in explosives area. Installed destruct & explosives on last Mace.
498th TAC Kadena, Okinawa
Hey Fellow TAC Missileers,
I\'m starting to formulate the next newslatter due out in late December or early January. If you have anything you\'d like to put into the next issue please contact me with your with your ideas or desires.
TAC Missileers Newsletter Editor/Assembler
Bob Bolton
olliesnapper@gmail.com
I\'m starting to formulate the next newslatter due out in late December or early January. If you have anything you\'d like to put into the next issue please contact me with your with your ideas or desires.
TAC Missileers Newsletter Editor/Assembler
Bob Bolton
olliesnapper@gmail.com
Denver/Orlando-1962/1963, OKI 1963/1965, Holloman AFB-1965/1966 Was on crew 7, mech2. enjoyed my time and all the guys. Had some good times.
Thanks to Bob and Russ for getting the newsletters onto the site in such a fine readable form! I joined in 2005, just in time for the Nashville reunion, and have the newsletters from that time forward. I find it very interesting to read the older ones from the early days of the organization, especially 2001, when TAC Missileers was becoming the organization we know today.
Bitburg, Mace B guidance, 62-64, MEMS
Bitburg, Mace B guidance, 62-64, MEMS
Orlando AFB Jan - Jul 61
Kadena Site 2A - Jul 61 - Mar 63
Mail Room - Olderly Room - Cable pulling - and Launch operations, Launch Officer was Capt Sutter (sp)
Kadena Site 2A - Jul 61 - Mar 63
Mail Room - Olderly Room - Cable pulling - and Launch operations, Launch Officer was Capt Sutter (sp)
Patrick AFB, Florida, 1953-54, 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron (L).
end of B-61 & first of B-61A.
Bitburg AB, Germany, 1954-56, 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron (L),
which became 1st Tactical Missile Squadron. B-61A.
This is my first comm with Tac Missileers.
end of B-61 & first of B-61A.
Bitburg AB, Germany, 1954-56, 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron (L),
which became 1st Tactical Missile Squadron. B-61A.
This is my first comm with Tac Missileers.
Osan 310th TMS 59-60
I have a yearbook if anyone is interested, pictures and names.
I have a yearbook if anyone is interested, pictures and names.
Hahn Site 6 & 5 1965 till closing
LOWERY-MAR/1960 MATADOR.BITBURG-AUG/1960 TO AUG/1962 MATADOR-C ASSIGN\'D TO \"C-PAD\" EDENHIEM(sp).MACE GUYS STARTED SHOWING UP AT \"BITBURG\"..NASTY..SOME CAME OVER W/ATTITUDE ..MADE THINGS TOUGH FOR \"MATADOR\" GUYS ...REASSIGN\'D TO HAHN AUG/1962 TO AUG/1963..WHOA,HAHN [WERE] \"ALL\"MACE GUYS..RETRAIN\'D ON \"ATRAN\",SENT TO SITE IV..MEAN TIME, WOUND UP IN A BIG \"FIST FIGHT\" AT NCO-CLUB (welcome to HAHN),AFTER A COUPLE MONTHS ..ALL SMOOTHED OUT...I WASN\'T A \"JEEP\" AND HAD TIME IN GRADE . HAD GREAT TIME OVER ALL , THANKS , RIC HAASE (ret: A/2C)
Bitburg Sept 55 to Feb 58. Where is the 1st. TMS stuff ? Hello to All.
Lowery, Orlando 1962/63; Sembach 1963-66 (Flt. Cont. Mech./
A Flight Maint./ CMR mail room).
Greetings to all former friends at family services and SQ. Dancers from Russell & Lois.
Transfered to Minuteman Mis. at Whiteman AFB, MO and Chanute AFB, IL 1966-72.
A Flight Maint./ CMR mail room).
Greetings to all former friends at family services and SQ. Dancers from Russell & Lois.
Transfered to Minuteman Mis. at Whiteman AFB, MO and Chanute AFB, IL 1966-72.
Hahn, 1965,1966. Last MEMS crew. Worked with Dave Derain, Mark Johnson, Randy Doi and others.
Hahn 1961-1963
hello to everyone and I\'m sorry I missed the reunion. I hope I can make it to San Diego in 2011.
Here\'s another organization that some of you might be interested in checking out.
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
hello to everyone and I\'m sorry I missed the reunion. I hope I can make it to San Diego in 2011.
Here\'s another organization that some of you might be interested in checking out.
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
58th TMG Osan Korea, Tainan Taiwan 1958-59
hi bob,
been a long time. just wanted to say hello. glad to see you enjoyed the reunion. hope to make the next one
steve glazer
been a long time. just wanted to say hello. glad to see you enjoyed the reunion. hope to make the next one
steve glazer
Joe/Sarah, Max/Lois
Dayton - \'09 was my first reunion. My oh my, words don\'t describe the elation I have experienced at the reunion. Each detail was worked to perfection. Those who didn\'t attend sure missed a grand time by all. Thanks to everyone for their endless hospitality in making me (an ole MAST supply guy) feel \"right at home.\" I apologize for giving credit to others who worked tirelessly on this on.
I\'m still soliciting further info on the \"Chapel Angels\" in the picture from Sembach, Dec 1961. If anyone knows the names of the children in the choir, I\'d be happy to hear from them. If you didn\'t see the picture, contact me and I\'ll send a copy in an email.
Thanks again for a fabulous reunion. I look forward to San Diego.
AL Groft
Cell 717-580-7941
Dayton - \'09 was my first reunion. My oh my, words don\'t describe the elation I have experienced at the reunion. Each detail was worked to perfection. Those who didn\'t attend sure missed a grand time by all. Thanks to everyone for their endless hospitality in making me (an ole MAST supply guy) feel \"right at home.\" I apologize for giving credit to others who worked tirelessly on this on.
I\'m still soliciting further info on the \"Chapel Angels\" in the picture from Sembach, Dec 1961. If anyone knows the names of the children in the choir, I\'d be happy to hear from them. If you didn\'t see the picture, contact me and I\'ll send a copy in an email.
Thanks again for a fabulous reunion. I look forward to San Diego.
AL Groft
Cell 717-580-7941
Orlando 1964/65
Sembach 1965/67
Also ran the photo hobby shop
Sembach 1965/67
Also ran the photo hobby shop
Site 2 Fire Department 64-67 Sembach
Joe/Sarah, Max/Lois, and Ex Prezz. Zito
I wish to thank all of you, for another great reunion. I enjoyed seeing everyone again and I had a great time. Your planning of all the events was more than I expected. Lupe and I are looking forward to seeing everyone in San Diego in 2011.
Again Thank You All,
Joe Rea
I wish to thank all of you, for another great reunion. I enjoyed seeing everyone again and I had a great time. Your planning of all the events was more than I expected. Lupe and I are looking forward to seeing everyone in San Diego in 2011.
Again Thank You All,
Joe Rea
Hahn, Site V, Sept. \'64 thru Oct. 66
Thanks to Max, Lois, Joe, Sarah and the other Missileer officers for this great Dayton reunion. Claire and I had a wonderful time throughout and are excited about the next one in San Diego.
Thanks to Max, Lois, Joe, Sarah and the other Missileer officers for this great Dayton reunion. Claire and I had a wonderful time throughout and are excited about the next one in San Diego.
Another great job by the Officers of the group. Especially the women who gave of their time and talents. I am referring to the Dayton reunion. I was able to make some new friends and renew my friendship with some of my older friends. I wish the best of everything to the new Officers elected at the business meeting. For those of you that could not attend you missed another great reunion. I still cannot get the sound of those after burners out of my ears on the Thunderbirds when they passed over our heads while performing their routines. Best to all you guys out there.... Take care.
(Lois.. you did a great job reading the poem at the Officer\'s Club and I will be waiting to see a copy of it in the newsletter).
(Lois.. you did a great job reading the poem at the Officer\'s Club and I will be waiting to see a copy of it in the newsletter).
Our Dayton reunion was outstanding...Thank you Max and Lois, Joe and Zito for organizing a wonderful time for those of us in attendance. I know it was like herding cats at times but you did a masterful job. You out did your collective selves again. For all TAC Missileers that could not make it to Dayton you missed a very good one. Hope you plan to go and show up at the 2011 San Diego reunion.
Bob Bolton
Grünstadt 1962/1966
Bob Bolton
Grünstadt 1962/1966
Attending DAYTON. Sembach Sep 59-62. Chapel organist and formed youth choir. Have group photos to share. Hopefully someone will recognize their child and/or help identify others.
Contact me - Cell 717-580-7941
Contact me - Cell 717-580-7941
hahn 64-66
hi guys, wish i could make reunion this time.
have a great time. hello to dave, chico and ron
hi guys, wish i could make reunion this time.
have a great time. hello to dave, chico and ron
Lowry AFB-Maintenance-Matador and Mace A&B 1958-1964
Sembach- Grunstadt - Launch Crew Chief - 1964-1966
Launch Crew: Launch Officer: 1st Lt Donnie Cubbage
Crew Chief TSgt Bob Kutulis
Mech #1 A1c Ed Johnson
Mech #2 A1c Arnie Hansen
One of the best assignments in a 24 year career.
Sembach- Grunstadt - Launch Crew Chief - 1964-1966
Launch Crew: Launch Officer: 1st Lt Donnie Cubbage
Crew Chief TSgt Bob Kutulis
Mech #1 A1c Ed Johnson
Mech #2 A1c Arnie Hansen
One of the best assignments in a 24 year career.
Sembach, end of 64, 65, till oct.66.
38th MMS
Missile maint. Engine & Airframe. NCOIC was M/SGT. Jordan.
What ever happened to our C.o. Maj. Steven Wolfe ? What a great guy.
38th MMS
Missile maint. Engine & Airframe. NCOIC was M/SGT. Jordan.
What ever happened to our C.o. Maj. Steven Wolfe ? What a great guy.
Bitburg - GSC 1963/66. Hann - Launch 1966
Greetings to all Missileers!
Found this organization just recently. Too late to make the reunion, maybe the next one. Was a Nukie, trained with the very last Matador launch crew at Orlando AFB. We manned the off-base launch site at Osan, Launch Officer was Lt. Frost, NCOIC \"Doc\" Boulware, my Armament partner was Dick Erickson. Recently attended a reunion of Nuclear Weapons Technicians in Albequerque, NM. Love to hear from any of you...allendoe@aol.com
MATADOR Osan, 1961-62
Found this organization just recently. Too late to make the reunion, maybe the next one. Was a Nukie, trained with the very last Matador launch crew at Orlando AFB. We manned the off-base launch site at Osan, Launch Officer was Lt. Frost, NCOIC \"Doc\" Boulware, my Armament partner was Dick Erickson. Recently attended a reunion of Nuclear Weapons Technicians in Albequerque, NM. Love to hear from any of you...allendoe@aol.com
MATADOR Osan, 1961-62
Matador,Osan,SC 310th TMS 61-62.Mace \'B\',Kadena,Okinawa(Japan)498th TMG 62-63
Bitburg 1967, Tech 5, 336th MMS NucWpns
498th TMG 66-69 Crew 40 & NCOIC of Operations Procedures
Rember the Kadena Karnival?
mcqmq
Rember the Kadena Karnival?
mcqmq
Happy 4th everyone!!
Thanks to Russ Reston and Joe Perkins our new TAC Missileers web site is in operation and looks great. I will be getting all of the past newsletters, around 40 issues onto the site as soon as possible.
Bob Bolton TAC Missileers Newsletter Editor
Thanks to Russ Reston and Joe Perkins our new TAC Missileers web site is in operation and looks great. I will be getting all of the past newsletters, around 40 issues onto the site as soon as possible.
Bob Bolton TAC Missileers Newsletter Editor
Great web page, lots of Sembach people, but not many Oki folks. Guess we all just died off... I was AGE maint for a few years (63-67) and then on crew 26 at site 3. Left for Little Rock (Titan II) for 18 months and then back (first a few weeks at Denver for school and got to see some of the old guys (Capt. Best who was the best!!!) Back to Oki and on crew 31 at site 4 until shutdown and after. I remember putting manicans on the bus to make it look like crew members. I was also on duty when the Peoublo went. Thanks for the rememinder of the shape charge mixup orders. What a night that was.
Okinawa - 1963-1967 & 1969-1974 (last yrs on the flight line at 18th FMS/AGE shop)
Okinawa - 1963-1967 & 1969-1974 (last yrs on the flight line at 18th FMS/AGE shop)
TM-76B; Lowry AFB and Orlando AFB schools; Bitburg GR 1962 - 1964; Bitburg AFB PMEL due to phase out of MACE. Ended up in PMEL at McConnell AFB and out in 1969.
Tainan Taiwan (1960 and 1961)
Just wanted to acknowledge the new Web Site, Who ever did this did an outstanding Job. Kudos to him/her.
We are really looking forward to this upcoming Re-union By the looks of the attendee roster it looks like a full house and that is GREAT...
See you all there..
Roger St.Germain
Just wanted to acknowledge the new Web Site, Who ever did this did an outstanding Job. Kudos to him/her.
We are really looking forward to this upcoming Re-union By the looks of the attendee roster it looks like a full house and that is GREAT...
See you all there..
Roger St.Germain
Orlando (1956-57 17th Tac)
Tainan, Taiwan (1957-58 868th Tac)
I was an HF radio repairman in both squadrons.
Would like to hear from anyone who still remembers me.
Tainan, Taiwan (1957-58 868th Tac)
I was an HF radio repairman in both squadrons.
Would like to hear from anyone who still remembers me.
Lowery,Jan.-Oct.1961; Orlando, Nov. 1961-May 1962; Kadena, June 1962-Dec. 1963(GEMS Shop). Holoman, Jan 1964-Dec. 1964(discharge).
My stepfather was Warren E. Foxhill. He worked for the Glenn L. Martin Co. during the 50\'s and 60\'s. He was in Bitburg in 56-58 and 62-66.
Mace \"A\"/\"B\": Lowry, Orlando, Bitburg, Lowry, Bitburg (1962-1969)
Co-author of \"U.S. Air Force Tactical Missiles 1949-1969 The Pioneers.\"
The 38th TMW Home page and all the relative links are still on the web and active as ever, it is just no longer on the TAC Missileer link page. The 45 page web site with over 300 graphics is still open at http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/ and still adding material for Tainan and Osan.
See you at Dayton, George
Co-author of \"U.S. Air Force Tactical Missiles 1949-1969 The Pioneers.\"
The 38th TMW Home page and all the relative links are still on the web and active as ever, it is just no longer on the TAC Missileer link page. The 45 page web site with over 300 graphics is still open at http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/ and still adding material for Tainan and Osan.
See you at Dayton, George
Patrick and Orlando AFB 1953 to 1958. Looking forward to the Dayton, Ohio, gathering it will be fun.
Okinawa, Japan - 1963/65
I was with the 873th Tactical Missile Squadron at Kadena Air Base.
I was with the 873th Tactical Missile Squadron at Kadena Air Base.
Hahn - 1964/66
69th TAC Miss sq, Worked in Orderly Room Patrick Air Force 1952 to 1954 Hahn Air Force Base,Germany 1954 to 1956.
Matador, Hahn/Bitburg-58-61
Hey Guys, Reunion at Dayton is fast approaching, and what a reunion this is going to be. Had a member call me last week asking about someone that is attending the reunion. Saw his name on the attendee list and was wondering if it coiuld be the same guy he has been looking for, for over 45 years. Turned out it is his long lost friend. It will be a great reunion between these two at Dayton. All because of the internet. If anyone coming to the reunion has any momento\'s from those \"wonderful\" years, please bring them along so we may display them in the momento room at the hotel. See y\'all in July in Dayton. Max
Hey Guys, Reunion at Dayton is fast approaching, and what a reunion this is going to be. Had a member call me last week asking about someone that is attending the reunion. Saw his name on the attendee list and was wondering if it coiuld be the same guy he has been looking for, for over 45 years. Turned out it is his long lost friend. It will be a great reunion between these two at Dayton. All because of the internet. If anyone coming to the reunion has any momento\'s from those \"wonderful\" years, please bring them along so we may display them in the momento room at the hotel. See y\'all in July in Dayton. Max
B-Bird, Lowry, Orlando, Bitburg
I just posted a new page about Wheelus on my site at - http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Wheelus/Wheelus.htm - If anyone cares to add stories or photos to it, let me know. See you all at Dayton!
I just posted a new page about Wheelus on my site at - http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Wheelus/Wheelus.htm - If anyone cares to add stories or photos to it, let me know. See you all at Dayton!
If you would like to have a tribute dedicated to a family member or friend in the book BROTHERHOOD, please write to me at: MAVSnews@aol.com. I will be very proud to do so. A photo is also welcome. You can read a description of the book at: http://www.how-to-find-your-military- buddy.com/authorpage.html Very truly yours, Debbie McCabe MAVSnews@aol.com
Member of the Site 4 launch crews and Guidance System Tech.
1958-to at least april 1964 including cuban missile crisis bacto lowry till mace program closed.Became munitions maint specialist at begining of vietnam till retirement
Hello all you wonderful former Missileers. The Dayton, Oh. reunion, 15th-18th July,2009 is fast approaching. All the daily events are in place, even left most of Friday open, for you guys and gals, that like to knock that little white thingie around. To date, there are over 300 planning on attending. Everyone needs to get there registration forms and that green stuff mailed in to me. Would rather not be 'guessing' if someone is going to attend. Newsletters will be going out in about a week with lots of reunion info as well as a list of members that advised me to put them on the reunion list, a few months ago. I would like to hear from you, as to wheather you still will be attending. I am really excited about all the Sembach Missileers, that have decided to attend. Looking forward to meeting you all. (Thanks Russ) For those that have never attended a reunion, you are really missing a great time. Its so heartwarming to witness someone recognize a former friend from over 40-45 years ago. I've even seen a few damp eyes. Of course, the one question that usually gets asked, is, 'What happened to your hair'? Oh well, the only time I worried about fall out, was on the launch pad. Max
All set for the big reunion in Daytin OH, know it will be a lot of fun. Good to have enough time to just remember the good old days. Walter & Evelyn
Charlie Smoote is still hanging around just trying to stay out of trouble. I'm still fishing, making fishing rods and puttering about. C2
Jim Crittendon Lee Kyser I tried to respond to your e-mail,but it came back please send me your e-mail address. Jim
For those who served at Sembach from 1962-1964, Launch Officer Charles C. Cage passed away in June, 2004. Following his tour at Sembach, he returned to flying and was an instructor at Williams AFB, had a tour in Vietnam flying the A-1 Skyraider, and was at Sheppard AFB as an instuctor on the T-38. He retired as a Major after 20+ years.
I went to Mace school at Lowery,then to Orlando after School, Went to Holloman for live fire. Then to Sembach 822nd,I was in A Fligt then to Grunstsdt I was Crew Chief 7-3 until May 1962. I was sent to Orlando as launch Instructer until May 1965. I got out of A,F. and went to familey business. I would like to hear from anyone who knew me, during those y ears. I am trying to make it to Dayton, but I am on chemo now so I have to see how that goes. I am very hopeful we will see.all of you. Jim,
A short update, Maj Donald L Henson, Launch Officer and Site Commander 1963 to 1966 and a Matador Launch Officer. Died 25 Feb 2009, in Walla Walla, Washington.
Hello to all my old buddies from Hahn AB. I served as a FLT Control Tech at Site V 1962-65.
Just a small change in my email address. martyandlinda@windstream.net
I taught set school and some at fundamentals at Lowery from 1959 to 1963. Taught both the Matador and the Mace. Good to see a websight dedicated to those that served..Thanks
Change of email address
To Hadley Ward- I was CC of crew 5, Site 1 and we were in the hole that night. Soon after the Pueblo affair came in on the teletype, the red phone rang with a order to destroy the warheads. As we got the shape charges out, we wondered if the whole world had gone nuts. The red phone soon rang again and a different voice said disregard the previous message and it is only, repeat only an exercise! I figure someone got their rear chewed over that mistake. (I purposely am leaving out the codes for the real thing and the exercise.)
I was part of the early guys to activate the sites as the construction was completed.I was eventually made crew chief and had my hands on nearly every bird (33) in the unit, and visited all four sites many times for pulling the birds for reg. maint., for warhead convoy & inst. and those middle of the night calls for inverter repl. Had a ball on Oki.,worked hard, played hard, and was disapointed on ret.to states to SAC., and 'Hounddog'
Note email change. I was awarded the Master Missile Badge in 1962 when it first came out, I had to solder the master wreath from a aircraft master badge to a basic missile badge. I am still alive and kicking in Pensacola Florida. Still building fishing rods and fishing. Would like to hear from some of the 'old' guys from Orlando 1955-1958; Formosa 1958-1960; Orlando 1960=1963 and Okinawa (Site 4) 1963 to 1965. C2
I was with the 38th Air Police/K-9 squadron. Would like to reconnect with any old 'dogmen'. Best job on base. Dogs didn't recognize rank and if you happened to enter my patrol area without authorization, well your but was his to chew. Miss my old dog. One of the best friends I ever had.
I was a missle Maint. Tech. Joined USAF in 1963 Discharged 1967. Kadena 1964 - 1966.
Anybody else out there who was on duty the night they took the Pueblo ?
Just read the 'New Preamble to the Constitution' and Mitchell Kaye is a 'keeper'. We need a lot more politicans with his common sense, down to earth beliefs while there are still enough of us with similar beliefs to put them in office.
Hello, My Dad, Warren E. Foxhill worked for Martin Co. and we were in Germany 1956-59 and 1962-66. Over there he worked on the Matador and Mace missiles. He was also had the Cape 1959-62 with Martin Co. He signed on with Glenn L. Martin in Baltimore. Did anyone know him? I have some photos from the Matador and Mace taken at Bitburg AFB. Please contact me, if you would like to have them for your tacmissileers site.
Email:
I have found a web site where you can get the metal missile badge that you wore on your class A uniform and the ribbons as well. The web site is www.usamilitarymetals.com. The only difference is that the one I got when I was in Germany is shaded gray while those from the above web site are polished silver but it's identical. Looking forward to Dayton
Site 3, Capt. Marcellino's crew, In the hole for the blockade.Had to wait 6 months for the site to be finished. Played LOTSA pool!
Hi All: Frank Roales here I was assigned to the 4504th Support Squadron at Orlando 1959 to 1961 working mainly on the MM-1 and MC-1. I presently live back in Vincennes, IN where I lived when joined the Air Force. I volunteer at a local military museum www.indianamilitarymuseum.org that has been around for 25 years. Last season I was on our T-33 team that moved, repaired, painted and remarked the bird as it was in the 1960
Does anyone have any 36TFW badges that I could buy from them. I have a Tac Missileer jacket and I want to add it to my jacket. I also want a couple others to create various other articles of clothing. I have also taken the 71st TMS badge and had it mounted on a red cap like we used to wear when assigned to the squadron, and have gotten several metal missile badges from the AAFM organization and attached it to the cap as well. It looks great and I wear it all the time.
Supply, delivered test monitors to launch sites.
Could use more info on the post by Judith Guest on the 19th of Dec. 08 What was the AFSC of her husband? Where was he stationed?
Rich M. I noticed your entry. I do remember Jin Skelton and I do believe you are correct and he was in Guidance and was at Hahn and at Site 6. Did not hear anything about his location. I am trying to get to Ken Finuf at Site 6. He was on our crew and was a Mechanic 2. I did send along e_mails to his last address and did not get any answer. I sent along some pictures to his last address in Texas and although they were sent registered mail I never got a response back as to if he received those pictures. He was still married to his wife of many years that I introduced him to many years ago. She was a real great German girl that he married after being with her for a short period of time. If anyone can help in my search for one of my best old friends please send along any information. Thanks for any help and best to everyone for the New Year. Ahhh Dayton sounds good to me. Get rid of the snow and I am ready to head down the road to dayton.
It's been a year since I last signed in, this season brings me memories of christmas in 1960, Korea. I was looking at the Osan Air Base site boy has it changed along with the rest of Korea. To keep this short may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Blaine, Wa. A special greeting to my old crew member Brent in Florida...Scott
Clifford Walter (CW) Lewis, age 71, of Tuscaloosa, died Dec. 18, 2008, at Hospice of West Alabama. CW served with Matador in Germany, and later again at Bitburg with the Mace -B program in TEMS.
Just wanted to let everyone know that Dick, my husband of 41 years, passed away Nov. 20, 2008. He suffered for many years with COPD and associated illnesses. He finally became tired of fighting and went to find peace at last. I miss him terribly but am trying to put my life, such as it is, back together. Judith A. Guest (Judy)
I know where only a couple of the Hahn AGE (421x3) troops got to. I know where Leo Cupp, Hal Renniger, and Gene Henderson are. I would like to hear from or about the others. George Via, Carl Voss, Bill Miller,Paul Decoste, Evander Lucas ate some of the ones I am interested in . Also Does anyone hear from Jim Skelton? I believe he was Guidence at Hahn. I haven,t been able to find Him. Thanks
Have a member trying to locate Jerry Hightower and William Keeling. Anyone out there have any info on these former Missileers. Max
Hello all you fine Missileers. Seems to be a little confusion about the 'formal' attire for the reunion banquet, to be held at the Wright Pat. officer's club during our July 15-18-2009 reunion. Formal attire is suit and tie or sport coat and tie. Some of you are concerned it means tuxedo and black tie. Would be nice, but my old bones couldn't take the physical abuse I would receive at the reunion, if I said Tux. Really looking forward to seeing y'all again, and especially the 'new' attendee's that have signed on for the reunion. Take care. Max
FOR JOE PERKINS; I like your comments you made in Oct, that is the way it must be in this fine organization. New Email address
Correction to my last message. Should have read July 15 thru July 19 2009... Not July 17. Sorry about that..... Roger
Just wanted to let you know that I have made the hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn for mt wife and I from July 17 thru july 19 2009. I had no problems what so-ever in making them and already have my confirmations. See You all there...........
My Thanks goes out to all those working so hard on the reunion in 2009. About the time I think the organization cannot get any better I realize that our Officers are making things even better for the membership. The NEWS LETTER just arrived and the details of our next reunion look great. This will be my first trip to the air show and I can hardly wait to see all the guys again, and attend all the activities. Again, thanks for all your hard work. It is appreciated.
Nice work guys, keep it going. Ken
When u speak of a person be sure to identfy or keep ur mouth shut were u the mech 3 whose job was to insure of the operation I understand it was the connec tion of the Rato Bottle. take care and enjoy this Web site.
Bill Williams-I retrained into Instrumentation in 64. Was awarded Master Missileman Badge in Dec 66. I think that the Master Badge came out in 66.
Would like to find names of Airmen that served with Col. Vetter at Bitburg. I was at B-Pad. 61 and 62..
I was stationed with the 58th Comm & Guidance Sq. at Osan A.B. I worked on the Radios and ground wire links to the Matador launch pads, and the Rader trailers and the Command Center.
Nice to see you guys. Hoping someone can get me an email address for Tom Campbell? I worked in the GEMS shop in Okinawa '65-'66, rotated back to Lowry AFB. Helped in setting up maint. shop for the school.George Mindling and Itransferred to Bitburg together in '68. I was assigned the GSC, what an ego deflater, after working GEMS. Met Tom Campbell, and he sort of followed me around for the next 5 years. I left Bitbug for good in Apr 30, '69, on emergency leave, retrained into Instrumentaion, at the time the only one with a Master Missleman Badge. Retired in '83 as MSgt living in Oregon!
I was staitoioned at Orlando AFB from Nov. 60 to Apr 62. I was an special weapons instructor, A1C. I would have to look up the Sq. number etc, but I do have all orders from that time. I volenterd for operatin Jungle Jim and spent the remaining years of my service, to Feb 66 in the Aircommando's However, some of by best memories of the USAF are of Orlando and the Mace 76 Missle. I was involved in several launchs at the cape. I am interested in your organization. I have a few photos that may be of some intrest if you are interested. Regards Don Cooper
Looking for any armament type. any one know what happened to Capt. Belamy(Jasper the friendly Ghost)?
69th Tactical Tactical Missile Squadron , Patrick Air Base for 2 years and Hahn Air Force Base for 2 years. 1952 TO 1956
Hope to see all you Site 1 'Cable Pullers' in Dayton next July. On a more serious note, please say a prayer tonight for all my Texas brothers and sisters down on the Gulf coast . They're really catching hell.
The Star Spangled Banner is not the way I remember it. Drama does nothing for me.
Do you have information on the 310th TAC Misile in Korea?
I was a mac on capt George Cobb's launch crew and worked at site's 2,3,4. Would love to hear from anyone who was there at that time.
We also used the PSM-6 to check the explosive squib cables on the MNAC(A/C)Hoses on the MACE 'B' at Camp Happiness prior to live launch.
My email was corrupted so please note the revised one. I was stationed at Orlando(twice), Camp Happiness, Taiwan and Okinawa. I'd like to hear from some of the old guys that are still around. If any o fyou know Geprge Mindling, tell him about the email change. Charlie Smoote Pensacola Florida
Just a hiya to let you all know I'm still kicking. Anyone from OL 8 or OL 18 Ilmspan, Germany send me an email. Was at Bitburg Maint. from 1959 to 1961 (see picture in Missileer Magazine)
Anybody remember the PSM-6 that caused the stuck launch door at Site VII? Somebody placed a Pissem 6 on the hydraulic piston under the switch activation arm, when the door got about a third of the way up, the door jammed. I was the guy from F/C dispatched to figure out the problem...
Posts about the PSM-6 stenciled for the launch crew, reminded me of one time we used it. It was a cold, rainy night, and we were sitting at the table playing cards and waiting for WWIII, when someone checked the Launch Control Panel and noticed a red light illuminated. Panic time! It said 'Booster Bottle Armed' on missile #5. Not good...not good at all!! Sounds like a job for the weapons guy!...but wait, that's a sterile area!...two people have to go. Being low dogs on the totem pole, the #2 Mechanic and I, grabbed the T.O., the 'Possum-6', and ran out to the J-box to check if the bottle was really armed. No nylon parkas allowed near a potentially armed bottle, it's 35F, and it's pouring rain. We were soaked to the skin before we even reached the bird, but it wasn't the cold that was making me shiver. It was the idea that it was possible we were going to dump a missile into a field a couple of miles away, and the realization that the two of us would never see it happen. I was puckered pretty tight...fully expecting the bottle to fire, and turn us into a couple of crispy critters, but fortunately everything checked out okay...the bottle wasn't armed...it was a stray signal, caused by water inside a cable. We had to drop a target to make repairs, but that sure beat what might have happened. So, yes, launch did use that meter now and then.
Change of e-mail notice, new address raywms@hughs.net... Hope to see u all in DAYTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Just fiund this site and located several names that bring back memories. Ray Asik, Sam Ruvulo, and George Sherman. And I'm sure there must be more here.
For Charles Herring, Sorry to hear you will not be able to attend the reunion.. If my memory serves me correctly we had two Types of 'Count-Downs' a Long count (I think 30 Min. and a short count !5 Min.) The long count was to simulate a replacement of the BIRD and preparing it to launch right after previously fireing one off (the 30 Min.version) and would have been the one that required the use of the AN/PMM 6 meter on the RATO connection as well as possble other proceedures. We used to practice this quit extensively. The 'SHORT' count (15 min.) was when the Bird was already sitting on EWO status and ready to go, usually after one of the Long counts had been completed. The Matador (In Taiwan) actually was not moved around to different areas as well, just in the Launch Pad areas and of course the Launcher was usually not mobilized, but could have been and the Missile mover was termed Transport vehicle . The only time I expreienced Mobilizing them was when we all went to Quam for an excercise (I do not recall the name of the excercise now) getting old and my memory is not what it once was. Well enough of this Rambling on, so will converse again later Hope you are enjoying living in germany, Sounds exciteing to me. We live in Florida...
For Roger E. St. Germain... Unfortunately, I won't be attending the Dayton reunion. As I live in Germany, I have to pay for the flight tickets in the EURO currency which makes the cost of a flight too high for me at present. Maybe one day we can meet.... The MACE was designed to be mobile but it was not mobile deployed. There were attempts to move the system through the German villages and the narrow roads but it proved to be too much of a hassle so they were placed on the sites in a static alert configuration. In 1961, there were very few Autobahns and the normal roads were very narrow. The streets in the towns were equally narrow. The TerraCruiser towing a missle would not fit through the streets. Thanks for your reply...Chuck Herring
This is for Charles Herring, Thanks for the information I really appreciate it, I was not aware that the 'MACE' was not Mobile or at least not deployed as mobile. Would like to meet you, are you going to the Re- union in Dayton next year Roger St.Germain
Was in USAF, 38th and 822nd from Jan 1961 - Jan 1865. Nuclear weapons training at Lowry AFB in Denver, Mace training at Orlando and site duty at Sembach AFB in Germany. Rank Airman Second ...Native of Rocky Mount N.C., grad. of N.C. Wesleyan College ...resides at Rocky Mount NC ...Served on missle crew with a Captain Heyden (Washington State) (?), Sgt Lebies Fobb (Listed on honor role) and Airman Richard Norwood (Chicago Area). Referred to this site by Andy Holcombe of Rome GA, also member of 822nd
I was a Mech 2 at Ritterdorf on Lt Tubbs crew 2-64 to 8-65 and then transfered to Sembach as a Mech 1 on Lt Bock crew in the 823rd until shut down
The stencil on the multimeter case states, 'TM-76A Launch', so I assumed you were asking if the meter was used during TM-76A launch procedures. If the MACE had been mobile like the Matador missile was, I'm sure the meter would have been used to check for stray voltage before connecting the RATO bottle. But, the TM-76A MACE at Hahn was not mobile as the Matador was.
My previouse comments about the AN/PSM-6 would all apply to the Matador Missile system, I can not speak to the Mace for I was not invilved with them and thier proceedures probbaly were different Charles I am assuming you were reffering to the MACE...
Charles K; You are probably correct if your talking about an 'alert Missile' that would have already been done at an earlier time by a Launch Crew.
If my memory serves me correctly the armament people also used it prior to connecting the cable to the RATO Bottle. As part of the launch prep and missile to launcher installation the launch crew actualy swung the bird over from the transport vehicle to the Missile launcher and hanging the Rato Bottle was part of that proceedure as well as many other launch readines functions. Of course this would have normamlly been done after a simulated launch of the previouse Bird It has been a long time but thats the way I remember it ?????? I believe the Rato Bottle was hung utilizing two BOMB hoist and manually cranked in place after the bird was raised in the launch position.
I do not recall the AN/PSM-6 Multimeter being used for any checks during the launch procedure for the TM76A. I was a Mechanic # 5 on the launch crew. The RATO bottle was already connected to the missile system. No electrical checks were necessary unless they were done at the time the missile was initially set up by the missile maintenance folks. The meter was part of the equipment for the nuclear weapons maintenance shop at that time. That the missile folks used one, I do not recall. If I am incorrect, please let me know....
Roger , I do remember the PSM6 I used it on the RATO connection on Guam in Project Happy hour. You never wanted to see any stray voltage on the meter during missile elevation to launch position. Do you remember the Newbie LT we got on the launch pads in Taiwan that brought an alarm clock that sounded like the alert bell from the blockhouse? As I recall we all hit the pad and got the REAL van out of it's parking space and backed it up to the ready bird. All this time the LT is yelling over the loudspeaker that we should stand down with the warhead arming procedures. All this time the 461X0 is desparately trying to untape the igniter barrel that was buried in the groud. Needless to say that was the hang-up in getting the bird ready to launch as they had numerous wraps of lead tape and dessicant inside to keep moisture out which took a long time to unwrap. At least we got credit for a practice alert because of the LT's alarm clock. Tainan was an experience. Dennis Hornberger
I don't think I was very clear in my earlier entry.I was reponding to the picture of the AN/PSM 6 meter on the home Web page I believe most armament people would be very aware of what that is. Please repond if I am not correcrt abouut this? Roger PS I hope everybody had a nice 4th of July holiday...
Somebody asked if the PSM 6 meter was used as part of the launch proceedure, It was used to check for any stray amperage before hooking up the cable to the 'RATO' bottle during the launch proceedure, or any other time the cable was to be connected, if my memory serves me corectly The PSM 6 is a multimeter Roger
Would like to hear from some guys that was in the maintenance area in Tripoli. I have some questions.
I realize that this is pretty thin information, but I'm looking for the Airman that loaned me $300 in order for me to return home on emergency leave sometime in 1957. I figure I owe him at least $5,000. Unfortunately it was a bad time for me, and I lost complete contact with the outfit. We worked in the Metro Tango converting bombs to warheads weapons depot hanger at the time. Anyone having any recognition of the approximately 5'6' clerk who wore glasses at the time please reply. Joe Sanchez
I was the mech one on Crew 35 Smele in 68. Del Sargert was the crew chief.
Remember the Kadena carnival. We has fish pond,serpent dancer and Taco booths. Used money for Group picnic at White Beach and Radio station that was great to talk to people in states. Who was crew chief of Crew 35 Smele Crew?
Served as a MSQ-1A Radar Matador Guidance technician/oprator, 1959-60, Tainan, Taiwan; also served at the Mountain Guidance Site (between Tainan and Kao Shung); and the Penghu Island site, near Makung City, in the Pescadores Islands. I would like to see some more pictures from Taiwan!
Hound Dog at Beale to Mace back to Hound Dog at Loring to recruiting to retirement in 72. Crew 40 Site 4 to NCOIC Procedures (edited 498TMGM 55-1)
I've managed to 'misplace' the last 'Missileer' I was sent. Would like to join the group! Let's try it one more time !
Mace Missile program 64-66 at Bitburg AFB, Germany. Power Producrion at missile site. Prior assignment was SAC at Vandenberg AFB, California. we provided all of tghe p;owewr to the missile sites as well as water for flameme buckets at active launch sites.
A question for the first Matador guys of the 310th at Osan in 1958: Which unit were you in at Orlando? The 24th? The 310th was an F-86 squadron when the 58th Fighter Wing was reduced to Group status and renamed the 58th Tactical Missile Group in 1958 and converted the 310th TFS to the 310 TMS, so the 310th obviously wasn't at Orlando. Any help would be greatly appreciated... Thanks, George
Updating information only. Hope all goes well for us to attend the reunion in Ohio next year. CMSgt retired
Veterans who served in Viet Nam and have any of the following medical problems are entitled to VA monetary compensation.If you are retired from the military you are entitled to CRSC pay in the amount of what VA pays. This money is all tax free.Some of these 11 diseases are: diabetes type 2, lymphocytic leukemia,soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkins lymphoma,prostate cancer,Hodgkins disease,respiratory cancers,etc. Have any questions contact me at res1pcnn@hotmail.com or call your local Veterans Affairs office.
Heard from unofficial sources that two members of my launch crew had passed away. Ronnie M. Hayes and John W. Spencer. Wonder if anyone could confirm this.
I was at Kadena afb, 1962 and 63 in the 498th tmg. Ran test monitors to the launch control rooms.Did not like there black top roads when it rained, ended up rolling over a metro van with two test monitors in it and had to pay for the damage to the van. Okinawan labor 28 cents a hour. But as a Airman 2nd class that was a lot of money. Did make it to the tucson reunion last year and that was great.
Just found this site and one of the first things I noticed is a schduled reunion in Dayton, OH for 2009. Just when will this be held? Would like to schedule a visit to my daughter about the same time.
Just a short note from your Membership Director/Treasurer. Quarterly newsletter, spring addition, will go out in the mail 4/21/08. If you are current on your due's, you of course should receive yours. Please contact me if you don't receive one and you think you are current on your due's. For those that have not received a newsletter in the past year or so, this is probably due to your due's not being current. We the staff of course, would like everyone to receive the newsletters, as they are, after all, all about our members and their memories and experiances, of that 'other' life, that we all enjoyed so much. Well, most of us, anyway. Looking forward to hearing from all of you. Max
Was on duty the night Kennedy was shot. don't think i'll ever forget that!!!
Looking to hear from any one who served during that time. Was on crew that consisted of Capt. Don Lehr, NCOIC Edwards,Rich Miller, Red Ryan, Ron Polsun, Raymond (Willie-san) Williams.
Missile school, Lowery 1959. Matador launch training. Orlando 1960. Mace maintenance, Sembach 1961-1963.
Hello everyone. Max Butler here, your Membership Director/Treasurer. Just a note to ask everyone that is even thinking about attending the Dayton, Oh. reunion to let me know as early as possible. I have started an attendee's list, and have at this point 110 signed up. This will of course help us in the planning stages. I fully expect 300+ in attendance, from all the interest that has been generated regarding the reunion. I have had a couple of members ask if it would be okay for other family members to attend, such as grandchildren, for the Air Show and Air Museum segments. This of course is a big YES. Of course there will be a cost attached to this, which will be worked out by this summer. But my,my, what an opportunity for a grandchild. Next newsletter will be out in about 2-3 weeks with some reunion info and other interesting articles, published by our own very capable Editor, Bob Bolton. BY the way, he is always looking for input from you guys, so if you have something that would be of interest to the rest of us, by all means, get in contact with him. It doesn't even have to be entirely true, just interesting. Of course, after all these years, we may not remember axactly, how something happened, me included, of course. One other little thing. If you haven't kept your due's current, please send them in as it sure helps in the publishing and mailing of the newsletters. Hope to see you all at the reunion July 2009.
OK. last chance. Bob Bolton and I are wrapping up 9 months of intense research (mostly Bob!) on our book, the US Air Force Tactical Missiles
I should have said the 71st was originally the 1st PBS when it was first attached to the 36th, then renumbered the 71st after it went to the 701st TMW, then later the 38th TMW. The 36th TFW was supposed to be renamed to 36th Tactical Wing after it absorbed the 71st in 1965, but the name change never happened. Still, it was all USAFE, assigned to the 4th ATAF, NATO. George
You are absolutely right! That was the third time the 71st was attached to the 36th, although the first time it was the 36th Fighter Day Wing, and later the 36th Fighter Bomber Wing. The 1st time was it was part of the 12th AF, the 2nd time as part of the 17th AF. I got my Master Missileman Badge (as a S/Sgt) from the 36th TFW also, in 1969. George
George, I am not sure what you said but all I remember is: the 71st TACTICAL MISSILE SQUADRON was assigned to the 36th TACTICAL FIGHTER WING at Bitburg. I know that I was awarded the missile badge as I have a copy of all my records from the USAF Archives. I served proudly on the Mace B and wore my missile badge with pride, especially when I was assigned to the 3097th ADS at Stonybrooke, Westover AFB, Springfield MA. Many Nuc Weapons Technicians looked at the missile badge with envy as I was the only one at the Depot Squadron that wore one and I only had 3 years in the Air Force, and we had 6 crews that worked in igloos on the nucs for the B-52's.
I was an A/1C control systems mechanic stationed in Formosa with Launch Team 'B' during the bombing of Quemoy.At Orlando, I belonged to the 17TMS and the 24TMS. I would love to see the Formosa team members at the reunion in Dayton. Remember our favorite line to the oncoming launch team - 'If you can't hack it give us a call.' I was the guy during alerts who would take a bird from missile maintenance fully assembled and pull it down the flight line to the launch pad so we could get the 3 birds done and back to town. Hope to hear from or see some of you.Ater all they were the good old days.
Nuc Wpns Spec, Retired as EOD
Don't agree, guys, sorry! 4504th MTW (including Det 1 at Holloman and Det 2 at Camp Happiness) was 9th AF, TAC, HQ Shaw AFB,SC, 498th TMG was 313th Air Division, 5th AF, Fuchu, Air Station, Tokyo, Japan (At that time), PACAF, Hickam AFB,Hawaii; Air Training Command at Lowry AFB and Keesler AFB, HQ Randolf AFB, TX; and all TM groups or squadrons in Europe were all 12th AF in the early days, and later 17th AF, USAFE. The 12th AF was not reassigned to TAC until 10 November 1957 when it was reassigned from USAFE. PACAF and USAFE were Theater Commands that did not attach as TAC, SAC, MATS or any thing else unless noted 'as attached.' The Matador and Mace units were tactical units, but not necessarily assigned to TAC. Technically, the only 'TAC' missileers were the ones at Orlando with the 4504th MTW. I understand the reasoning for the association to shorten the name, but to any AF people outside of our group, it looks like we were all Tactical Air Command. George
George, PACAF had Tac and SAC units in it's inventory. We WERE TAC. Did USAFE have TAC,SAC commands in it's inventory? By the way the Missile badge is meant to be worn by all who earned the badge. Not just Matador-Mace missileers. Joe's plaque is meant to honor all of us that served with the Matador-Mace programs.
After reading Joe's statement, I retract mine. I agree that it would be nice to recreate the monument that was at Bitburg and if that happens, I will be more than glad to donate money to this worthy cause. Until then, I will be on hand to dedicate the plaque that Joe has taken on to display on the Walk of Memorials.
I was at Osan with the 588th Det2 Also consecutive tour to Tainan, Taiwan with the B-61A 1959 - 1960. Then - missle instructor at Orlando AFB, Florida. We launched out of the Cape with student crews.
The plaque is a great idea, but, at the risk of being excommunicated here, I don't think the inscription chosen is fitting. We all appreciate the hard work and effort Joe Perkins in putting this organization together and putting together the reunions over the years, but I don't think any one name belongs on the dedication plaque to TAC missilemen. Besides, what about us in USAFE, ATC and PACAF? Not everybody was in TAC.
I also believe that the plaque should be from all the missileers that served as a 'cold war warrior' I would be only too glad to kick in for my share of the cost.IMHO...Looking forward to Dayton in 09.
The plaque is great but should be from the whole organization, not an individual. We all served in the Air Force and we all participated in these missile systems and we all should donate to the plaque. Sorry, but this is my opinion. I do think it will be great to see a plaque from the TacMissileers on the walk of fame at Wright Patt.
Notification of email address change from previous sign-in in '07.
enjoying the look back at some fine memories.
I believe we all need to thank the 'Perkster' and his wife for the plaque that will be installed in the Memorial Garden of the Museum of the United States Air Force. Thank You for this wonderful permanent recognition of our service to Tac and the United States Air Force. I am grateful for your generosity. thanks from 'B' crew Tainan, Taiwan 1960-61
WAS LANUCH CHIEF TEAM 3 1960-SEPT 1962.STEINBORN, OPERATOR C PAD BITBURG, DURING BLDG. OF MACE SITE. JAN 1963 TANSFERED TO SEMBECH , ON WAY HOME JUN 1964. WORKED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, LAS VEGAS.NEV. AFTER RETIREMENT FROM AF 1968.RETIRED LAW ENFORCEMENT 1983, WIFE AND I MOVED TO CALIF. 1984, WIFE, ANNELIESE, PASSED AWAY 1991.I LIVE IN CITRUS HEIGHTS OUTSIDE OF SACREMENTO
I'd like to hear from anybody at Metro Tango during this time. Remember Libya?
i was amech 3 site 4 a crew 31 remember 'spearheaded', maj. piner was my cc lo before he was dco lots of good times over there. i was looking at sign in not too many guys from kadena pulled ayear on minuteman maint. no comparison to the great b bird!! well fun dropping aline best wishes to all my fellow missileers
Anybody have the e-mail address of Ernie Hansford, or Tommy Gayle, or Joe Lassiter? I have some pictures that I would like to send to them...Lee Garwig
okinawa-nose picker from oct 63 to may 65 jfk was shot 1 month after my arrival i joined the airforce during the cuban missile crisis
www.SembachMissileers.org - Announcing new website dedicated to the former members of the USAF 38th Tactical Missile Wing, that were stationed at Sembach AB, Germany between August 29th, 1959 and Mace TM-76A (MGM-13A) curtailment on September 25th, 1966. Primary emphasis is the RFML (Rapid Fire Multiple Launch) crews, who were members of the 822nd, 823rd and 887th Tactical Missile Squadrons.
Assigned to TEMS first tour. Assigned to 'old' A Site to assess storage of air to air missiles & iron bombs and uploading munition trailes to be ready to support deployments from USA. After 18 months idea scrapped.
Interesting! Still noted some inaccuracies, but it was a long time ago!
I retired from the AF civil service in 1998. I was the AF Systems Program Director for the Strategic Automated Command Control System (SACCS) and Hac Rampe and all of it upgrades and configurations, and reporting system to USSTRATCOM at Offutt AFB. I reported directly to the Defense Acquisition Commander and Assistant Secretary of Air Force for Acquisition. SACCS sent out the emergency force direction messages to the various missile sites and TRIAD defense systems. It also provided feedback battle damage reports, along with military mobilization and deployment messages. Prior work expereience, I was a technical representative for Aerojet Corp on the prototype and production of the Titan 1, Titan II, Titan III, Mercury, and Apollo series missiles. I also worked on the Polaris system. I left Aerojet in 1967. I think your effort is outstanding. Keep up the good missile work. John Schance, Retired Systems Program Director/SACCS USAF
Assistance required from one or more of our Outstanding Mech 1s or LOs, we're getting swamped by the MACE Germany crowd in the realm of Missile site and Missile Control Call Signs. Not a major thing, of course but embarassing that the far east contingent could be so far behind. So far I have gotten help from Chief Beardslee(Crew 18 Gopher Broke),we have come up with: Missile Control: UNK Site 1, Bolo Point - Dintybird Site 2, White Beach - UNK Site 3 Camp Hanson - Nitelong Site 4 UNK - Conestoga Help us fill in the UNKs Thanx Bob & Chuck
beyond words. It brought me to tears.
While on Blockhouse mid shift duty one dark night, I watched as the USAF AP's took the Taiwanese Shift Honcho for the second line of security around the compound to check on his troops. Whenever he found one sleeping he profoundly beat the @*%&# out of him and then went on to his other checks. I don't think our AP's had to submit to that kind of treatment, but then again they didn't sleep while on duty either. Anybody remember the food poisioning episode? How about the scowls and swearing from the Honey Bucket Drivers as they scooped out the latrine and swore everytime they got toilet paper in the ladle. Ahh those were the days.
Updates email address.
This will serve to update my email address. Had a great time in Tucson and Nashville before that. Looking forward to Dayton. Those 586th guys were and are the greatest.
Updating mt e-mail address now flroales@avenuebroadband.com Would like to heat from any 'Black Hats' from Orlando Frank
Hi, My name is Eric Sudeth and im trying to locate anyone who knew my dad William (Bill) Thomas Sudeth. My middle name is Hendon after the Hendersons. I am not sure of first names. Somewhere I have a picture of a group of guys around a M.A.C.E. missle. Infact my dad named us after the missle Mark. Arpril. Charolette. Eric. MACE. I would like to find out more of what my dad was like back then. I have some unanswered questions and hope I can get some answers. We moved to Orlando Florida in 1970 and im now currently in Atlanta Georgia. Thank you all for your help. Eric Sudeth ericsudeth@yahoo.com ericsudeth@comcast.net
I was on a launch crew with the 405th at Hahn until sept 25, 1966 when it was deactivated. Went to Langley for AIM guidance..then to RAF Bentwaters England for 5 years..then back to Lowery for Instrumentation school..then to White Sands, NM. sled track. regards Bill Wyatt Friendswood, Tx ( Houston..NASA Area)
I have signed in before............. Put following in guest book, added a little this time: ----------------------------------------------- Sampson AFB NY, Keesler AFB Biloxi Miss, Patrick AFB Florida, Bitburg Germany, Landsberg Germany, Tripoli & Garian Libya, Landsburg Germany (again), Schwartzenborn/Kn
Just a few words about Korean duty Jun 60-Jun 61.I was a Launch Tech.on Launch 2.In the first part of 1961,we,Launch 2 Crew,took two Matadors from Osan AB to Kadena AB,Okinawa for a Firepower demonstration.We had both Missiles ready.It rained a lot on Okinawa.About one hour before we were to Launch at least one Matador,we were told to pack up and go home.All other branches of the service were able to show off their harware and skills. In 310th TMS we would be on Alert for 24 hrs.and then off duty for 24hrs.
I first went to Orlando AFB Florida in 1955 to work on the TM61A Matador I was assigned to the 11th ,17th, 19th(for a few days). We were mainly assigned to details and card playing in the tents because all of the hangars were being used by the regular guys who were getting ready to go overseas. I then went to Taiwan where I was assigned to a launch crew at Tainan. I returned to Orlando again where I worked on the TM76A, the ATRAN missile. I then was assigned to the TM76B and went to factory school at Baltimore(Middle River)MD. I then alternated between Orlando and Camp Happiness at Cape Canaveral until we got set up to instruct the Launch Crews in training at Orlando. I taught there at Orlando until we were stationed at Camp Happiness again as regular guys. We launched the Mace B (Excalibur) from the Cape. I often wondered where Capt Arthur's hard hat finally rested. From there, I went to Kadena Okinawa with the 498 TMG until I left and retrained the Aircraft Inertial Guidance career field. As we were there in Orlando(crews without missiles) I got to meet a lot of the guys who went overseas. A lot of water has gone over the dam and I often remember people that I met. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, everybody. BTW, I am spending the holidays with my girls in Orlando. I retired from the Air Force in Arkansas after serving in Germany. I saw a lot of remnants of the Matador and MACE-A around Sembach where I lived. I retired from McDonnell Douglas at Titusville Florida where I also saw many remnants of the Matador and MACE. Camp Happiness is now a cruise ship terminal but the memories of the guys and the good living still exist. I live in Pensacola Florida with my wife and cat, still busy making fishing tackle and fishing. I'd like to hear from some of the guys and chat a bit. Charlie Smoote SMSGT USAF(Ret)
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all the Mace folks out there.
Hi everyone especially Jean. I was guidance and remember the trip to Guam. I believe all it must do there is rain there. Our team prepared a bird for one of our other team from Osan. Our C130 lost a engine on the way to Okinawa and we set down at there home and was bused to our destination, then back to the cold. With Christmas coming up I remember Christmas morning 1960 when I wokeup and all I heard was josons talking, I though I was still in the village....Merry Christmas to Jean and all the rest of you guys....Any of you Taiwan guys know the where abouts of Waller, we roomed when we met back at Lowry.
I was in Det 1 at Holloman from 1959 until it was disbanded in 1963. I had orders to go to Sembach, but declined to extend my tour to go. I had only seven months left and after the assignment to Germany I would have had twelve years completed and it would have been too late to make a decision to quit. I loved every minute I was in the USAF and served with the most intelligent and dedicated people I have ever met. It was an educational experience. We were the ones who got to see the fruits of our labor....hopefully a successful launch and recovery. Those were the best of days. James I. Garner (SSgt)
I have been compiling a list of email addresses of Bitburg troops and some Okinawa troops. If you would like to be added please email me direct.
Good to see so many of the original Bitburg B-Bird guys (1962) popping up... Hopefully we'll all get together at the next reunion in Dayton. George
Enjoyed Dennis and Rogers' comments on our Guam experiences. The 10th bird did'nt go because someone had stepped on the rato cabled and seperated a wire in the casing. I still tell stories about how far away the RSO was when I had to see if the black powder charge was 'hot'! What do you think? We lobbied to fire the bird, but I recall it was returned to Korea. I can't swear to that though. I remember the housing as being abandoned wooden barracks on what was called NW(?) Field. They were rotted, but OK. The best part was the food! I remember Navy and civilian cooks. Was'nt there a 'luau' at the end?
Just to add a comment on the deployment to Guam and Dennis's comments as well. I was the Engine and airframe guy as well as Crane operator and Truck driver, I remember having to take our Missile Launcher to Agana Navy base to hace it degaused, It seems that it was placed near some generators on board the ship enroute to Guam so it became magnetized and the Guidance flux valve or sensor (dont recall the proper name) did not like that,I also remember taping a small toy magnet near the flux valve to counter act the residual magnetism that was left in it,and that did the trick and allowed the gyros to be nulled out. Good old american enginuity........ I also remember living in what used to be Base housing instad of our normal hut that we lived in in Tainan, We all thought we died and went to heaven,... Those were the really good old and would do it all again in .New York Minute . Well enough reminising for now. Dennis are going to attend the reunion in ohio in 2009? Roger St.Germain, Retired old guy...
Commenting on Jean Brandt's message from 11/16/07. I was on the 13th AF's 868th TAC Missile Sq. as a weapons tech. We went to Guam to test the reliability of the Missile system. As I recall. The 868th brought 4 missiles to test fire and the 5th AF from Korea had 6 missiles to fire. I might add that the 868th guidance crews did a remarkable job in seeing to it that the 4 missiles we fired hit the target 4 times. I recall that the 5th from Korea had a hard time making the target. I do remember the smiles on the chase plane pilots faces at the de-briefings when they came back after shooting down an errant 5th AF bird. Oh yes, I still have my dust plug from the Rato bottle on my desk. Mine fired. I do remember the 6th bird from Korea, Did they ship that thing back to Korea? We could'nt retrieve ours. Seriously, the TDY to Guam was a much needed relief from the squalor of Taiwan and I'm sure Korea. Remember the coconut openings on Tarage beach? The EM club was first rate but then it was a SAC base at the time.
All I can remember from calls was the following from USAFE: GANGBUSTERS,GANGBUSTERS, THIS IS ACTIVE MOUNTAIN'. This is an assumption that USAFE was Active Mountain and the rest of the Air Force, regardless of unit was Gangbusters. I do remember the calls from USAFE with the weather coordinates and then a pray that the coordinates wouldn't change so we didn't have to do anything and play pinochle. It was some fun times, especially changing a nose or torque exciter and having to stand on that door in freezing weather, especially if you had to run the engines.
Denny, Jim, Lets give Emmy a hand and go find the rest of us!
Its been great to look through the web site and catch on where everyone is now located. I had completely lost contact with everyone. Looking foreward to renewing some old friendships.
Just finished a phone conversation with Larry Emerson and it brought back a lot of old memories. Still drinking George Dickel, Dutch. Would like to hear from any of the old poker and pinochle group.
WAS ON LAUNCH TEAM 10. HAD GOOD SCROUNGERS AND OUR HOOCH WAS GREAT, THEY DID'NT LET US 'TRASH IT' WHEN WE LEFT. WENT TO GUAM FOR 'ORI' EXERCISE AND I WAS RATO GUY ON THE LAST BIRD AND IT FAILED TO IGNITE. WHAT A TRIP! REMEMBER ROOTING FOR THE C-130? THAT CARRIED THE LAUNCHER TO GET OFF THE GROUND! STOPPED AT OKINAWA ON RETURN, I REMEMBER A GREAT AIRMENS CLUB. BEFORE GOING TO OSAN WAS A LAUNCH TEAM INSTRUCTOR. WOULD LIKE TO HEAR FROM ANYONE FROM THIS TIME.
Just wanted to advise everyone of my new e-mail address. Old address was M.butler11540@sbcglobal.net. New address is thebutler@live.com. Keep checking our web-site regarding the 2009 reunion in Dayton, Ohio. We are planning some special events that I'm sure everyone will be most excited about. I know July 2009 sounds like a long way off, but having been involved in the planning of our reunions, I have found time 'flies' and has a way of sneaking up on us. Stay tuned to our web- site folks. Max
I would like to shake Vanessa's hand. She makes me even more proud of being a member of the air force !!!! Mike Sweeney
Don't remember much, was on the night shift changing out nose cones, just loved to drive them ol'e 6by's and then later we got the internationals to pull the trailers, spent most of the time SCUBA diving or at Karate class's, would like to go back some time to see what the place look's like.
Hi all: Just returned from a trip to see the shuttle launch. Took the 'Then and Now' tour at the cape, there is a great display called 'Winged missiles of the USAF' and a booster from a Mace. Also got to see the pad that the Matadors were launched from and the Mace 'B' hard site. One of the tour guides used to fly the F-100 that chased the Matadors. OAFB is completely gone and no trace of it exists just smashed together condos. I took a few pictures at the cape of the stuff that might be of interest and one where the main gate at OAFB used to be. If you would like I can e-mail them to you, just contact me. Frank Roales 4504th Supron
Andy Hernandez found me after these many years and has kept me and others on the mail list. Visiting Dayton for a conference would be ideal setting. Thanks to all that have the will to keep us together and have these events.
Martin Tech Rep TM-76A - Holloman AFB, 1955-1956; Lowry AFB, 1957; Orlando AFB, 1957-1959; Sembach Air Base, 1959-1962; TM-76B - Orlando AFB, 1962-1963; Kadena Air Base, 1963-1966.
I see a picture submitted by Mike Sweeny...Mike Sweeney the 463?
I would like to hear from those who recognize my name.Also from Osan Missileers.I was on Launch 2 crew at Osan.
Lost track of and haven't talked to anyone since I got out in 65. I got busy?? Really looking forward to reconnecting.
Would like to hear from other Osan people.
After Kadeena I was at Eglin until May of '66, when I was discharged. I was originally from Wisconsin, but have been living in Florida since 1980. I was in Rockledge for 23 years, and the last four in Cocoa.
Check out this site...Lots of pictures that will bring back more memories than you thought you could have... www.mace-b.com/38TMW Lee Garwig
lowry-dec59jun60/orlando-jun60may61/sembach- may61jun63/lowry-jun63oct70
We had a great time in Tucson and am very much looking forward to 2009. I would like to see more of the Sembach Site Maint crews. Where are you?
A very few of us have had informal get togethers over the past two years. Of course anyone that ever worked the Mace is 'family'. Would like to attend MACE reunions of the future. Retired out of the Minuteman system June of 1983 as MSgt. Hope to see more of the Mace folks in the future.
I was an A/1c radio repairman in the 868th from November, 1957 to December, 1958. Just wondering if any of this old bunch is still in contact.
I believe I was one of the original 70 or so airmen assigned to the 1 PBS. From 1953-1955 I was assigned to the Rocket Lab, WADC Wright- Pat AFB.
Bob Bolton and I are deeply involved in writing a book called the US Air Force Tactical Missiles and we are looking for stories and photos to consider for publication. The cover and the book are already copy righted. Unfortunately we know we cannot print everything, but if you would like to have something considered, please contact me or Bob at olliesnapper@gmail.com. We are doing our best to tell our story, from the Matador to the Mace, from Taiwan, Korea, and Okinawa to Germany, including Lowry, Orlando, Holloman, Santa Rosa Island at Eglin, and even Camp Happiness! Yes the MM-1 is in there, and so is MAST if we can dig up enough history. Technical stuff, yes, but a lot of personal stories and histories. We are trying to set the records straight. Please let me know if you have material, photos, old patches, stories, even old orders you would like to have considered. George Mindling Port Charlotte, FL
Was looking thru some old books I have and lucked on to a 498th Year Book titled 'Spearheaded'. Is any one interested in maybe looking at it? I could scan some pages to give you an idea what's there. Sorry I was not part of your group so I could be notified about the Tucson gathering of hero's. Would probably know some of the group. I spent from 1961 to 1966 in Kansas. From 1967 to 1970 on Okinawa and from 1970 til mid 1980 in Tucson and retired here and stayed here. I think I might have enjoyed the re-union. Regards, TSgt (Ret) Rich Denton
I just spent 23 hours, over a 4 day period, visiting the National Museum of the Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. If you haven't been there, be prepared for a great experience. I was like a kid in a candy store the entire time. The entire visit was not only educational, but very moving. It brought back so many fond memories of my Air Force service. I am definitely looking forward to the reunion in Dayton in 2009.
Days go by and no one posts anything new...How about some stories of when you went to K'town and swam at the Schwimmbad, or took the day off and went to Forelli's during the summer to swim in the lake. Everybody must have some small thing like that to tell. We made many trips to the top of the mountain with the radio tower on it that was north of Sembach just to enjoy the Erdbeerwein. Anyone else?
I wanted to invite the group to a very special 2008 reunion we have planned at the Village Green Resort in Cottage Grove, Oregon. There are lots of unique and beautiful things to see and do in our area. A few things we have scheduled are a fun day at the coast, a wine tour, a K-9 unit demonstration put on by the police department and an Oktoberfest. The exact dates for the reunion are September 25, 2008 through September 28, 2008. Prepare to come early and stay late to get all we have to offer in this friendly area of the great Pacific Northwest. The phone number for the Village Green is 800-343-7666 and the website address is www.villagegreenresortandgardens.com. If you have any questions please call me at 800-547-5445 x21 or Art Brunig at 303-946-4243. Please make time to be here. It is really going to be fun!
In regards to the question of call signs... I do not recall if 'Cap Gun' was used for the 17th AF or the 38th TMW, but it is the one I recall being used.I took many a line check while on duty at Site V. I do not recall 'Yellow Tail' being used.
Just a note to let everyone know Lois and I fully enjoyed ourselves at the Tucson reunion. It was great seeing a majority of you once again and especially great seeing some of you for the first time. Lois says please don't be upset with her because she tried to keep order at the reunion. She just wanted everyone to feel like they were back in that 'other' life when we all had to listen to voices of authority. We the staff are already working on getting things in order for the July 2009 reunion in Dayton, Ohio. I feel this will most likely be our biggest and best reunion we have had, from the e- mails and phone calls I have received from members asking me to put them on the Dayton reunion list. We do need to know this as we will need to select a hotel this year even though the reunion is not until July 2009. This is because of the Dayton Air Show that is held annually in July, which typically attracts 100,000 people plus. The air show as well as the Wright Pat. Air Force Museum, (now known as the National Museum) will be part of our reunion. Of course the fact of the Museum having the Matador and Mace on display indoors should make everyone sign up immedially. Correct ? Have noticed quite a few 'new' former Missileers have signed in on our visitor's site. I would like to welcome you to the TacMissileers and invite you to become a member of this great organization. Send me an e-mail or snail mail Max R. Butler Membership Director/Treasurer Ric, Have you shown your Missileer jacket off yet?
OK TAC Misseleers, here is a question: In 1945 a unit was prepared to launch the JB-2 Loon against Japan from the Phillipines, and were apparently already on the island when the war ended. According to Eglin comments (not referenced) the unit would have been the first TAC (cruise missile) unit. Anybody heard of this unit or have any info? George
looking for launch crews at Sembach
I worked in the Guidence System Checker shop from Dec 68 to shutdown. Came back to the states in Dec 69 to Minuteman at Minot. I had a link to a 498th web site but it disappeared one day. Glad to find this one. I'll ask again, do any of you still use some Okinawian words in you daily speach? Maybe just a skoshi? I still do.
Folks sorry I missed the Tuscon Reunion. Date conflict, family reunion. However 2009 looks great Dayton should be great get together. Enjoyed the Tac Missileer Newsletter, another job well done. Appreciate all the fine work the Front Office has done, keeping us informed. Walter
If you are interested you can read about my life here: http://arhs1955.com/BioRonnie.html Feel very fortunate to have served with a USAF Tactical Missile unit!
Just finding some of my old TEMS comrads and others. Thanks to Bob Bailey as he pointed me to this site. Sgt Zumstein I understand lives near me in Washington State so may try to look him up soon.
Anybody know the e-mail address for Larry Kading???
Crew Chjief 40, Procedures NCOIC Wrote OPS Manual 55-1
This is additional information re: my previous entry of a few days ago. I was asssigned to the 585th TAC Missile Group whose headquarters was at Bitburg. The Detachment was Det.4 Stinebourne June 1956 thru May 1958. My PH# 321 773 1327. My health is not good and would like to talk with someone who was there at that time before I launch myself for the last time.
This posting is by my friend Phillip Thomas also a member of the 38th TMW. I was the Mess Sergt. at the Steinborn site in 1956/58. I would like to hear from anyone who was stationed there when I was. My rank was SSgt at the time. My phone # is 321 773 1327.My address is 207 Ponkapoag Way, Indian Harbor Beach, Florida 32937-4188. I don't recall any of the names but remember the site as if it were yesterday. If the message is to the above email address, it will get to me. I do not have a computer. Kayo 'Red' Adams
Sorry to report that Ted Hollins passed away on July 1st, 2007 at his home in Tenn. Hope that you can find your little blue bomb waiting for you Ted.
Checking in again and saw Taubmans pictures wow what good memories. Do any of you B-bird guys from Oki know whatever happened to Gino Bozzier? I am excited about the Dayton gathering I will see you there.
Just returned from Germany last week, our 14th trip since 1988, still a great place to visit. Spend most of our time in Baveria & Austria now. -------------------------------------------- George Craig Thursday, 1/2/03, 12:15 AM Went to Germany in 3/54 with what was then the 1st. Pilotless Bomber Sqdn. from Patrick AFB, FL Went to Bitburg then to Landsburg with Det. #3. Then to Schwarzenborn/Knull. Was in Guidance section as a radar repairman. Bet I could still fire that MPS-9 up ! One trip to Libya to fire a few millses, interesting but it sucked ! Had to watch your back with those Arabs down in Garian. Brought a cute little German redhead from Immenstadt (down in the Alps) back to the land of the BIG PX in June 56. We are still happily married & have 4 daughters & 1 son. 10 Grandchildren & 3 Great Grand children. Retired from AT&T in 1988 & have made 10 trips back to the Fatherland sense. There last in Sept of 02 & planning another in May 03. Made 5 trips between 56 & 88. We stay for 3-4 weeks. Love Germany (especially the Alps)& those Autobahns. Drive over 3,000 miles each time we go. Really enjoyed my whole tour in the USAF. Nice link you have. Only 3 years old ? Looked over the members page. Most seem to be 'youngsters' as far as being former 'Missile Men'. :o) Did not see anyone I know. Been messing with computers over 30 years now. Email: george8898@hotmail.com mace or matador,WHERE, WHEN? Matador - Bitburg, Landsburg & Schwarzenborn
I worked in the Guidance 'AANC' shop at Sembach from April 1964 - August 1966.
Jan Howell,tried to E-MAIL you and there is something wrong with it,please E-Mail me, I am a MSQ- 1A guy also..
Enjoyed all of the stories and pictures. Looks like I am the only MSQ-1A guy here--wou8ld like to hear from any other guidance guys. Jan Howell
This looks like a great site and brings back a lot of memories of those days in Germany. Good work, Joe.
Just reviewed the pictures from the last reunion. Great job, but need names to go with the faces. How about some captions?
I was a Launcher Tech.on Launch 2 at 310th TMS at Osan AB,K-55,Korea,Jun 60 to Jun 61.Lackland AFB,Jul 58.Then Lowry AFB & Orlando AFB before Osan AB.My last assignment was in the Hound Dog Control Room at Beale AFB,CA.until 13 Jul 62. I went to the Reunion at Orlando in 2001,and the Reunion at Denver in 2003.
I was guidance tech. with launch 10 with the 58thTMG, 310TMS at OsanAFB in Korea. I was there in 1960 & 61. I had been looking for information in my American Legion mag., I was glad to find this site.
...had a great time @ the 2007 reunion (tucson)...'MAX'...will get a copy/photo taken at bitburg of you(1960 or so ) and ???? what was it you said,..something about 'hair'? thanks again.
School at Lowry, Matador Training as control system tech. at Orlando AFB, Hahn AFB & mountain Launch sights, Libya - live firing.
MMII ELLSWOTH,WHITEMAN AFB
Just a quick line to let everyone know that Joe Batten, head of the A&E shop and QC at Sembach 1963- 1965, is gravely ill in an El Paso nursing home and needs everyones good thoughts. I just got back from a quick visit and he is fading fast.
I want to thank Joe, Sarah, Max, Lois and our Board of Directors for another great reunion. Everyone appreciates the work you do to make this event happen. Also thanks to Roger & Chuck for making all the arrangements before we arrived. Aw and I enjoyed it all and as usual the stories got bigger & better. Already looking forward to the next one. See you in Ohio.
Hi All...Was in the AANC shop from Apr 64 to Oct 66 when the birds were mothballed and returned to the states...Saw Larry Kading's picture on the site. Wern't those the good old days ??? Roomed with Bob Mauger, Pete Litterer, and Dave Storms most of the time at Sembach.
This is my new e-mail address:rslyscik@comcast.net
This entry is to inform everybody ofmy new Email address..............which is roger620@embarqmail.com Roger
We have a new E'mail address. See you all in Tucson.
This is a SAD entry, I was notified by Mrs Goudeau that Jimmie passed away on March 24, 2007. I had the privledge of knowing Jimmie Goudeau when assigned to Orlando and Altus AFB in the early sixty's. It was so good to see him again after all of these years at the 2005 Tac Missileer Re-union. Our condolences go to his wife Janice, family and friends. Jimmie was interned at forest lawn cemetary in Meridiam Miss. Roger
I am the historian for our group. If you have any items you would like to share, please bring them to the Reunion-Tueson. See you there.
For the Hahn A-bird guys: Name the sites: Site IV, V, and VI. I may have mixed up the names on http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Hahn/hab_1.htm. Brain lock... Thanks, George
MACE B, MEMS, INERTIAL GUIDANCE SYSTEM
Mace B, Inertial guidence system, gyro platform jock.
Ihope things are going well for you chaps out there. I was in the A&E shop. First missile repleace then move on to 'Nose Picker'. God Bless you all. JK
I was stationed on a hill in Grunstat, Germany during part of the years 1959 to 1962.
Was reading the recent msgs and saw where a person ws looking for Ed Edwards, He passed but if its the same he was on the Eval team, his address for his wife who may still have the pics is geje@comcast.net Good luck Joe
Ed Edwards: Can't find your e-mail address, I would like to use your Bitburg photos on the Bitburg/Rittersdorf/Idenheim site pages on the 38th TMW pages at http://www.mace-b.com/38TMW/Bitburg/bab_1.htm. by the way, I'm the guy who painted the signs in front of the buildings for Maj Shaw. George Mindling
I was on A Launch crew on the pad closest to the Orderly Room and Chow Hall. Msgt Beason was my crew Chief. I modified the Missile Launcher Sys on all the Bitburg Pads I got A award for my suggestion. I have also paid my Dews and am signed up. Where in Tuson are we going to meet?
EMAIL address change from jhdraper@kimbanet.com to read jdraper@kimbanet.com
Email address change
71st tms 1962-1965 worked 36th tfw for 1 year
I have been a regular visitor of this site for the past three years, after a buddy not seen for 40 years (Mike Wilczynski) found me on the internet and restruck an old friendship. He told me about the Missileers websites that he had just discovered. We got to meet at the Nashville reunion in 2005. It's been a lot of nostalgic pleasure to see the pics and read of Bitburg days. We have since located other MEMS and B-Bird folks from that era and swap information. Always interesting to find out what others have done during the 40-year gap. One of those, Ted Ebbinga, who I haven't seen in 43 years, is coming to the Tucson reunion. One of our NCO's who was at the Nashville gathering won't make Tucson: Harold 'Lucky' Loe passed away in Nov 2006. Glad I got to see him last time around. Wonder what ever happened to Gerry King, and Dennis Robbins, and Larry Heisse, and ....
Our whole outfit moved from Orlando in May of 1959 and went to Germany. They were still redoing the launch pads when we got there. About six months later we were actually dong what we were trained to do and I got out in July of 1960. Really enjoyed my 14 months in Germany.
Have thought about serving 60 ft underground many times and the good times I had in Bitburg. Met Max Butler by accident in Mt Vernon, IN. He had on his Tac Missileers jacket and told me about this web site. I joined the organization and am going to the Reunion in Tucson. Hope to see some of the old gang that helped shut down the Mace B in 69. Was on Capt Clements crew as a Nuc Weapons Specialist.
38th MMS PE dock. I'm looking for a couple of old room mate, Dave Storms and Pete Litterer. Where in all of blazes are you guys. I found Bill Aston.
With the 71st for a few months, trained as a Tech 5. They couldn't find a place for me and sent me to Aircraft Nuc Weapons at 500 Area. The 71st was a top notch organization, proud to have been a short member.
max I need to order the mace badge al morley 2235 10 1/4 ave chetek, wi 54728
I spent time at the Tainan AN/MSQ-1A Guidance site, the mountain guidance site between Tainan and Kaoshung, and the Makung (Penghu Island)guidance site in the Pescadores Islands. Would like to hear from some of the Taiwan AN/MSQ-1A guidance personnel. Would also like to contact Eugene Heaverly (sp?), a special weapons friend from Tainan. Also look forward to the 2007 reunion at Tucson, AZ.
Just anote to invite everyone to the reunion in Tucson, Az. the 2nd,3rd,4th of May 2007. If you have never attended our reunions, you are missing a great time. We will be touring the AMARC 'Boneyard', as well as a Titan Missile complex of which we will axually go down into. Also will be touring points of interest in the Tucson area. Will be plenty of time for you golfers to do your favorite thing also. Of course the real reason for the reunions is just to socialize with old buddies from that wonderful 'other' life. Its so much fun sitting around telling stories of our past experiances and memories, some true and some, well, not so true. Sure makes for a good story though. Don't wait until its too late to make your reservation at the hotel. Info is on this site of course. Also, annual due's were due this past Jan. 3years for 2 years due's is still in effect. Due's must be current to receive the quarterly newsletters. Max R. Butler Membership Director/ Treasurer
Can't express how excited I am finding this site. There are a lot of names missing though. Hope they find us real soon. Bet there are a lot of stories to tell at the reunions. Sorry I missed the Denver gathering I may have been in Denver with an old Lowry Buddy just a month or so before.
Just to show the mind goes. mew e-mail address notice the 1 in the address that is for all the spam people, so we run two.
Just made all the hotel and plane reservations for Tucson, looking forward to seeing everyone there. Come on guys there isn't that many times that we can be together. So come on everyone that can let us be young again, even if is in our memories. SEE YOU AT TUCSON. If not you will always be remembered. As is the Honor Roll of our fellow Missileers.
Marge and I are looking forward to once again attending the Reunion in Tucson. It will be great to visit our old friends and fellow Missileers. Our dear friend, Paul Davis suffered a stroke in December and is doing well. Please keep him in your prayers and, hopefully, we and Willidene will join us in Tucson. Best wishes and God's blessings, Paul. Paul's e-mail is Willidened.com
Jim Draper, Tried to contact you this week, however got the mail back. You must have changed your mail service. I have some pictures you might be interested to have a copy.
Just updating my e-mail address. It is ghenderson22@cox.net See you all in Tucson in May.
What a great experience. Was on Launch 1-9 with Capt Bill Hughes, Sgt Bill Powell and Airmen Bob Simms. Was on duty the night we shut the birds down. Kinda eerie. Would love to hear from some of the guys that were there during that time.
Just an update to ensure my Email address is correct and would also like to wish everybody a very prosperouse and joyouse New year
Where is the attendee's list for this years gathering in Tuscon???
Have a new E-Mail address. Loralynn1@verizon.net. Best to our Members and Friends in 2007.
Wishing all the Missileers a great 2007. See you in Tucson.
Was a crew member on the Business end of the Matador at Sites 'A' and 'C' at Hahn. Am the Membership Director and Treasurer of this great TacMissileer organization. E-mail me if you are a former Missileer and would like to join us as a member. Hope to see a great turn-out of our members at the Tucson, Az. reunion next 2,3,4th of May 2007. Max
Worked on the AAANC at Hahn and was a Combat Crew Chief and Site #1 NCOIC on Okinawa.
Have som great memories
Does anyone know of Arthur Sherry? Dale Cristy?
The 6910th had asite on the Hill at Greunstadt Germany'. Wherewas the mace misslers stationed? Regards, Earnest
Crew Chief in the guidance shop Stationed from June 63 to June 65 at the 38th TMW, Sembach as crew chief (AIC) in the MACE Missile Guidance Shop. Also troubleshot Guidance System failures at the launch sites when they did away with the Goodyear Tech Reps. Later reassigned Atlas Missile program at Patrick AFB prior to ending my military tour (4 years 1 month). Had Great times at Sembach, of course Lowry (Denver), Orlando and Cape Kennedy weren't bad assignments either. Still remember Sgt's. Taylor, Bailey, and Anderson. Hopefully they are all well and enjoying retirement. Best to all my friends who were stationed at Sembach AB.
Woould to pass on that a friend of mine and member of this org. Garld Edwards is in poor shape his wife informed he was put in hospic as he wouldnt eat or drink so if u have his address drop a line. he was on the stanboard team.
Spent 2 and a half wonderful years at Site 5, south of Kirchburg. Before, during, and after the shelters were put up. I'm the one who fell off of a missle, while sweeping snow off of it, and broke a collor bone. Those were some really great days and wish I could relive them. I will be at the reunion in Tucson next May, as I only live about 100 miles north of the site.
Looking for John Lovell (weapons man) Robert Eastburn Jr also a weapons man at Sembach passed away August 7 in Meridan, Idaho. Hw survived by his wife Shirley, and two sons, Mike, Gary and daughter Chris
Looking for John Lovell (weapons man)
I was stationed at Tainan as a Nuc wpns crew member with the 868th, Capt robert Given was launch officer; Dennis Willis was munitions mbr. Louis Rammeriz was warhead member also, . cross trained later into EOD field, retired at Edwards AFB, 1975. have good memories of Taiwan, one of my favorite assignments
From Maine..... Sampson AFB NY, Keesler AFB Biloxi Miss, Patrick AFB Florida, Bitburg Germany, Landsburg Germany, Tripoli Libya, Landsburg Germany, Schwartzenborn/Kn
been awhile. looking for dave maas. seems to have dissapeared. hello to marty martin, joe rea,ron lysic, sam douthit, lt. pettit, and all others i had met
Loved the picture really brought back some memories
Hi, I am a reporter of United Daily News in Taiwan. I am writing a story about Matator in service at Tainan in Taiwan period 1957-1962, so I am looking for some Matator photos at Tainan too. Fortunatly I find some photos of Matator which I am interesting in your web site. They are in ERIC TRIMBLE'S 17th TMS MATADOR PICTURES and James Brown's Tainan 58. I would like to contact the photo owmers. Please tell me the e-mail address of the photo owners or the way to contact them. Thanks.
I was part of 89th Tac Missile Wing - Site 4 - my launch officer was Captain Lewis. I was the first to leave at the time the Mace was being retired and was transferred to Minet AFB. Many missing friends I would love to hear from. Just heard from Dean Hamilton who lives in KC MO. How do I join the Tac Missileers? Mike (Kip) Hogan 14544 Indian Springs Road Buffalo Valley, Tennessee 38548 615-858-3895 Home Phone 615-872-7400 Work Phone (ask for Mike Hogan - I run the outfit).
Just back from Lautzenhausen (Cochem and Garmisch). The town sure has changed. Stayed for 2 days at the Hotel Bajazzo (Old Pacific bar) and had a triple room for 70 Euros. Very basic but the place is simple but nice. Had a great meal at the first (G) and across the street is the Hotel Fortuna. Really a nice place and they have a shuttle to get you to the airport. Inside is beautiful and food is terrific. All the restaurants, what is remaining are empty at all times. On last Tuesday night there were only 5 people in the first (G) for the dinner hours. For my money the Hotel Fortuna is the place to stay if you are looking for a place to spend the night. Hahn airport is amazing. The terminal and services are great and Ryanair airlines has made a big difference in the traffic in and out of the airport. We flew from Kerry Ireland to Hahn in 2 hours and the service and price was outstanding. They have a nice web site and all tickets are purchased on-line. Hahn has quite a few international destinations but none to the United States. Spent hours walking around the base and finding a lot of the old buildings. I enjoyed my trip at Hahn and taking a trip down memory lane. Still plenty of Kirner beer to be found and I thank God I can still drink it.
Guidence Officer with the 585th TMG at Diephollz, Heidelberg, MOC Officer at Bitburg
Hello Missileers. Tried and like the new short form address to our Tac Missileers web site that Joe provided. I will put the information into the next newsletter, I'll try to get the electronic version 'E-Newsletter' out soon. Please email me if you have anything you would like to have in the newsletter. My idea bank is running low and I would like to keep the newletter going strong with your interesting input. Bob Bolton Newsletter Editor
586th MMS Unit Supply, Bldg A18.
My father and mother were good friends of Neil Jindra. If you have any information of his whereabouts please let me know. Thanks...
Great site! Brings back a flood of memories.
I realy enjoyed working on Missiles . Matador 1957 thru 1960 . Titan I 1960 thru 1965 Ellsworth AFB So.Dakota. Titan II 1965 thru 1969.Retired 1976 George AFB Calif. ( this is A correction of my 1st entry)
I realy enjoyed working on Missiles Matador 1957 thru 1960 at Bitburg Germany.The Titan I 1960 thru 1956 Ellsworth AFB ,So.Dakota .The Titan II, Vandenburg AFB Calif 1965 Thru 1969 Retired 1976 .
I sit in nostalgia many times thinking what happened to all our old acquaintances and wishing there was a way to know where they all are. One I know about, T/Sgt James Mercer (deceased), '58- '61, Bitburg. One other, Roy Mathis (same time frame), now living in Phoenix AZ, I keeep in contact with by E-Mail. All the other wonderful friends... (?).
Hi All: Enjoyed the link to the Mace / Translauncher restoration. Does anybodyknow if there is a MM1 on display anywhere or were all of them destroyed? Frank
While I was on the Rock, I worked on a Project called Sunset Lily (Live shot of two CGM-13Bs), that was ultimately canceled. Just wonder if any others are out there that were part of that operation. Also, does anyone know what happened to Major Youngblood? He was a maintenance officer in the 498th TMG. I saw later that he was on the Minuteman system, but then lost track. Guy 'V8' Vanderman
I really enjoyed the site, I didn't know that much about what my Dad did, since I was only born in 1961 in Landstuhl, he was 'Mike' HODGDEN worked as a firefighter, was on the bowling team. I still have his area badge! It has on it 587th TacMissileGru, SuppRon(TM). Could someone tell me what SuppRon(TM) stands for and was the 587th in Grunstadt or where? Believe it or not I still have his silver nametag (metal) with the missile on it.I also have a patch, I didn't see it on the site it has the same design as the 38th TMW, but says 38th Air Base Group Did you guys or who wore this patch? It's too bad my Dad didn't get a silver missile badge, he was with missiles 1st PBS Exp. Missile Group and the 550th, at Eglin AFB in 49 and 50. That's when the missilemen moved to Patrick and he went to Eniwetok with the AEC, then 10years later he is back with the same missiles they were testing. Thanks again, If anyone knew him or can answer the questions please E-mail me.
Change of email address. Plan on going to Tucson next May.
Just updating my email address. Also noticed in the 'Honor Roll' that William Lewis is listed, but no remarks about him. He was at Hahn,Site IV in the early sixties and retired in Tampa Fl after making Major. Most of you may remember him for his 'Are you a turtle' remark during a Tac Eval!
just checking in....already see some names that bring back 'the kid' in me.geez,where did the time go?any way,a quick 'hello' to 'ALL'...A/2c(no thanks to'TQ-JONES) HAASE...71stTMS
Operated and maintained the first MSQ-1A south of Cape Canaveral in 1955 (Matadore Guidance)prior to being shipped to Germany as part of the 11th Tactical Missile Squadron. Assignments included the Hundsruck, Landsberg and finally Steinfeld (North of Kassel)
One of the original Pioneers. Launch crew 3, Site 1.
Hi Max It's only a year away from our next reunion. Have you found a place in Arizona that will accomodate us yet ?
LOOKING FOR JIMMY WILSON FRANK VORCE AND HIS BUD JOHNNIE ALSO AGUY NAMED POOLE FROM S CAROLINA ENJOYED MY TIME AS A SURVEYOR IN THE FORCE
I see lots about Germany, what about the Kadena folks ? Is there a list of people at kadena ?
Updating email address
Ok Jim I concur, any other folks out there that know me give a yell. I was Mech 5
No Joe I was not dreaming. My mind was going faster than my fingers. What I ment was that you were in Germany Missile Sdq and I was in Okinawa, before were both assigned too the Materials Directorite. That is where we also had too do the ARMY Weapons work also, and support the NAVY Weapons Training Detachment. I had LT COM Lige Roper swear me in when I re-enlisted in 1972, in the Museum and my family was there under the Re-entry Vehicle.
Jimmie u must be dreaming, if u remember, we both worked for Lew Shields and started the museum, the first balloons were launched from the parking lot of Coronado Mall in l971, had 13 balloons, we started the museum on base in fall of 69, moved the fat man and little boy from parade field which was first units in that place. as u said it is now in old town since 01 when they closed the base as far as the museum was concerned. only a few items are in the place in old town mostly Nuclear related items as it is run by Sandia Corps. good to see u remember some Jim take care and hope all people come and see the balloons in Oct usually we have in excess of 800 balloons quite a site. take care and Happy New Year to all.
I see a notice on the webbsight about a reunion in Albquerque. It talks about Old Town trip. Just wanted too pass on I was assigned at Sandia and Kirtland. While there Joe Harper(was in Germany) When I lived there on Base the Balloons were lauched from the State Fair Grounds off of Central Avenue and flew over the base Some went down about a block from house in what was called Zia Park on eastside of , what is now Kirtland AFB East and some other Weapons people declassifed the weapons and missiles on display on Kirtland and part of it is by Old Town. It was called tha Sandia Atomic Museum and now it's the National Atomic Museum. They do charge Admission now down town. Hope you find this interesting. nukejones@aol.com
Updating E-Mail address and wishing everyone a Happy New Year. Take care of yourselves and keep in touch. Chuck
Would love to hear from anyone of you who served on Santa Rosa Island. We launched the Remaining Mace Missiles from there. My phone number is 574 664 5743. Would love to hear from any of you whom I served with. Thanks. Steve Snyder 7733 East County Road 750 North Twelve Mile, Indiana 46988
Be glad to hear from any old friends! Key word is 'OLD'!! Worked in maintenance control with Major Shaw. Learned about this site from Bob Bailey. Retired and living in West Plains,MO. Still keep in close contact with Bill Reeves.
Just found a site some of you from Sembach may be interested in: www.sembachveterans.org They have a reunion coming up in Las Vegas. Check it out.
Launch crew tech #3. Discharged March 3, 1965. Live in Seattle, wife Judy. Loved finding this site !! Great job !! Trained in Denver and Orlando. Assigned 71st TMS Bitburg Germany. LO was Capt Clifford Kunkel, crew chief was Warren Reidmiller, SSGT. I sleep walked thru so many 12 hour shifts in the 'Hole', you could give me a head set, and a check list, and I could sleep walk thru another shift anytime ! The worst was always changing the darn nose the previous crew knew was bad, but left for you ! right ??? When we got 'short', I have to admit we left the rookies with a few bad 'Noses' ourselves. We figured they needed the experience ! How about those electric toilets? Where they great or what? It was only used once in my three years, and it smelled so bad, we tried to evacuate the site, but the Air Police at the gate made us return. They and the darn dog had a very small sense of humor !!
First trained at Lowry in '59 on guidance for Matador C bird, to ORL for crew training--missile obselete--back to Lowry in '60 to retrain on Mace B- -back to ORL for crew training in '60, including test R&D shots at the Cape (Camp Happiness)--4 sucesses and 1 partial (it got out of the bay)-- then 498th TMG group movement to Kadena in September '61--lots of cutting and pulling cables and equipment installation to operational. Was Mech 1 at site 2--LO was Capt Ernie Schmid, CC was SSgt Harry Kordes. Rotated back and out in Apr '63. Thanks for this site--I came across a former Mace A guy at an air show at March AB (CA) this month and he put me on your trail. Keep up the good work--and did I catch something about a reunion coming in Tucson?
Matador instructor, Lowrey,Orlando, Bitburg 55-58 Maintenance Mace Sembach C flight 61-64, Maintenance Mace Kadena, 68-70 closed Kadena.
Gentlemen, I am working on a booklet / book over the Cold War in the Eifel-Region/Germany. Nearby BITBURG were stationed Matador & Mace missiles in the 50-ies & 60-ies.Units: 71st TMS, 385th TMG, 585th TMG and? What I need is: any kind of photos, plans, stories of the Bitburg-Missileers and the B-Pad RITTERSDORF (Matador)later on named the Mace B Site 7. Less information I have is the time from the early 50ies to 1960 (Matador at Bitburg). Nobody knows, where there exactly were stationed in the surrounding of Bitburg (Bedhard). Maybe there is still a map from that time, with markings of the units? Many thanks to you, helping me. Josef P. Heuzeroth LTC (Res) German Army Ludwig-Jahn-Strasse 11 54634 Bitburg j.heuzeroth@surfeu.de
Flight Control Mech. on Sgt. Jardines Crew; Site 1 Maint. Van with CMST Culpepper. Post Office Temp. over XMAS 1965.
wrote 498TMGM 55-1
Frank B Page 8/24/05 E-mail: frankbpage@Yahoo.com mace or matador,WHERE, WHEN? MACE 1964-66, Hahn, 89th
Hello Everyone, Well, another reunion has come and gone, Denver was great and Nashville I feel was even better. Of course, we the staff learn from our mistakes each time we have a reunion. We will always have mistakes or we wouldn't be human. But I always pray that they will be small mistakes. We did learn from the Nashville reunion some little things that we need to change to make everything run smoother. But all in all from reading everyone's comments, I guess we didn't do to badly. I, as well as all the staff, I'm sure, appreciate the positive comments. Of course, the big reason we do this, is because it pays so well. JUST KIDDING!! I truly enjoy my position as Membership Director/Treasurer. At reunion times, it gets a little hectic, but it is all worth it when we all come together at the reunion. I now have the 3' Missileer patch in stock. Some of you were asking about them at the reunion and we had run out of them. Also have various unit patches as well as the Missileer jackets that can be ordered. The members that had ordered jackets at the reunion now have them and from the comments I have received, are really pleased. Hope and pray everyone stays in good health so we all can come together again in 2007. Max
I was on the first launch crew to be assigned to Steinborn, under Captain John S. Almon. Remained at Steinborn until April of 1961. Steinborn closed down on September 25, 1962. If any of you Steinborn survivors read this, please contact me at either (530) 677-3512, or email: gjsnyder@lanset.com About thirty, or more of Steinborn Personel will be getting together in August of 2006. Hope to hear from you.
Anyone else out there that was in supply during those times?
I.em living in s.c. with my Wife of 43 Years I,em Reteiert from the s.c. highway department as assistant engineer.You all come.
Really enjoyed your site,saw quite a few familiar names looking through the roster. Harold Davey,if you see this get in touch with me.Tobowjr@cox.net...Or anyone else that remembers me. I am hopeful that I will be at the next reunion.. Hello to all the C flight guys 59-62.
I remember that there were three squadrons that made up the 498th.The 873rd, 874th, and the 498thMMS which I was a member of, yet I see no mention of it on the site am I the only one that was in the 498th MMS? We even had our own patch, which I am now going to spend the next 6 months trying to find among my things. The launch guys wore the black hats and we had red ones.
Thank you to Max, Joe, and everyone that did such a nice job making the Nashville reunion a great sucess.We enjoyed getting together with all our old friends from years past.It was so great seeing Christel & Walter, Marion & John,Fred & Geisla & Linda and Robert. Looking forward to the next reunion in Az.
Joe, Max, Staff and all my friends: Many thanks for all the help you afforded me. And thanks for for those who did not laugh when the wife mowed down the trees at the dinner :~) I was extremely impressed with the smoothness that everything went, you all did one great job. I know it was a lot of effort on everyones part including the wives who did the registration etc. God willing, we will be in attendance in Tucson.
Just wanted to drop a line about those who put so much of themselves into the reunion event as well as the whole Missileer proccess. These people do this because of thier dedication to the Missileers and patriotism to thier country. again thank you so very much for the great re-union and the Missileer web site.I know I realy enjoyed it. The Boat/dinner was great and aforded us the opportunity to vist with some military buddies from the past. Thanks again Roger
To our Officers and all the help that made Nashville a success goes my 'Thanks'. These people do not do it for the money. I would imagine that no amount of money could get them to put that kind of work into such a great event. They truly love our outfit and do it for our Missile Groups. If you missed Nashville, we have another one that will be along shortly. Keep in touch by your E-Mails and viewing the Web site. Again, my 'Thanks' to them for their hard work! We do have great leadership!
This is to update my e-mail address. Site 2, SEMPER PARATUS.
Just refreshing my Email address and confirming my wifes amd I's attendance at the reunion. Leaving Florida on Monday the 31st of May, arriving Nashville on June 1st, Will be staying at the Recommended Embassy Suites at the Nashville Airport. See You all there Roger
Forgot the dates.. Like I said, too long..
Im going to he Nashville renunion. I would like to know whos going to attend from Steinborn. Im looking forward to seeing all there.
Just updating my email address. Recognize a few of the names in the guest book. Good luck to all you Missileers. Matador, Mace and Hounddog. Retired 1971, Grand Forks AFB. Joe
Launch crew at Site VI, Lt. Charles Weimer, SSgt Jennings O. (Orville) Raff, A1c James Chrone @ 'Heroine 1'
Has anyone seen or heard from Richard S. Harris? Sometime around '76 he was headed to Arizona, but that is the last time I have seen him. Would like to say Hello. Roy
Hello fellow Missileers, Looking forward to seeing everyone in Nashville. Those that were in attendance in Denver in 2003, know what a great time that was. Nashville is going to be just as great, if not better. We the staff have been made aware of members that are not able to attend the reunion because of health issues. You all will certainly be in our thoughts and prayers. If there are any former Missileers out there that would like to become a member of the TacMissileer's, please contact me by e-mail or by phone at 812-783-2690, preferably after 6- PM. Thanks, Max R. Butler Membership Director/ Treasurer
Flight Controls on Launch Crew 6, from Aug 1959 to Aug 1960.
I was in electronics training at Lowery AFB in Nov '53 thru Jul '54. Went to the 69th at Patrick AFB Jul '54 and helped pack them for Germany. I then was in the 11th in Orlando and fired several Matadors off the Cape. In Jul '56, I was shipped with the 11th to Sembach, Germany with 13 months left in the Air Force. Spent several weeks at Wheeless AFB in Libya. I was discharged in Jul '57 at Manhattan Beach Naval Station on Long Island.
Just updating e-mail. See you in Nashville.
updating email, finally got DSL. See you at the reunion, davidjessup310@qwest.net
We're wondering where we pay for the upcoming activities in Nashville...we've made our intentions known about attending all. Thanks.
was fireman hahn airbase 1961-1964 most of duty time at site5 and training site
I just saw on the webb site you have some photos from Bushele. When I was with the 7502 MUNSS at Norvenich GAB, our one of our sister Munitions Support Squads was also there. (7501 MUNSS)1976-79. Any other nukers know about these sites. Hahn AB was our US Command Base.
I would love to connect with some of the guys who made my stay in Germany so 'interesting'. I remember more about Kaiserslautern and 'mama hawks' than I do my 30 years as a civil service employee. I hope to make the reunion in Nashville if at all possible.
Max Butler maxbutler11540@sbcglobal.net I'm waitin to hear from you. Been in touch wi/Ted Hollins/Fudd fellers/Bob Fick (a while back). Saw Eugene Osborne in a parking lot in Metairie(a long while back), La., but by the time I figured out who he was, he'd gotten away. Hope to be in Nashville.Callin the hotel in the A.M. C'mon, jump on Al Gore's internet and say HI. I know not everyone has jumped in the tar pits...Pempeck? Fadness?Doyle?Holler?Snelling(instructor),Burkett? Pardo?Mosher?Ropka? Hadrum, The Goat Whisperer
Just finished reviewing the entries and had to comment on Joe Perkins entry of 3/4/05. Yes, we are senior Airmen of various ranks, however I would invite the younger Daughters and Sons of the missile men and women to search the pages and see if they find someone who looks familiar. In addition, post an entry with your family name and see if you might connect with one of us who do remember you at one of the bases. I have made several connections just by surfing around, after viewing the member list and the entries in the guestbook. In addition, there are groups from several of the military schools that have some great sites. It is that effort that will continue this group for the years to come. Again, to our Officers I again say 'Thanks' for your dedication to this organization.
Just came across this site. Brings back many memories.
I am trying to contact Robert and Carolyn Kutulis. Their daughter, Kimberly, was my best friend in high school, and I would dearly love to reach out to them and to her. Can you help? I am attempting a reunion, after all! Thanks! Vanessa
Made contact with Bob Bolton after seeing his screen name(macelauncher) and he told me of the web site.
Hi, I can identify the man in the top row of Jerry Mears' Miss Behave's Crew picture. The man is my father, Warren E. Foxhill, a tech rep for Martin-Marietta. Do you have any more pictures of this crew you could send to me? Thanks so much, Kathy
This is to update my email address. Hope to see a bunch of you in June.
My father, Warren Foxhill, was a tech rep for Martin Marietta in Bitburg from '56-'58 and '62-'67. From '59-'62, we were at the Cape. I am organizing a reunion of former Martin Bitburg folks, to be held the first week of May 2005 in central Florida. If you are interested, please email me. Kathy
Was on launch crew on 'B' pad on matador in Bitburg 56-59. Have picture of the crew. At Wheelus twice, 57 & 58. Watched missle burn that is shown in photo section. My crew was next to launch which we did after fire was out. Engine quit just as JATO fired, missile went about 5 miles out before crashing. Wasn't a very good day for launching, but the fires were spectaculor. In TEMS on mace at Bitburg. Worked on building site at Rittersdorf. Site not activated when I left. Like to hear from some of the Bitburg people.
One of the few who served at all four sites in the world that the MACE B was located. Spent most of the time in TEMS, but worked Maint. Control at Bitburg & Kadena.
On the Sembach site, there was a question put forth as to who had actually launched a Matador or Mace. Some had down in Libya in mid to late 50's. My question is 'Did Mace ever get launched at NAMFI, (the NAtoMisslileFiringInstallation) on the island of Crete? After the AF, I worked for Bendix on a EMC instrumentation van destined for NAMFI. NATO bought all the goodies to make a (short)range proving ground.
Looking for friends of my father Roy C Jerome he was QC and TMS on the TM 76 B from 65 to 69. Do you remember Gaydos or Youngblood? Please email me at Yukifuri1@aol.com Thanks
I was stationed at the Kirchberg site the whole time I was at HHahn. I was at Bitburg until the Mace program ended in 1969. I then became an OSI Agent until my retirement in 1983.
Need to update email address- Like to hear from any old buddies and share memories of the good 'ol days. Spent all my time at Bitburg as a launch crew mechanic 3 on the 76B, Mace. I miss the beer and brats and friends, and I have wondered about how all progressed. After the military I went to work for the Air Force (Civ) as an aircraft mechanic on the F-4, F-16, F-18, F-101. I retired from there in 1998. I have lived in Utah all my life and like to travel. Hope to make the reunion this year.
I see a lot of new people signing-in . we need you to join us in carying on the TAC Missleer family reunions and get-togethers.we need the younger missileers for a lot of us are up in age, but still have the missileer spirit.My thought when i first started the organization was to make it a family type of org. where we met,lied and talked about the good old days of hard times and close times and about a job well done with great people that you could depend upon and the good times had by all.
Lackland to Lowry to Orlando to Hahn Cuban Missle Crisis - JFK Assasination A1C Guidance Systems Analyst Glad to have found the sight - hope some my old friends are out there.
Was there to Close Site Down, when switching over from Matador to Mace . Worked in Veh Maint.. Then onto 585 Support Sq in Bitburg. then we were sent to 36th Transron in late 1962. In Germany 1960- 1963.. Lots of good times.. Didn't see anyone from OL1 in the guest book
Look forward to hearing from and seeing old friends
Looking forward to the Convention...will be bringing some pictures from a class at the Factory School in Baltimore, MD.
Metz I have tried to send you an E-Mail several times but your server wont accept it. if you get this please write back. Was glad to hear you found Tackauchi after all these years. We live about 100 miles from Nashville so if our health holds up till then I sure will be looking forward to seeing you at the Reunion. Did you see your wedding picture in the next to the last Missileer? Also the picture of MOOTY IN FRONT OF HER ghast hause ?
Looking forward to Nashville,hope that all of the old dudes can make it. Just found Donald Takeuchi after 40 years, not bad for losing a best man for years. Hope that we can find a few more friends from the old days when we were 10 feet tall and bullet proof. This will be the first reunion that I have made, really looking forward to it. Any one that has tried to e-mail me. I have had some down time and now it is ok. sorry if I didnot answer.Please try again. Thanks see you in Nashville/
Was in the 1st mace school at Denver, went to Orlando, FL at Holliman AF Base. Was on the launch crew that launched the first TM76A mace that flew 100%. Back to Orlando and then in Feb. of '59 went to Sembach, Germany until March of 62. Was at all 3 missile sites - A,B & C. Am looking for old AF buddies from that time period. Originally corn farmer from Iowa. Please contact.
Updating Email address
I am the wife of the late Philip E. Houde 586 MMS, Ellsworth AFB after Germany-Minuteman
Handled ops maual 55-1
Trained at Lowery '60 - '61. Crew training in Orlando '61. Worked in GSC at Kadena in '62 to '63 time frame. Returned to Orlando as permanent party in '63 - '64.
38th MMS, Missile Integration Shop; Training: Lowery AFB Feb 64 - Nov 64, Orlando AFB Nov 64 - May 65, Sembach Jun 65 - Dec 66
Lowery (first class to be given A2C on graduation), 4504th (Training Element 868-2-2), then Taiwan (868 TMS, Launch Crew E). President Eisenhower visited our training launch at Cape Canaveral. If he had been a day or two later, he would have seen the live launch. If anyone is interested, I have a copy of the Tainan base newspaper that highlighted the 868TMS in pictures. I also have a 35mm slide of the squadron sign at Christmas showing a Matador pulling Santa's sleigh. Returned to the states in Sept 1961 and was cross-trained in Atlas F checkout equipment and assigned to the 556 SMS at Plattsburgh, NY. Retired in October 1978 as a MSgt at Bergstrom AFB, in Austin, Texas where I still live.
I just found out about thus web site when Scrooge Simpson called me from Calif. He now lives in the Phillipines. I live in Nashville and am interested in the summer get together. Mouse
Without seeing any referance to many of us 'on location' in some of the volnerable postions,I wonder if I if even 'on location' is a known term - ('site') For 2 years we did without the comforts and security of a protected and very comfortable base. I keep thinking of what it was like to be ther with the refinement I see on this web site. I can say we had nothing like what I consider fun and games. It is short of duty,work and sleep we had. We were near the border with known positions, at one point we ordered not to shoot at unidentified aircraft flying overhead at night. Most of us knew that we had little to no chance of making it past the mission. But we were all ready to do what was required to keep the the bird on target
Surveyor
I never made it to the 'real AF' as a missile man. I was in ATC, at Lowry for five years. Had to go to OCS and flight school to get out our ATC. I was one of the instructors for the first launch officer class and first enlisted class to go through the Mace-A program. Later taught the Mace-B.
Just wanted to post my new E-Mail address. loralynn@ixpres.com. Just finished contacting a couple guys I have not heard from in close to 40 years. My compliments to our Site (Web) Commander for a job well done. See you in Nashville.
I began Missile training at Lowry AFB, Colorado 1961. Transfered to Orlando AFB, Florida, with 90 days at Cape Canaveral, Florida. Transfered to Kadena AB Okinawa December, 1962. Was Mechanic 1, Crew 16, Launch Officer: Capt Earnest Schmidt; Crew Chief: SSGT Harry Cordez. In 1966, Transfered to Lowry again as Instructor, Combat Crew Training and Returned to Kadena, Okinawa as Instructor FTD911L with 498th TMG students. Became a Crew Chief in 1969 with Crew 3, Capt Carlo Crose Launch Officer. In December 1969 transfered to Minot AFB, ND astechnecian for the Missile Procedures Trainer section of 91st Missile wing. Seven years in Missiles.
Thanks for the memories! Would like to hear from any of the group, especially those at Site VI.
I was at Kadena, Dec 1962 to Jun 1966, Crew 16, Site 2B. Lowery AFB, 1966 to 1968 then FTD 911L Kadena, then PCA with out PCS to 498 TNG, Crew 3, Site 1A, until Dec 1969. Minot AFB, 91st Missile Wing, Missile Procedures Trainer, ND until April, 1971.
I think the cruise dinner and grand ole opry is great. sign us up for both, Joe. I was wondering if you are going to list the people signed up at the hotel so we can see who is coming, like you did for the Denver reunion. Thanks
I would like to find out where some of the guys are that served during that time. 63-66. I had a great time in Germany and worked with some great guys. If you remember who I am.... send me a note. I will search and find some of my old buddies but I am having a hard time remembering some of them. Best Of Luck. 'Hammer'
The latest Missileer Newsletter had a request in CEO Joe's Corner to indicate our plans for the dinner cruise and the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday. I have looked back at all the previous newsletters regarding the reunion and I can't find any details on these events. ie.-cost, what is included etc. If you are just looking for how many are interested, I would say I am and it would be two people. I am hoping to make this reunion (my first)but I'm still working on travel plans.
I was Tech 3(mechanic) on launch crew.
In Regards to the message left by Herr Winfried Berg... As I live here in Germany, I called Herr Berg and we discussed what he is looking for. He lives in Hecken, a very small German town located near the old Site V, 405th TMS. He wants information on an 'Open House' at Site V which took place in January 1961, for the people of Hecken. Any photos or articles available? Also, he recalls an engine run-up site located somewhere near Site V. I was on a launch crew at Site V from Aug 61 to Aug 62 and do not recall an engine run-up site nearby. Maybe that was before my time there. If anyone has any recollections of the period of time of the 'Open House' or any other information, please pass it on to me so that I can contact him again. Thanks....
Updating e-mail address. Hey Dwyer, drop me an e- mail.
Lowry AFB,Sept 58-April 59; Orlando AFB,April 59- Jan 60; Osan,Korea,Feb 60-March 61; Orlando AFB,April 61-Aug 62. I was in the Calibration and Instrument repair section.
I was in the 586th.MMS as a MM1 transporter mechanic.Have made recent contact with Jerry Frye. Some names that come to mind are Ron Brown,Jim Tily,Frank Martinez,Carl Messer,John Mills,and Hayes.I can only recall all the good times in W.Germany and Luxembourg City.
Hello,I come from Germany in the near from Han Aibase, now Flughafen-Frankfurt-Hahn. I Trie to find some History Pictures and other Informations over the Missle Station whitch was heere in 1956 - 1967.The Village i come from is caled 'Hecken'.I found a Picture In an old Newspaper from 1961 was standing from the 405TMS and The586thGroup from a Day of open Doors for the People out of the Next City.Wen jou have anny Information or a Germa spoken Man which was heere in the Jear 1957 to 1967 pleas send me the Phone Numbre, so i will Phone him back. I bag jou a Pardon my English is not so perfeckt. Mfg Winfried Berg Am Glockenturm 8 55481 Germany E-Mail - W.Berg@Elektro-Franzen.de
Mech 2, Crew 9, Site 1.
Just adding the location and unit. I forgot to include which unit and Country I served in in my previous Message ----Just another Senior moment I guess????-- Roger E. St.Germain (MSGT. RET.)
Enjoyed your site! Do you know of any other sites relating to Hound Dog Missles. 97th AMMS @ Blyhteville AFB, Ark - AFSC #31630Q. Best Regards, Rick Hamel
For all 463x0 troops.there is a webb site for weapons technicans association. Its wwwusafnukes.com check it out if you are interested. they are plaining a reunion in Albuquerque in 2005.
Make that 64 - 66.
Worked on matador in Taiwan from 56 to 59. Then went to Okinawa in 67 to 69 and worked on the nace at site 1.
I may be interested in joining you organization.
1957- 1959 Tianan AB assembly area. 1960- Mace factory school Baltimore MD. Initial group trained for startup courses at Lowry AFB. 1965-1968 Kadena AFB 498th TEMS area.
New e-mail address.
Hello fellow Missileers Just wanted to remind everyone to be thinking about the 2005 reunion In Nashville, TN., next June, 1st thru the 4th. We the staff are working hard to make the reunion even better than Denver was, although this will be a tall order, as we all know what a great time that was. If you have not recently received a newsletter, it may be due to your dues not being current. Let me know and I will check your status. Max R. Butler membership Director/Treasurer
I just wanted to update my email address. I worked on the Guidance Sites (OL8 and OL18) then when they were closed down went to Bitburg and Missile maintanence (see picture). Would like to contact anyone that was at the site or at Bitburg from 1959 to 1961.
Joined the program in 62 at Lowry. In Aug 62, we went on to Orlando for crew tng in the 'A' Bird. Overage of 'A' launch officers' so we were cross trained into the 'B' at Orlando. En-route to Kadena in May of 63, my crew and Bill Matthews (deceased) crew launched 2 'B' birds on the System Operational Test & Eval Program at Pad 51 on Cape Canaveral. Went to the 873rd TMS at Kadena and was a MCCC at Sites 1 and 2. Moved to the 498th as the SMLE Commander for 6 months or so and then moved to the Wing Commander's Office as the Deputy Project Manager for Project Sunset Lily---the project to launch 2 'B' birds from Site #1 at the old Japanese Airfield. Went all the way up to press releases with DOD approval when the US Ambassador to Japan, Edwin O. Reischauer, tipped off the Japanese Government on purpose and Sunset Lily was cancelled. Returned to the Civil Engineering career field in late 66 and retired from the USAF in 1990 as a Colonel. Spent the last 13 years building, repairing and maintaining airfields; first as the Director of Engineering, Construction and Maintenance at Orlando Intl Airport (5 years)and then as a Vice President with Parsons Aviation in Bosnia, Korea and Abu Dhabi. Retired for real on 5 May 03. Bruce W. Johnson, Colonel, USAF-Ret. PS: The USAF time was the best!
Joined the 6555th at Patrick in late 1953 as a newly minted 2nd Lt. Transferred to the 1st PBS as a Guidance System Officer just before the 1st left for Germany. We were in Bitburg for a short time then our detachment (I think it was Detachment 1) moved to a town called Dredorf, a very small town in central Germany. After several months in Dredorf our detachment was moved to Bremerhaven where the unit was stationed until I was discharged in November 1955. Had a great time in Germany and would like to contact anyone who was in the 1st
Assigned to 1st Pilotless Bomber Squadron at Bitburg in 1954. Changed shortly to 1st Tactical Missile Squadron. Have lost touch with everyone I served with at Bitburg but would like to hear from anyone who was there at that time. God that was fifty years ago! Bitburg was a fab place.
38th Security Police. Worked mostly Missile sites.Would like to get in touch with anyone who was there at that time.
I just wanted everyone to know my new e-mail and to say I did find another of my teamates from Korea. or he found me. his name is Manny Clothakis he was one of our Special weopons guys. I live in Indiana now and get to wright pat now and again I always get to stand and look at the old Matador and Mace missiles they have in front of the entrance. They have the new hanger done and are working on the cold war area's now.there is one thing i would like to see and that is tac missiles represented in the garden outside the air force museum. there are plaques from a lot of units but no Tach missile ones.
In my previous comments I should have indicated the time period I was interested in was 1959-1963 at Sembach.
Just an up date on some new memorbilia associated with the TacMissileers. We now have the TacMissileer license plates, one with the missile insignia on each side of the TacMissileer logo. The other plate has the Senior missile insignia on each side of the logo. Also taking orders for jackets with the TacMissileer '10' logo on the back with your choice of your old unit lettering above and below the logo. Also have old unit patches, 586th Tactical Missile Group, 38th Tactical Missile Wing, 498th TMG, 310th TMS, 69th TMS,701st Tactical Missile Wing. Let me know if there is a unit patch you would like to have. Most likely I can get it produced. Prices range from $10.00 to $15.00, depending on how many stitches are in the patch. Max R. Butler Membership Director/Treasurer TacMissileers
Recently I found 3 of the airmen I went through Lowry, Orlando and Osan,Korea with. If any of you were in Korea from Feb.60-Mar.61 please e-mail me. I was a Controls Tech and worked it the Calibration hangar next to the 310th squadron office.
Hi Max this is just to give you my new e-mail address, my old one was leen61@msn.com I'm now on aol same as you !. Just recieved the news letter today and enjoyed it very much. I am paid up for this year and do have my card. This is to update e- mail address only. Len
Just wanted to update everybody on my new EMail address. We have finaly completed our move to florida and are settled into our new home. My New address is 12832 S.E. 91st Court Summerfield FL. 34491. Roger St.Germain MSGT RET.
Crew 40 cc, Procedures NCIOC 498tmgm 55-1
I had the distinct pleasure of serving with some of the Air Force's Best while in the guided missile program. Denver 59-60; Orlando AFB 60-62; Hahn 62- 66. Can't remember all the names, but your guest book entries sure bring back some fond memories. I worked at Site V as a mech I for a couple of months then went to the training site for the rest of my tour. I worked as a substitute mechanic and later as substitute crew chief occasionally on all 3 sites.
TheWebsite is really nice. I will check every so often for more information. Keep up the good work.
Just checking in with my new email address. Anybody know Hank Tracy's email address?
Went to Electronis school in Denver in 1959 and to Orlando that fall. Went to factory school in Blatimore 1960. Went to Det#2 at Patrick in 61. Bitburg in 64-67. Retired in 71 at Barksdale AFB and still live in Bossier City, La.
Signed in on 5/ 15 / 02 and have not heard from anyone. Maybe all the guys are dead by now. I know of a few that passed, but I'm only 68 and I would like to hear from anyone still kicking.
I was also with the Mace program at Orlando, 1962- 1964.
up date E mail address
Matador-Denver-60/61 Matador-Orlando-61 Matador-Taiwan-61/62 Matador,MaceA&B-Orlando-62/65 MaceB- Okinawa 65/68 Minuteman-Missouri-68/73-Retired
correction for a previous entry. I was on Crew 15, Site III, Osan, Korea Our Crew Members were Dapt C. Dunham(LO), SSgt D. Sanders(CC) A2c W.Simpson(LT) A2c R. Lymn, A2c J. Swartz, A2c R. Grazler and myself A2c J.Jones(Armament) SSgt Nickelson(461)Rato. Our 2nd LO was Capt. N. Stater.
Great website! I sent my $15 and joined the Missileers. In fact I've found several of the guys I served with at Lowry, Orlando and Osan. I'm looking forward to finding more and adding an Orlando/Osan section, with pictures,to the Missileers web page. Anyone interested can contact me @ 816-436-6108 or at Goldenri@aol.com.
My father Philip Houde was in the 36 missile maintaince squad. in Hahn and Seimbach during the 60's he wore the missile badge and worked on the TM- 76 Mace Missile my father passed away several years ago but this sight reminds me about him. I have several pictures at home please right me if you knew him.
Great website! I've been looking for Matador information like this. I recognized Sgt.David Jessup from his picture. He use to make great homemade beer when he was at Orlando AFB. I was in one of the classes with the NSM designation. Instead of 31250G, we were designated 31250NSM (No Specific Missile) Another of the Air Force better ideas. You can contact me at 816-436-6108 Ron
Just an update on my e-mail address. Didn't see many support squadron people at the Denver reunion. How about a bunch showing up at Nashville? I'll be there God willing.
Crew 40 Crewchief, then Tac Eval Team, Procedures, keeping 498TMG 55-1 up to date.
1961-2 oson korea
Looking for old freinds.
denver 61 orlando 61/62 bittburg 62-65 orlando 65-67 okinawa 67-69 all tems except last 6 to 9 mo. as crew chief.. all three tours with bob @ chris bailey. a1c/sgt ssgt tsgt . ret mar 83 as capt.
like to make contact
I am making a correction too my previous entry. I was on crew 26 and 21 SEMOLE at site III at 498th Okinawa. Also have seen a few names I reconize. Thanks Quincy for your help.
Have a previous entry in guest book. This is to update email address since comcast took over at&t broadband....
just reviewed pics from 2003 reunion, sure brings back memories good and not so. oldtimers got me, wish i could remember more names- sembatch airpatch enkenbach site. I was mech 1 McCoy mech 2, Leo Mann eng mech Burt(or) Burk weaps??? went toboggining behind mm1 on prkin lot with serving trays from chow hall! anyhoo, there was some good times as well as some looong 24 on and 48 off's 'WORKING THE FULL 24' still had time to add 2 to the family. see you in Nashville 2005 God willing!!
I read about the web site in my latest newsletter and thought I would check it out. Too see if my picture I sent to Bob were on it. Ihavent got too the site hung up. I was one of two Nuclear Weapons members on crew 13 at the off base site at Osan and a Mech 5 on crew 15 and 21 at Site III.
Worked primarily at Site V(Hecken)as AGE repairman. Left active duty in April, 1963 to return to my hometown, Liberty,Ky. Married, two children. BBA from Eastern Kentucky University Retired from Kentucky state government in August, 2003.
I attended the 2003 reunion in Denver and thoroughly enjoy it and everything went well. I gave someone $20.00 for my annual dues, and said keep the extra 5 for mailing fees , yet my name has not been added to the acive list. No I waa noot given a receipt as lhe individual stated that he could emember my name and would give me credit for 2003. Please advise. Sory if I sent this to the wrong place
Looking for Don Parham, Leon Slusher, Willie Wannamaker, Bob Cage, some crewmates whose names have faded and Sgt Bell.
Hi I was at the training site at 'A' flt and helped build the training site and the later updates, Had a great time there and met the greatest bunch of people! I am still in touch with a bunch of Ham's that were there at the same time I was and we still talk to each other at least once a week on the radio,we have been doing this since 1965 when I returned to the states. We also have been seeing each other at all the great reunions since Las Vegas and it has given us a chance to meet some of the others that were there that we didn't know at that time ( What a great Experience). I hope to be at the next reunion also and meet with old and new friends hope to see you there........ 73's Johnny (G.P.Johnson)
Spent 3 months at Lowry in early '63(engine & airframe school), shipped to Orlando for launch training, then on to Kadena for the balance of '63 & '64. Went to K I Sawyer to Hound Dogs at rotation.
Would like to hear from old friends
member mailing info missing for following members of TacMissileers: 1. Cashiola, Buck 2. Chyle, Jack 3. Davey, Albert 4. Hamm, J.D. 5. Haupt, Bill 6. Hayman, Larry 6. Henson, Donald 7. Hunter, Edward 6. Johnson, Johnny
Sorry I missed the big blow-out in Denver, sounds like everyone had fun, especially Marty
Sgt Bob Fick's mech 1., Site B.
School; Lowery AFB, Co. 55-56; assigned to 17th TAC Missle Sq at Orlando AFB, Fl.; selected for the GAM- 63 missle project in SAC for B-47 program at Pinecastle AFB, Fl. in 1956..reassigned to TAC Command and assigned to 11TH TAC Squadron, SEMBACH,GERMANY in 1957 as a 312--electronic control AFSC..Assigned to 'C' FLIGHT under Capt. EARL P. BROWN..duties consist as launch team member as electric control tech. 31250..MACE phased into unit in 1959 replacing the TM 61 MISSILE..Squadron CMMD MARTIN D. FEATHEROLF is now deceased. What record do you have on COL. PITTMAN , who replaced MAJOR FEATHEROLF as cmdr in 58.
Enjoyed the site, pictures, etc. - memory lane.
Howdy, I'm a SAC missileer, 1977-1990, McConnell AFB & Vandenberg AFB. Enjoyed your web site.
I was on the first team from Orlando to go to Korea. I was radar maintenance.
I've been lookin for stuff on the Mace for a while and stumbled accross this. Wish I'd known about it before. Great site and I intend to become an active member now that I've found it.
i worked with the munitions section at the metro tango area, and enjoyed the time i was there.hope to return some day to visit.
Had a great time in Denver and was really glad to see so many old troops there. Congratulations to Joe, Max and Bob for their efforts and also to all the others who planned and conducted a really outstanding get-together. The food was outstanding and the October Fest was the hit of the program. Incidentally, I just ordered a six-pack of Bischoff Bier!
It was a great reunion. Many thanks to all who organized it. It was great to have such a large turnout from the 887th. Looking forward to the next one but didn't hear where it was going to be.
Attended the Reunion and met a lot of MISSILEERS. Missed a lot that didn't attend. The Missileers Officers put on a GOOD show and I commend for an outstanding 'Job Well Done'. Would like to see more of you Missileers at the next one.
Just attended the Denver Reunion. Enjoyed it all very, very much.
I was in FTD at Sembach on two tours from 1959 to 1966. I was transfered into the 38th for a short time before I rotated to the States.
I really enjoyed the site, I didn't know that much about what my Dad did,since I was only born in 1961 in Landstuhl, he was 'Mike' HODGDEN worked as a firefighter, was on the bowling team. I still have his area badge! It has on it 587th TacMissileGru, SuppRon(TM). Could someone tell me what SuppRon(TM) stands for? Also, since it has 587th Group, was there a 587th Squadron? Believe it or not I still have his silver nametag (metal)with the missile on it.I also have a patch, I didn't see it on the site it has the same design as the 38th TMW, but says 38th Air Base Group Did you guys or who wore this patch. It's too bad my Dad didn't get a silver missile badge, he was with missiles 1st Exp. Missile Group at Eglin AFB in 49 and 50. That's when the missilemen moved to Patrick and he went to Eniwetok with the AEC, then 10years later he is back with the same missiles they were testing. Thanks again, If anyone knew him or can answer the questions please E-mail me.
Mech I, Site 3 (I think) Just found the site and the group. Currently live in Seattle. Have fun at the reunion and maybe next time I'll be there! M
Leaving for Denver tomorrow, will be donating a real neat print of the Matador's first flight. Will also have a MM1/launcher/Mace model with me + pics including Orlando just a few weeks before they started demolishing it, (IT'S ALL GONE NOW) Frank Roales
Hilde and I will be coming to the BIG SHINDIG in Denver this year. It will be a 'good thing' to see some familiar faces from a time in history appreciated mostly, but not at the time, by the participants. MOSTLY, we all just really like German BEER!!! Nein?
Hi gang, Denver, here we come!!! For those of you coming, have a safe trip. See you all in the Hospitality Room of the Denver Tech Center Embassy Suites. Don't forget to bring the pictures, slides and memories. For those of you not coming, we're going to miss you guys! Hopefully we'll be together at the next reunion. Regards, Zito
Changing E-Mail Address
Would like to connect with those that worked in the Oberweis area. I think that was the name. It was about five miles west of Bitburg. I was an maintenance instructor in Orlando prior to Bitburg.
I was in the 1st PB squadron from 1954 to 1955 when I was discharged. I thought it might be fun to contact some of the guys that were in the squadron with me.
LOOKING FOR ANYBODY STATIONED W/DET.1 TAC.AIR WARFARE CENTER EGLIN AFB 67'TO 70'.GREAT VOLLEYBALL,WE EVEN LAUNCHED A BIRD EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE.
Just discovered this web page, thanks to the Am. Leg. magazine and joe perkins. Enjoyed reading the guestbook & seeing people I know. Great site!
I was with the Matidor at Bitburg...1959-1960 and then crosstrained to the Mace from 1960-Nov 1962. Was guidance syst Mech.Had a BMW MC and traveled all over the place.Worked with Combs,Burkett,Simms,Zadowdzinski,Martinez,Taylor,and many others...Came back to states in Nov 62 on emergency leave(Mom killed in car accident)and got out a couple mos later.I also was a bartender at the NCO club at Sembach..Want to find out more abt the reunion in Denver...Thanks...Dave
Looking forward to the reunion, and seeing 'old' friends and making new ones.
I signed in before but it didn't seem to take. Planning on getting together in Denver in June and am trying to find more from our class in Denver in 58-59.
I grew up in Orlando, FL. Several of my friends had fathers in the Matador/Mace programs. I was in the Civil Air Patrol unit at Orlando AFB in the early 60's
Started out with 873rd which became the 498 TAC Missile. Denver from March 63 to Nov. 63, Orlando Jan. 64 to July 64 then Kadena to 66, Jan. 66 to Jan 67 Vandenburg.
Great to read thru the guest book. I found several of the guys from the 868 and one that was on my crew. I was a weaponeer and Hank Tracy was the A&E guy for our crew. Major Lee Schoen was our LO who later became the squadron exec when the R&R plane went down in Hong Kong. Wish I could make the Denver reunion but other matters prevail. Look forward to the next one wherever it might be.
Looking for a guy I flew control line model airplanes with at Orlando. I think his name was Paul Wilson.
Was a maintenance Mech 1
I was assigned to the maintenance hanger and helped in the periodic inspection of the missiles.
I trained and worked in the flight control section at Orlando. Assigned to flight control section at Kadena. Assigned back to Orlando, closed Orlando,then back to Kadena. I worked for Harry Mathis in the guidance shop, anyone know where Harry is? George Collbert? Would like to hear from anyone in Maintance. Great site.
lso looking to find Leonard Estrada (Hahn)
Updating Email address.
It is very nice to see these websites, and relate back to the historic eras. I am married to a veteran of WWII (Air Corps) 7th AF, 41st Bomb Group, 820th Bomb Squadron, and love to visit all of these things. We attend all of our reunions since they found us in 1989. My brother, Jim Nuckles had made several of these reunions with us. One in Boston and one in Little Rock, AK
It would be great to hear from anyone who served at either site at that time.
I was part of the 17th TMS. We went from Orlando to Taiwan in Nov 57. Lived in bamboo huts for a while,then moved off base until base housing could be built. Ate and drank at the Magambo when we wern't on alert duty.Except for Trimble I don't see anyone I was with. Capt. Halbert, Jack Ice, Jim Warth, Joe Tritch, Fred Wolfe, Dick Bibbs, Meuller, Beckage, Vancleve, Jones and others. I'll try and get some pictures on the site.
Anyone remember the launch officer's wife that would take 'cookies' to the guys in the barracks on the weekends? She was the only dependent I can remember being sent home by the base commander/
Boy this is great, as many have said before it sure brings back lot's of memories...
Just discovered this site after getting a phone call from a buddy (Ken Lunde) from Hahn 'out-of-the- blue' after 38 years. I was enlisted Missile Launch Technician right out of high school. I left Air Force in 1965 and went on through college to a PhD in Physics. Then I moved into computers and still do high-technology today in 'Silicon Valley' California. Missiles and electronics jump-started my technology career. The photos of the sites and missiles and various folks has bought back some fond memories. Thanks for the site. Jim
IN looking over the entries, I don't see anything from people in the Radar sites who would've guided the missiles/fighters to their targets. We were the 601st Tactical Control Squadron. I was in OL5 until the unit disbanded in Sep 62. My biggest memory was that our mission required 30-35 minutes to accomplish and it was estimated that the Russkys/East German Army could be at our location in 20 minutes! We tried not to think about it. Would love to hear from any other 601st types.
Good Site. This is a little long but I would like to hear from personnel that remember me. I am not sure I will make it to Denver. I have been on a heart transplant list in ST. Louis for almost 3 years. At this stage I don't like getting to far from home. Cross trained from Radio Relay in 59 to Test Equipment Maintenance (TEMS). From fall 59 to summer 61 I was at Orlando in the Support Squadron. In 61 went to Okinawa (with George Bennett and group). In 65 returned to Lowery as an instructor. 1966 I returned to Okinawa as an instructor at FTD 911L. Mainly taught Fundamentals of Solid State Devices. In 69 when we shut down (Halloween Day) I was awaiting the results of a request for special assignment so I did not return to the states with the rest of the people. I stayed in Okinawa until February 1970. Returned to Whiteman AFB as an electronic technician on the Minuteman. In 71 transferred to Chanute AFB as an instructor. Retired 1 May 75.
Great site! Brings back a lot of great memories. Would be great so see some of the guys again!
Was Gordon Fisk, from the earlier 'no e-mail address' entry, also at Minot in 1978 ?
Looking back on all the places & people has brought on a flood of memories! Gotta go dig out the old photo albums & see what I might also contribute. Correction: In one of the photos, there is a picture of a dragon in a missileer hat & smoking that was said to be hanging in the day room at Hahn. That fellow was the 89th TMS insignia creature; it was incorrectly labeled as the 405th TMS. The 405th was deactivated & the 89th was formed to replace it in the early sixties.
Want to update EMail address as i didnt have it on the roster, understand Schoder is trying to reach me do hope i can make it to Denver
Was in 11th/17thTMS Oelando. 868th, Tiawan 586/hahn. Det. 2 Cape. Brooksville Fl.
Reading all the great entries in the guest book and came across Al Lindbloom, missiler and we spent some good years at VAFB after Germany. Had lost track of Al but thanks to our Guest Book, located an old friend. Looking forward to Denver in June, Hope it doesnt snow.
update of e0mail
Just loging on to change my e-mail address. See you all in Denver
Name and spouce's name is correct on master list but not on antendee's list for Denver. Our reservation confirmation number is 87140834 at the Embassy Suites in Englewood. We were among the first to make reservations according to the hotel personnel.
I was the warhead man on Launch Crew 1. Would like to hear from other crew members.
Went to Germany in 3/54 with what was then the 1st. Pilotless Bomber Sqdn. from Patrick AFB, FL Went to Bitburg then to Landsburg with Det. #3. Then to Schwarzenborn/Knull. Was in Guidance section as a radar repairman. Bet I could still fire that MPS-9 up ! One trip to Libya, interesting but it sucked ! Had to watch your back with those Arabs down in Garian. Brought a cute little German redhead from Immenstadt (down in the Alps) back to the land of the BIG PX in June 56. We are still happily married & have 4 daughters & 1 son. 10 Grandchildren & 3 Great Grand children. Retired from AT&T in 1988 & have made 10 trips back to the Fatherland sense. There last in Sept of 02 & planning another in May 03. Made 5 trips between 56 & 88. We stay for 3-4 weeks. Love Germany (especially the Alps)& those Autobahns. Drive over 3,000 miles each time we go. Really enjoyed my whole tour in the USAF. Nice link you have. Only 3 years old ? Looked over the members page. Most seem to be 'youngsters' as far as being former 'Missile Men'. :o) Did not see anyone I know. Been messing with computers over 30 years now.
You don't have my location or my wife, Emily's, name on the roster for perspective attendees to the next gathering in Denver
Just had one tour on Mace System. Arrived Bitburg Mar 64. Had TEMS shop until May 67. Reassigned to Vandenberg, Ca AF Systems Command til 74. Retired in May 76. Worked in General Aviation and Aerospace ( Martin Marietta) til retirement in 95. Living in Pittsburgh, Pa.
UPDATE ON E-MAIL ADDRESS SEE YOU ALL IN DENVER.
New Email Address: rkoehn01@eartlink.net
Ed Stupski I have tried to send you mail hope you check this looking forward to renewing our friendship after all these years.
Planning to be in Denver in June, assuming the man up north behaves until then. Looking forward to seeing all of the gang that can make it and maybe we can think of more people with our young minds as they are. Putt
E-mail address change. See you in Denver.
Looking forward to the reunion in Denver. Getting married in June, doing a northern US tour and ending up in Denver. Anyone know or heard from Ken Roberts or Ed Bartik?
Wowo... lots of great images and stories, which had been a period to memory and almost a history forgotten here in Taiwan.
Ronald L. Regula. Your EMail address is wrong. I would like communicate with you about TEMS Orlando Bitburg. Please make corrections. Thanks. AL
Very much like to make the next reunion in Denver. Mary & I are looking at the possabilities of making that happen.
Matador Guidance Kimpo site (MSQ-1A)
Ive noticed a lot of recalling of the Mace/Matador experiences at places such as Denver, Orlando, Hahn, Asia, etc. But not one word from any of you of the great experiences that several of us had at the Martin- Marietta Missile Factory School for the Mace-B in Baltimore, Maryland. I remember a few of the guys I was there with: Charles Black, Bob Tennyson, Charlie Justice, John Griffin. Several of the guys from Lowrey, one of whom was my roommate. Many of the married guys who were there had eventually divorced and married each others wives. That was quite a Marriage Merry Go-Round up there. I would like to correspondence with anyone who remembers me.
Please add mee to the list and send me info to the Denver reunion. Michael P. Brashear P.O.Box 3021 Arnold, CA 95223 209-795-6447
See Ya'll at the reunion. I still need that good picture of a MACE. Can anyone help??
Just updating email and enjoying the move to Fla.
I think tac missiles were the most fun.I participated in operations of seven different systems. Incl. Matador,Quail,Hounddog A&B, MinutemanII& upgrade, Mace B. Two shoots in one day @ Canaveral inc.night shot by partner team. We're on the end of the runway @ Orlando,and I overhear the copilot say 'Do we have a green light?' Then, 'Are we on the right runway & which way is New York? 'But we returned to Bitburg OK. Fun. One day at Kadena a bunch of inspectors from Hickam showed up and I knew some of them from SAC. They were there to SACumCize us. Someone complained that SAC wouldn't work with TAC, so they discreetly disappeared.
Just wanted to invite everyone to the Denver reunion next June. Its going to be a fantastic reunion. You guys that are signing in that are not currently a member of this great organization, send me an e-mail and I'll get you on the roster so you will receive our quarterly newsletter. Its all about our members and their past memories. (The one's that they feel safe in telling) Of course there is much more to the newsletter, but this is a big part of it, and it makes for some interesting reading. Walter Fenley, thanks for calling me and telling me to get you on the attendees list to Denver. Enjoyed your company at Orlando. See you in Denver.
served in the 498th tmg
Was with the 71st as a Missile Controls Technician until the Mace came onboard.Was on pad 'C' when they started converting it for the 'Mace'.Left Bitburg for Minot AFB ND for the Minuteman Missile and from their went into the ADM20C (Quail Decoy) Missile.After Minot went Robins AFB GA, Fairchild AFB WA, and Blythville AFB AK where I retired after twenty years in the Air Force,also I put another twenty years at Robins AFB GA
I just wanted to update my EMail address and say hello again.....If you haven't been to one of the reunions, I encourage you to go. It was a blast. How the hell did we all get so old.
It seems to me that one integral unit of the Mace program has gotten short shrift. Is there anyone out there who worked the MAST system? My own experience impressed me with the speed and efficiency fot the supply technique. Was working on a bird out at Site III and needed a part that was so little needed that none were stored at forward locations -- infact, they were only at WRAMA. Anyway, I placed my order back to Sembach thinking that we will start on the yo-yo and see the part in a couple of weeks. Got the bird off and back into the follow-on area and was starting teardown, when a helicopter landed and I was called to the Maintenance shack. Guess what -- there was my part, delivered from the States within a 12 hour shift!! Found out later that it was just a fluke, that there just happened to be fighter rotation overseas and they stuck my part on one of them. But none the less, it points up the efficiency of the Missile Automatic Supply Technique.
AFSC WAS 43350L CAPTAN L.BYRON WAS MY LAUNCH OFFICER.I WENT THROUGH THE FIRST CLASS AT LOWERY-- THEN TO ORLANDO MTC --CAMP HAPPYNESS --HOLLOMAN AND FIRED BIRDS 58-1376,58-1375-2 AND 58-1403 AND THEN TO SEMBACH.
All you guys running the program, the last issue of the TAC MISSILEERS EXTRA was great, what we needed to know, when we needed to know it. Am talking up our next meet as often as possible. Was in Melbourne, FL this week and called a couple of old Matador/Mace guys. They we suprised at the turn out in Orlando last year and sorry they missed that one. Said they would talk it up and consider this next metting. Walter Fenley
1959-1961 BITBURG AFB GERMANY MATADOR 585TH TAC MISSLE SQDN BELIEVE IT WAS (C Pad ) IN THE MUD IN THE WOODS NEAR TRIER, GERMANY
Just revisiting the entry list and thought I would Say Hi, Looking forward to Denver in 2003. Regards Roger.
Checking in to update My E-Mail Address and Say 'I like this site'. Looking forward to Colorado in 03. Dick Moffett
Just updating email address
Just revisiting to change my email address. Hope to see you all in Denver!!
Mechanic on the diesel power plants at site 3. Does anyone out there remember the night that all power was lost at site 3 and a bucket brigrade was used to fill the fuel tank? I was dispatched from the base to determine what had caused the failure. It was very interesting trying to get into the site with no power. It was also very quite and unbelievably dark....
After the Okinawa shutdown, I was sent to the 321st MIMS at Grand Forks, ND and the minuteman II. I retired in Oct, 1988 from March AFB, CA with the 26th AD, SWADS as a mainframe maintenance crew chief.
Wife-Micheline
This is a great site, have already spotted several people that I worked with and it really stirs memories of the past. Would like to hear from those of you who knew me and would like to hear what you have done with all of those years that just slipped by us.
Hey now. I was at Bitburg from 1960 to 1963. Hope to see yall at the convention in Denver.
crew=chief automatic radar tracking crew stationed at Camp Cook(later,VandenbergAFB) set up radars at Cook and then sent to patrick/canaveral carte-blanche to observe operations during missile shots and observe SAM testing at Patrick--don't know if we were missileers or not. I was released in 11/58 and discharged in 63.
Anyone looking to replace lost missile badges or medals/ribbons try web site WWW.USMEDALS.COM They will send a catalog with everything. See you all at Denver reunion.
Just an update with revised email addy. Worked MEMS at Hahn 65-66, with DeRain, Doi, Quatrochi and more.
Keesler AFB (Radar) Orlando (Missiles) Console operator offshore Makung Penghu, Pescadores Island group, Taiwan Straits. There until teardown April 1961, then to RBS at Watertown, NY USAF 1959-1967.Civilian life was all electronics mfg and computer industry. Capt Chapman and Captain Jones and Lt Beers were OIC's. Like the site, what great memories and can show the pix to grandchildren.
Folks the site looks great! Enjoyed reviewing the pictures, lots of good work there. Walt
oct 1958 to jan 61 formosa spent about a yr on the island of ma kung about 60 miles off the coast of tianan. qumoy and matsu were about 80 miles to the northeast. most of the guys with wives and kids stayed at home on the mainland. us single guys volunteered for the remote duty on the island.
Hi! I'm just now getting in touch with the TAC/Missileers and have contacted Max Butler to join and get involved. Planning to go to Denver in 2003. I've been contacted by Dean Hamilton, James Crone, Carl Orpurt, Robert Brewster as well as Max.
New e-mail address
I'm already on the roster but it is fun looking back to see all my friends, fellow slaves (A2C-A1C) and slave masters (SSgt and above). Those were good days with $150/month wages, castle storming on time off, University of Maryland/USAFI/ECI courses, a 1952 VW that needed to be double-clutched, hot water only in the kitchen, one small transitor radio for entertainment, eleven cent a gallon QM gasoline with Esso coupon backup, quarterly Tac Evals & ORIs, 3 day shifts followed by 3 night shifts followed by one duty crew day then 2 days off, the Cuban Missile crisis, the Kennedy assination crisis, the two years spent with one strip because promotions were so tight, black & white pictures because color film was too expensive, closeness with other families because none of us had any money, and much more. Gee I miss SSgt Bud Delong, SSgt Robt Kohler, Capt John N. Oliver, A2C John Fehn, A2C Richard Rake, Capt Jack Lee, SSgt Richard Redding who spent many months with me in the LCC. It was Capt Oliver who pushed me the most to get into the AECP Program, which I was accepted to in August 1965. I remember MSgts Duffy and Melton who ran our 'duty crew' and had us scrounge paint for a building or bridge when only scraps were left in various cans - an impossible task that was usually productive. I lived off base in Kappel and Kaustelaun with families Keim and Kasner - I thank them for good places to live.
Hello fellow Missileers. Hope you all are going to the 2003 reunion in Denver the 3rd week of June, 2003. There is a lot of interest about it, so I think it is going to be a great reunion, At this date there is already 75 members that have said they will be there,and it is still a little over a year away. WE had a ball in 2001 at the Orlando reunion with 159 members attending. I think Denver is going to be bigger yet. Please let me know if you even think you will be attending as we would like to get an estimate of attendees, for planning purposes. Take care. Max R. Butler/Membership Director/Treasurer
Just to check back in and notify everbody of my new Email address.
Mech # 3 on instructor crew site # 3 Okinawa . remember Sgt John Tufts ( a fellow Mainer ) and LT.Donald Homrighausen our launch officer . He was the infamous unicycle rider. My friends from the early training days were : Art Curd , Robert Lutey anf Ben Lawrence . We spent some great days at Lowery AFB, Orlando ,Cape Kennedy , and of course Okinawa . This site really brings back memories
I was in the 587th TM Support Sqdn. I was in armament and was part of crew at 'C' flight while at Sembach. Some names from many years ago-----chonko, hamp, gromak, steele, eisenhauer, kendall, sutton, wilford, woods, Maj. Mclean, Capt. Bellamy, melton. I was awarded the missile pin?? It has been lost for many years, but I was wondering if they are still awarded and available.
this is a great place to keep in touch, the re unions have been a lot of fun. but i haven't found many old troops from Kadena either on here or at the reunions. so here's a list if anyone knows of any of these guys please give them the web address so that they can climb aboard.the guys i knew were from GEMS,TEMS and GSC, Butcher, Short, Holmes, Rice, Johnson, Glover, Stephenson, Mueller, DeWitt, Coleman, Hessling,Hamby, Nadolny, DeLeon, Hudgens, Phillips, Paul, Frantz, thelast i knew of most of them was that they were stationed at Davis-Monthan and that was back in 73 when i retired. keep up the good work y'all i haven't been back to denver since 67
I was a mech 2 on a launch crew at site 4 at kadena and both sites at bitburg. I got to kadena about two weeks before kennedy was shot. I keep in touch with several of my air force buddies and with the help of the internet I have recently located several more, two on your web page. Here are some names as best as I can remember. At kadena the squadrons were the 873rd & 874th. The CO's were Dudley Dilley & Henry Tilley. The site commander was Major Stewart. On my crew were: LO was Captain Sam Wright from Oklahoma, crew chief was William (bill) Henry from Missouri, mech 1 was Red Angleton from Florida, mech 2 was me Max Saylor from Kentucky, mech 3 was Royce Harrelson from Florida, mech 4 was Roy Smullen from Baltimore, mech 5 was Jim Godley from California. Bill Henry was replaced by Sgt. John Tufts. Here are the names of the ones I'm in touch with. Ken Berry 873rd from Wise, Virginia, Jim Godley 874th from Laton, Calif. Kirk Kaskin 874th from Hampton, S. C. John Brezina 873rd from Corpus Christi, Texas, Frank Buckwalter, Jr. from Lancaster, Pa. Royce Harrelson from Lakeland, Fla. and at Bitburg: George Depew maintenance from Oceano, Calif. Barry Woodling maintenance from Wilkes-Barre, Pa. & Steve Rozic maintenance from Butler, Pa. If you remember me or any of these guys contact me and I'll put you in touch.
Who do I send dues to ?? What about Life Memberships. I beleong to a Korean vet group and they charge $100 for Life Membership
Launch crew, site 3. I've seen some pics of Okinawa recently ... looks like the Marines at Camp Schwab took over the area where site 3 was. Also received a pic from an 'army brat' on Okinawa. Seems that the natives actually turned a MACE site into a temple.
Sorry, got the email address wrong in the last note. It should be 'eyeroger@aol.com'. Thanks
Started school on Matador January 28, 1959 at Lowry, shipped to Bitburg July 18, 1959. Assigned to 'B' site on crew B-5. Was in parade at Sembach to welcome the TM-76A.Came back to Cape for firing in June '60. Rotated back to Lowry June '62 and was assigned to Mace A/B Flight Controls as an instructor. Transferred to GAM 87 Skybolt and completed the training as Test Equipment. Program cancelled, returned to Mace A/B Flight Controls as Course Supervisor Jan'63.August '65 started to school as Mace B TEMS. Was slated for Kadena and that assignment was cancelled and I remained as instructor and later course supervisor. Assigned to Kadena September '68 and functioned as Senior Maintenance Controller and finished as a Quick Reaction Team Member. Rotated to Lowry and finished my career as Course Supervisor of the TAC Missile Air to Air, Air to Ground and Smart Munitions with a tour to Southeast Asia
What a really neat website! Great job, Joe! I haven't missed a reunion yet and hope to be around for the last one. For those who can't say the same, you really don't know what you are missing. The camaraderie and memory 'jolts' are just fantastic. I can't say enough for the really superb work put into getting these reunions going and establishing our TacMissileers website. Kudos, also, to Bob Bolton for the pictorial of Site 3 Gruenstadt and his first effort as newsletter editor. Bob was the mech 1 on our crew at Gruenstadt. Capt Charles Cage was the L.O., A2c Teets was the mech 2 and I was the crew chief. That was just one complete crew of 4 that I was on. Barney Lambert, nice to see your pictorial of your tour at Hahn. How's Mary? Barney was my NCOIC at Vandenberg in l969 while in the Director of Communication and Instrumentation, Quality Control office. Ludwig Koeniger, Johnny Marney was at the reunion in Dallas, but, wasn't at Orlando. Koeniger and I trained together prior to going to Germany. Marney was our instructor while we were at Holloman. Regarding the 'Wanted Posters', here is how it came about. Beryl Ristine (a classmate at Lowry prior to Sembach) had the foresight to collect discarded Pass and ID photos while at Sembach. Remember how 4 or more pictures were taken, then one was selected, and the rest tossed? Well, Beryl simply removed them from the trash can when he was there for his picture. Beryl had them in a footlocker for thirty plus years, wrapped in rubber bands. Having known about them for 20 plus years, I asked Beryl if he would mind if I copied them and got them to Joe for the website. He concurred so there they are. The originals will be at each reunion. Unfortunately, Beryl only made a few trips to the Pass & ID office, but what he did get is a real 'gold mine'. Thus the 'High Sheriff' and the 'Gold Miner'. Looking forward to seeing old acqaintences as well as Micro Midget competitors, especially Goggans. You, too, Ted Hollins. Love those sports cars and Mini Coopers.
I just wanted to send my new e-mail address in case some of the old bunch might see this great web site. (like, Bob Farrens, Bill Hess, Harry Sherman, Larry Dalby, Hank Kruger, Steve May etc.) Drop me an e-mail if you run across this. Tom
A growing up experience. Proud to have served in missle maintenance both at the site and specialist dispatch back at Hahn.
Just updating new E-Mail
I have serveral pictures of a couple of crews at the Cape and the missiles being fired.Articles out of the Missileer from Sem.
there are several of us in the Denver area who taught Mace at Lowry
Great site.One of the best tours of duty in my 24 year career. I was part of a GREAT crew which included: Lt Donnie Cubbage, Airman Ed Johnson and Airman Arnie Hansen.
Great site.
Matador school, Lowry AFB, 1959. Launch crew training, Orlando AFB FL. 1959/60. 868th TMS, Tainan Taiwan, 1960/61. Atlas 'F', 577th SMS Altus AFB, 1961/65. Note: already signed in before, but have a new 'Email' address now.
I have already signed in, just new E-Mail address.
I just found this web page and it has led me on a real fun trip thru the past. I didn't see any names or pictures of the old bunch but alot of memories came back. Thanks for the trip. Tom
Tech II on launch crew at VI. L/O-Lt Charles Weimer Crew Chief-TSgt Jennings Orville Raff Tech I-A1C James Crone
7th TDS (Nukes), Kadena, 1959 - 1961 5th AMMS, Travis AGM-28B, 1962 - 1966 Lowry (Mace Guidance School) 1966 498th TMG GEMS 1967 - Deactivation (Late 1969) 92nd AMMS, Fairchild AGM-28B 1970 Commissioned 1972 Retired as Captain at Wright-Patterson 1982
I went to Denver for Mace school then to Orlando in 1962. Asssigned permenet maintenance, left 1963 to 1965 Kadena AFB, then returned to Orlando AFB till 1966 TDY to Eglin AFB discharged June 1969. Where were you on January 10,1967 when the Mighty Mace flew over the Western Edge of Cuba??
Chief of Maint. and responsible for phaseout of the Mace at Hann. Completed Dec. 1966.
Signed in before but have moved to Ky. and have new E mail. See you at Denver. Still looking for George Via, Carl Voss, and Jim Skelton. Any help out there?
At Orlando I taught the single launch concept. was transfered to the Matador as an Instructor for the last two classes. Went through the multiple Mace traing prior to going to Germany. Worked at Site six then was transfered to Det 1. 38th TAW to work as senior controller in Job Control. Left for Alaska (Humanintarian reassignment) in December 1963. Went back into Aircraft Maintenance.
Just found your page-what a flood if memories! Thanks
Truly delighted to find all of these missile web sites. My four years in the U.S. Air Force were truly enjoyed by me and I look forward to meeting other missile personnel. G. Joseph Snyder P.O. Box 316 Cameron Park, CA 95682
Yes I would be intersested in attending (hopefully I will be able to this time) the next Re-union in Denver, As far as the amenities for the Hotelwhat ever you come up with is fine with me. Tahnks again for the invite.
TAUGHT AT ORLANDO 61-63. SITE COMMANDER PENGHU 15 MONTHS 59-60 ONE OF THE BEST EXPERIENCES THAT I EVER HAD GREAT GROUP OF GUYS
I truly loved my duty station, the airman and officers that I served with. In 1965, after graduation from the University of Fresno, California, my wife and I took a three month travel trip through Europo. Of coused we traveled trhough Steinborn, where Launch Pad 'A'was located. Nothing was there, except for the pad asphalt. Joseph Snyder
trying to search for guys in guidance section that where with me at sembach.
89th TMS
I was initially assigned to the 38th TAC Missile Wing in mid 1959 as Chief, Aerospace Ground Equipment Maintenance Officer. This is as well as I can remember the title. About one year later, the Wing had difficulty acquiring a Missile Maintenance Officer and I was placed in that position. I had no formal Matador or Mace training, but with the help of others in the headquarters I managed to get the job done. The job title given me was Chief, Deficiency Analysis Maintenance Officer. Like WOW! I couldn't hardly pronounce the name, but I had the job. Where did they find such a name for a title. The Wing had three outstations (Secret Misile Launch Bunkers, etc.), at this time I can only remember one near Bitburg -- I believe it was something like the 587th TAC Missile Sqdn., however, I'm not sure. I was a rated pilot and, in addition to other duties, was required to fly a minimum number of flights, day and night with a minimum number of landings, takeoffs, and instrument approaches. In order to do this I had to fly on nights, weekends and holidays because the ground job requirements were such that I couldn't get away during normal duty hours. However I did fly Missile Maintenance People, during normal duty hours, into Bitburg on several occasions to help in the repairs of out of commission missiles. Many, many times, I took long cross country flights to Italy, Berlin, London, Copenhagen, etc. After the word got out that I was flying into these areas, several requests came in to include airmen passengers who had authorized leave and desired to travel to various areas in Europe on weekends. I add this latter information, because some of the TACMissileers, especially those in the Sembach area, may remember being on some of those flights. Sembach had only two C-47 type aircraft, and those of us who were rated pilots flew those craft to get our required minimums.
873rd TMS Launch, Site 1, and 498 TMG Maintenance TEMS
I need a real good picture of the Mace to blow up and put on the back of my motorhome. Can one of you help me out? Let me hear from you.
I need some help in finding a 586 MMS patch. Anyone out there have one stashed somewhere? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Elias 'Chico' Ruiz
Gentlemen, I am your new Missileer News editor. If you have a story, some news, questions, statements or any other tidbits you would like to share with the rest of the group I encourage you to email them to me. I'll do my best to include your input in future issues. If you have hard copy material you would like to share for inclusion such as pictures or printed articles about the Mace or Matador systems contact me via email for my snail mail address. I'll safeguard anything you send in and return the original hard copies to you when you request a return of them. Otherwise any submissions will be kept with our other historical documentation. I look forward to your input. Bob
Instructor at Training site 1964 Retired 1980 at McChord AFB, Washington.
I was the Administrative Ass't to the 4504th TAC Msl Wing Commander, Major William F. Faxton. Left Orlando AFB and went to Japan with 6902 Security Wing.
I was a special vehicle mec. at the 4504th support sq. Orlando Air Force Base and worked on the Mace and Matador support equipment. Mostly the MM1 Terecruzier. Am I elligible to join thiis group?
I served as a Tech. 4 in the missle site for 3 years.
Many thanks to all involved,especially Joe Perkins, for the wonderful Reunion in Orlando. It was great to see the outstanding representation from Hahn's 586th MMS. It was a joy to see so many old friends, and God willing, we'll all get to meet again in Denver in 2003.
In June 1959 I was transferred from Stateside to, Headquarters, 38th TAC Missile Wing at Hahn AB,Germany. However, in a matter of days after arriving at Hahn AB, the Wing was transferred to Sembach AB. I headed the Ground Equipment Maintenance Branch of the Wing, and later was assinged additional duties with the Missile Maintenace Branch. Some of the Missileers may remember me for the R & R Trips to Copenhagen and Italy. I was a rated pilot and flew the old Goony Bird on quite a large number of those R & R Trips. I hope this satifies the requirements to become a member of the TAC Missileers Assoc. Have a nice day. Will
Had a great reunion in Orlando, Fl. Organization has voted to become known as The Tac/Missileers,with the non-profit charter based in Fl. Anyone associated with the Matador/Mace missile is certainly welcome to become a member.Please e-mail me and I will add you to the membership list. We are going to have the next reunion in the Denver area in 2003. Max R. Butler Membership Director/treasurer
I started out at Site IV on Barney Lambert's last crew, just before he left. Worked with Capt. Deward Johnson, Willie Boggs and Dave Gross. Then went to Capt. Ralph Gaede's crew. Just found this site today. Sorry I didn't find it in time to go to Orlando, but will definetly make it to Denver.
Combat Crew Chief, Commander was Capt. Bush, Mech 1 was McIntosh and Mech 2 was Sterret. We came on duty just before Christmas 1962 and left 3 years later. My crew was in the blockhouse when the bogus war message came to us. We were also in the blockhouse when President Kennedy was assassinated. Not much fun either time, but there was a lot of excitement. Hahn assignment was one of the most interesting in my 22 years of service even though I also served in both Korea and
Joe/Gary Thanks for Orlando. My best wishes for our new leadership. The trip was great! I wanted to take a few moments to thank the crew that was responsible for making it all happen. We all 'post' information to our old freinds, but take time to say 'Thanks' to the group that made it all possible. Our reunion in Orlando connected faces with names and I for one will not forget it. Orlando might be quiet due to recent events, but for a few days in October it sure was lively. Those there know what I mean !!
Good party
Jan.1968 to Dec. 1969 , Okinawa ,trained as mech (?)for launch crew , but reassigned to P E dock after sign-in at sqd. Col. P. Spear is still the best Commander I ever served under in my 23 years 11 months in the AF.MACE was my first assignment after enlisting in Jan 1967.
Just to update my entry on 5/1/00, had to buy a new CPU the old one got too old and slow. My e-mail address was changed with that purchase it's now ElderLeePat@aol.com.would like to hear from anyone that remembers me.
Trained at Lowry, Orlando and onto Sembach, assigned to the 822 and some Tdy to the 887 at Grunstad. Selected to assist with the Training Site transition from Matador to Mace in 1993 and remained after the completion as NCOIC until Aug 1966 when reassigned to the 6595 Aerospace Test Wing at Vandenberg AFB,CA. Met a lot of fine crews from Sembach and Hahn we trained at the Mace Training Site. Had 5022 runs on this site when it was decomissioned. Germany was the best tour of my 30 year AF career. Great fun renewing old friends at Orlando this year.
It is great see that you guys created this webb site, and to hear some of my old friends. Looking forward to the next reunion.
Joe the reunion was tremdous, had a great time, looking forward to Colorado 2003. Walt
Just heard about your site today from Tony Valovich. I was in 586th MMS in Hahn. I now reside in: 2550 Sharpes Hill Rd. Gaston, SC 29053
My Addres is 2131 s. Calle Yucatan Tucson Az. 85710 Phone 520-886-0082
Started in 2nd XGM (Experimental Guided Missile) Squadron at Eglin (1950). Then to Eniwetok for Proj. Greenhouse, then to Patrick. Good to see so many of the old names. You guys are doing a great job. Keep it up.
I was with the 11thPBS in Fla.then in Sembach,Ger. 1954-1957 I started this by looking for a way to get a 701st Tactical Missle Wing patch for a collection and I ran across the web site and was floored that there have been reunions etc. Fantastic.
Any one stationed at Site 3 Grundstadt from 62-64 Please click on the yellow sign for the Rogues Gallery to see how they looked back then. Sign in also.I am the only one signed in way last year.
I have been on a lot of bases with Martin Missiles most were destined to phased out soon after I arrived. I worked in TEMS most of the time but did my time on a launch crew, most notably in Bitburg in
Already signed in but changed E-mail. Still looking for Jim Skelton. Any help out there?
I was planning on attending the orlando Reunion,however because of work reqirements as a result of the latest incidence around the World Trade Center, I unfortunately will NOT be able to attend. Hopefully I could attend a future one if there is one . however I would like to thank all of those who are involved with making this possible and do appreciate the opportunity. Regards, Roger St. Germain
Transporter Maintenance
Hi. It's nice to see the Mace has not been fogotten. I found you on a google.com search for Mace missile one boring morning. I just ordered 'Launch Enable' today. I will check back soon.
DOES ANYONE HAVE INFO ON A CAPT ALMAN, STEINBORN CO?
GREAT WEB SITE, MEMORIES, AND RECALL OF COMRADES, ATTENDED 99 REUNION IN VEGAS, NOT ABLE TO GO TO ORLANDO. HAVE A GREAT TIME.
Glad to hear about this organization. Hope to renew old friends.
Kennedy,Burns,Krom,Kinkle,Dupont,Miller,Stevens and Hederick where are you guys???
Radar guidance(MSQ-1A)!! Anyone recall that? After the missiles were in the air , they had to be guided. Would like to hear from anyone that was in the TM-61C squadrons at these times and places.
i see so many comments from guys that had to be in the same places as i was, but don't recognize many names. i was at orlando from oct. 61 till june, 62, then to kadena, 498mms until dec. 63.i was part of the guys who uncrated, assembled, and activated most of the 'B' birds, (hardsite). we had 33 birds, all but one active, it was cannibalized down to a shell since parts were so hard to get. i also remember middle of the night trips out to the sites to change out the ever failing inverters.sure would like to see some familiar faces at olando
Assigned to Site 2. Activated site in Mar of 62. Cabling 'pulling' was our exercise in the last half of 1961. Seeing the Okinawan pick up the doors and moved them into place was very impressive. Impressive from the standpoint of what a bunch of people can do with teamwork when there is no heavy equipment around. Wonder if there is anyone who has pictures of the doors being moved? Orlando AFB, Jan 61 to Sept 61; Kadana AB, Okinawa, Sept 61 to Mar 63; Patrick AFB, FL, Mar 63 to Mar 65; Kirtland AFB, NM, Mar 63 to Jun 68.
Just had my name added to your mailing list.
New Email address
Previously signed in last year. Just wondering if a list of Orlando go-ers was going to be put on the website or in the Newsletter some time around the first week of september. I really enjoy both the website and the newsletter. Keep up the good work, Joe.
I was at Hahn from Aug 58-Feb 60.I worked in the Comm vans at A flight & C flight launch flights, mostly at C flight until it was phased out and was sent to MOC in the underground building.I remember the launch officers were Capt. Billy Harless, Capt Beatty and Lt. Koenig. I was subsequently re- assigned to Eglin where I was cross trained as a missile guidance and control tech on QF-80 drones and the MRW-5 ground station. Any C&G folks going to the reunion?
HAD SOME REALLY GREAT TIMES AT BITBUSH, GOOD FRIENDS , GOOD BEER AND ALL. WE ARE SIGNED UP FOR THE REUNION, HOPE TO SEE A BUNCH OF B BIRD TROOPS THERE.
I was the one having a cup of coffee in the base cafateria one morning with some other guys and an airman sort of went off his rocker and thru one of those heavy sugar containers. Made a direct hit upon my cranium and knocked me cold. Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Anyone remember the time a guy pulled up in front of the barracks a little fast and layed his car on its side infront of the front door. Best I remember, this didnt go over too well. Hope to see some of the ol gang at Orlando. I was with the 586th. 405th 69th at Hahn and the 71st at Bitburg. I had already signed in but thought someone might remember these little incidents.
Other Assignments: Lowry AFB 1959-1960 Orlando AFB 1964-1966 Eglin AFB TAWC 1966-1969 Retired 1969 Msgt
LACKLAND-BASIC-1959 LOWRY-DENVER ORLANDO OSAN-KOREA THEN ATLAS F WALKER AFB ROOSWELL, NM TDY VANDENBURG AFB, CALIF. 31O TMS OSAN LAUNCH 3 HAVE MANY PICTURES AND SCANNER !!!
Joe, you are doing a great job. Lots of memories. I was at Orlando 1958,59,64,65 Holloman 20 weeks 1959 Hahn 1960,61 Sembach 1962,63 I would like to hear from some of you.
Crew Chief, Instructor & SEMLE Crew #23, Site 3. Assigned from Okinawa to MMII Missles At Grand Forks, ND (EMT & Job Control) Apr 68 - Jul 75 and from there to Vandenberg, CA, Retired Oct 78.
6555th Guided Missile Wing (with 1st & 69th Pilotless Bomber Squadrons) at PAFB after Guided Missile Guidance & Control course at Lowry (early 1952)
Had almost put my military experience behind me until I retired from my 'civie' occupation and found this website. So many memories of so many people. Have only been able to contact 3 of them. Will keep trying. I was an AFSC 43 on the TM76A Mace. We were told that the 12 of us were the second class to go through the training at Lowery. When we arrived at Orlando, they werent ready for us. We pulled squadron duty for awhile, then our OIC ask for a few volenteers to go down to the Cape to pull KP and maintain the barracks for the Matidor boys when they fired their missile. Flash Lanigan,Roy Woods, Estes Me and a couple more jumped at the chance. 7 days on duty with 3 cooks, 2 or 3 weeks of duty with one cook and all the girls from the local area we could gather up. The air force said they would send for us when they were ready to start our class---they forgot. They apoligised when they realized they couldn't court martial us for following orders. We missed one promotion cycle and arrived in germany about 6 months after we should have been there. Do any of you Matidor boys remember the gritty eggs. The cooks all got drunk one night and didn't show up the next morning, so it was up to the KPs to cook. My boss told me to clean the grill everytime I cooked, so I did as he said. Every time I cooked a batch of eggs, I gave the grill a good going over with a grill stone. I had never seen one before and didn't know that it was shedding a little stone. Talk about a mad bunch of troups. The cooks didn't show up until later that afternoon. I did such a good job with lunch (Roast beef, potatoes and onions, all the trimmings.) My NCOIC said that I would get a letter of comendation for it--I never did, but then they didn't court martial me for getting lost either, so I guess were even.
was the ncoic of maintenance plans and scheduling. designed developed and implemented the maintenance concept for ground launched cruise missle weapon system. i was at wuescheim a.s. from feb 86 to may 90. worked with major bailey, chief stivison, ltc talcot, just to mention a couple.
Comments were made previously
Hello,It is great to go on this Nostalga trip,I was contacted by Jim Goudeau of whom I was stationed with in Orlando,Fl. in 1959 and 60 of which we were attending the matador launch crew training after completion of the basic missile course at Lowry AFB in Denver, Co. I spent some time reviewing the pictures and editorials from this Web Page and enjoyed it very much,I only recognized two people,Roy Burkhart from the 868th TMS in Tainan and also Airman Sherry, also fron Tainan who unfortunately was killed in a plane crash while returning from a Hong Kong R&R. Enough about me, I would love to hear from anybody who may have been assigned with me in those missileer days. The ones come to mind are Tommy Laird,Roy Burkhart,David Dunbar,Henry Tracey (Hank)Gibby(Nick Name)can't remember his real name,Capt. Reese D Walker,Sgt Fritz,and of course Jim Goudeau. Thanks to Joe Perkins, I would love to attend the Re-union in Orlando in Oct and plan on doing so. hopefully I will have an opportunity to meet and re-meet my fellow Military companions
Loking for John Coleman from Homestead FL Anybody from 586th
I was a controller in the 601st tactical control squadro (AN/MSQ 1A eqipment). Stationed at 'Hacksaw' near Hamm, Germany and 'Gunpost' near Kassel/Rothwesten. Prior to these assignemnts,I was also at the old Gunpost site at Wasserkuppe. Was at Wheelus (Tripoli, Libya) and many other sites for cross training, etc.
Had already signed in but now have an Email address
One of the three amigos with Frank Maher & (Hector) Chuck Margeson. Served at all Sites, 4,5,&6
I was both launch & maint crew chief on the Mace.
Great site ... brings back alot of memories...haven't seen any familiar faces though, just that bird with the big nose.
WAS TRAINED AT LOWRY AFB.IN GUIDANCE SYSTEMS,APRIL TO OCTOBER OF 1955,THEN SENT TO ORLANDO AFB. TO JOIN THE 11TH TACTICAL MISSILE SQ..WAS THERE FROM OCT.1955 TILL JUNE 1956.WAS THEN SENT TO SEMBACH AFB.GERMANY AND SOON AFTER ARRIVEING WE BECAME THE 587TH COMM. & GUIDANCE SQ.I SERVED THERE FROM JUNE 1956 TILL JAN 1958.WHILE THERE WE WERE SENT TO WHEELIS AFB.IN LYBIA TO FLY THE MATADOR FOR TRAINING.AFTER LEAVING GERMANY I WAS SENT TO PATRICK AFB.,6555TH GUIDED MISSILE SQ.TO FINISH MY TOUR OF DUTY ON AUG. 1958 .WHILE AT THE CAPE I WORKED WITH THE BOMARK MISSILE.
Site 4 Weapons Maint.
Worked at Maint Area for two years then Stienborn A pad for two years
I WAS LUCKY TO BE IN THE FIRST P.B.S. OUTFIT IN THE WORLD. I SPENT JAN 54 TO DEC. 54 IN BITBURG,, WAITING FOR A DISCHARGE. IT WAS FUN ,, LUXENBURG WAS FUN TOO. WIFE AND I HOPE TO ATTEND THE REUNION IN ORLANDO,, IF ANYONE REMEBERS ME,, DROP ME A LINE .. BYE FOR NOW,, HARRY
Started in Mast in 65, cross trained to E&A and had a great time. Got out in 69. Saw site 7 and 8 in the 80s, a real shame. Used to give the lifers a hard time as a young troop, however, I joined the Guard in 77 and have been flying in KC-135s ever since as a boom operator. I'm turning 56 this July and am going on a 4 year active duty tour with 15th AF as a Stan/Eval boom operator, the ultimate lifer with 35 plus years. It's great to see some old friends listed. I sure miss the old operation. Hi to everyone. Anyone from Bitburg, please write.
Lowry - 1958-59, Orlando-1959-60, White Sands - 1960-61
THIS IS AN EXCELLENT SITE AND BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES..I was one the first groups to go to Germany.. Does anyone remember the 19th,21, and 24th missile squadrons in Orlando I was in the 24th (if I remember correctly)..Hope to hear from some of the 'old timers' John
Great web site.. Any Steinborners? Drop me a line.
Also-Mace-Bitburg Germany 1963-1968 Retired Mcconnel A>F>Base Kansas
FLIGHT CONTROL INSTRUCTOR 1961-1964 TEMS KADENIA 1965-1968
Went to school for matador in Denver got to orlando and went to Mace school.After tng. spent my time in the TEMS shop at Orlando and Bitburg.
surveyor. phone # 352-527-9257
498th MMS (GEMS) Kadena
I was a part of the early development team that brought the Matador from Alamagorda, New Mexico (White Sands) to Patrick AFB.
I really appreciate the effort you have taken to set up this site. I was Site NCOIC at Site 2. I was there when we shut them down for good. I have the Site 2 plaque(Semper Paratus)hanging right above my computer desk. Best of luck to all you Missileers and your families. For any of you folks that may also have been in an Airborne Missile Maintenance Squadron(AMMS)(AGM- 28/ADM-20) there is site like this at http://homepage.hitter.net/tmc/.
I should have looked at the guest book befor I wrote this,so many memories, thanks for doing a web site for us 'old fa_ts',was on Capt. Langhoff's crew Msgt. Lowel P cook was the crew chief, I was an A2c wanna be.Took a while, but I got there with a lot of ojt, and a few butt nawings. (every one deserved) too. went to wheelus after the shutdown, closed that up to. Got back into minuetman II at ellsworth.then got crosstrained to command and control.Retireed in 1987. sure miss it sometimes.
Its great to see a web-site dedicated to this weapons system. Looking forward to sharing information. (Charlie Black)SMSgt, Hot Springs Vlg, AR
Friends, Roger Morgan, Jerry Lynn, Dave Gardiner and Wayne Lomas. Hope to see you all in October 2001
Maintainance in guidence and controls in Orlando, Launch crew chief in Germany. Hope to see a lot of you in Orlando in October. looking for Frank Kirkland,Keneth Hinkell, Tate, Willie Boggs and others.
This is an update on my e-mail address
One of my mosty fullfilling assignments during my Air Force career. I believe that our presence at that time contributed greatly to the keeping of world peace.
Never assigned to Matador unit, Went directly to Titan I, 451th MIMS Lowry AFB Colorado.
Site VI Launch crew tech 1 with Lt. Jack Coleman, John Palko & Lee Pritchett. Also, Lt. Kenimer, Msgt Fred Miller. Friends, Ray Pillitteri, Roger Morgan, Wayne Lomas, John Marney, Chuck Doer (1st Sgt). 405th TMS. See several names on the list here in MT. Ham Radio op: WB7WBW Neat Site!
Hi to all old 'pilotless bomber troops! Cross-trained from aircraft maintenance when they took the 'fans' off the front of the engines in '63- '64. Took basic missile training at Lowery and Combat Crew training at Orlando and shipped to Kadena as Combat Crew Chief on Capt. Matthews' crew, Lightning Eleven, at Site 2. Went to Site 1, Crew 3, Thunderin' Third, when Capt. Matthews was made Site 1 Site Commander. Mech 1 was Bill Stone, Mech 2, Clyde Williams, Mech 3, Oly Olsen, Mech 4, P.D. Brown, and Mech 5, Clyde Robinson. After my tour, rotated to Malmstrom as a Missile Maintenance team chief, 66-67. Recalled to Mace in 67 and went through maintenance training at Lowery and was assigned to GEMS and then to Quick React Maintenance till close-out. Closed out career at F.E. Warren as EMT team chief, Maint Supervisor, Quality Assurance, Tech Engineering, First Sergeant and Air Division Senior Enlisted Advisor (Command Chief now). Retired in 81 and worked Aerospace engineering for GTE and Martin Marierra (now Lockheed Martin) until retiring fully in 97. Keep in touch chuck
Orlando in Missile Maint. from March 1956 thru 1959 Patrick 1959-1960 R@D of the TM76A Kadena 1960-1965
Jim is a friend of my , He does not have an Computor. I am submitting this information for him. Jim was an instuctor at Orlando in 1958 whin I went to school. He was in missiles from the start, worked both Tm61c and T76 A&B. He lives at 337 West Seminole Ave. Eustis Fla, 32726- 6219. Add him to mail list and roster Bob Latshaw, bojan5corn@aol.com I will except e-mails for Jim
This is a great web site. It is a lot of fun already & I'm just getting started.I have contacted Zito,Wiese,Renniger,Moffett & Joe. If any remember me,please Write. We are planning to go to Orlando in Oct. Hope to see you there. Marv
Was on a crew with Lt Clark, Sgt Bob Johnson, Amn Frank Godwin
69TH PILOTLESS BOMBER SQDN/MATADOR/HAHN/1955-59 498TH TAC MISSILE GROUP/MACE/KADENA/1965-68 702ND STRATEGIC MISSILE WING/SM62A SNARK/PRESQUE ISLE MAINE/1959-61 MINUTEMAN MISSILES/MALMSTROM & VANDENBERG(COL. ZACHMANN'S CAMP COOK) I AM AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER WORKING FOR A DEFENSE CONTRACTOR IN FLORIDA. MY FRAU AND I ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO ATTENDING THE REUNION.
Why does nobody mention the 17th TMS,My first two years in the A.F was with the 17th,the rest of the time was with the 868th and the 588th.I spent a lot of time out at Makung as the vehicle mechanic.I think our group was the first to Makung as we took all the equipment out there in a Navy LST,my boss was Sgt Pedersen.I can still remember the scent of the hostel where we lived and the Chinese wanting us to pay cash for the gasoline that was given to them by Uncle Sam.Does anybody remember Jack Ice?
Joe made a note of the reservation number for the October meeting, will make reserevations soon. Looking forward to the meeting. Walt
Signed in once before but my e-mail address has changed to gramhenderson@hotmail.com
Just learned of this site from Leon Slusher (Hahn). Enjoyed reading the Guest Book e-mail. Hopefully some old buddies will see mine. Along with Leon, I have contacted Ron Davis (operations) and Ron Brown (MM1 maintenance). Looking for Frank Martinez, Norman Dwyer, Carl Messer, Bob McMann (sp), Joe Ellis. Remember Dubois? Hello to Steve Glazer and 'Butch' Vink (sounds like he's in ADAM). I'm thinking about Orlando in October.
Hi, Nice to see so many names that I can't put a face to after all these years. I remember you guys. I was a mech 1 on the 'A' bird stationed at Sembach 1963-1965. Some names I remember from our crew were SSgt Stephenson, TSgt Hal Kearns, my mech 2 was Fadness mechs 3 and 4 were Reed and Jan Narushof. We had an assortment of armament guys on our crew. I spent the last 6 months there with SMSgt Culpepper directing site maintenance. Did a stint at Malmstrom saw Max Sanches, Blatterman and Lt. Knapp while there. Would like to locate Jan Narushof as we did a lot of fun stuff like ride dirt bikes over there. Loved my time spent at Grunstadt. They used to let us cook our own chow in the morning. Bob
Joe looks good, will have to see about reservations soon. From the hugh numbers that have visted this page, it does look very popular. Walt
HOPE TO SEE ALL OF YOU AT THE REUNION IN ORLANDO LYMAN
i wasa in 882 mms guidance. I see my ncoic laviolette has passed. Peterson,Euing,Gados,Belowski,Johnson,john are some names I remember.
This is a very interesting site. I saw a few familiar faces in the Wanted file. I was at Sembach in Missile Maintence from July 1963 to Oct. 1966. Covered all sites, but was at Site 1 as Expediter last. Would like to hear from anyone that remembers my wife, Lois or me. Also, we were in the Square Dance Club. We had many good times traveling the area dancing at other bases.
Keep up the fantastic webpage. We will see you in Orlando in October 2001. Bill
I was in the 586th MMS for the duration of my tour in Germany and worked on Site V most of the time. We worked with the PowerPacks, NTCU's,Hydraulic Control Units and 100kw Generators on a regular basis. I had many friends there; some names that come to mind are: FRED PAINE, WALTER L. PERDUE,DENNIS KAMMERMAN, BOB HOSINER,ERNIE O'TOOLE,JOHN LUCAS,BOB VALENTI and ANDREW MURRAY.It would be nice to hear from any of these guys! I had a nickname of ' Duke' at that time. Contact me at jehelm@kih.net
I've already signed on, but was wondering if anyone knows anything about Frank Kirkland, Jim Manning, Neil Jindra or Wes Curry? Shane Combs, Guidance Tech Mace
I was with the 498th Missile Group from 1961 to 1964. I worked in Maintenance Analysis.
Great web site. Am trying to find the guys who launched bird # 40058 on March 18, 1960 from Cape Canaevral. Also Launch Crew #1 members from the 310th TMS May 1960 - June 1961.
Just found this site. I will get back to you latter. Bob
Joe the site looks much better. Wanted to register for Orlando on site but did not see that option. Walt
Signed in earlier but I would like to find Jim Skelton; Jim Ramsey; Ray Beverly; Dick Cain; Bill Miller; Paul Parkershon and others that I will think of as soon as I click submit on this. If any one knows there whereabouts or remembers me please holler. Still Planning on Orlando. Dick Moffett
Looking for old friends. Anyone seen Charlie Story or Walt Gronkowski? I located Lt Dick Guest and Col Zaden Lee and they will join this group. I live in Denver but winter in Florida. See everyone at the next reunion. beetle
Worked on MM1 Teracruzer maintenance at a site(can't remember name)just off the Koblenz rd. Site also had a chow hall there. Just up the road from Site 4 (I think). Some names I worked with, Steele, Parsons, Prior, Thomas, Whitehead, Olsen.
I started in Assy. at Bitburg Than to Launch crew,on Sgt Beason's crew I was a Missile Maint Tech.I put in a Segustion,on the MISSILE Launcher while in Bitburg and got A Award.I Worked on the Titan I Missile 1960 through 1965 at Ellsworth AFB SO. DAkota.Than on Titan II at Vandenberg AFB CALIF. .From 1965 to 1969, Than I was retrained in ACFT. and spent some time in Vietnam .I retired in 1976 from the AF .Now I just retired from Qualex,A Kodak Photo Lab,as A Proto Lead Technition.
Went from Elmendorf to Lowry in 8/66 and actually did set training OJT at Bitburg. Worked site 7-2 with Capt. George Hudson, most of the time, as Crew Chief. We probably shut the last bird down in Germany. The order was to shut down at 0:00 and we held our #3 bird on status until 0:06. Left Bitburg for the big birds at Little Rock and retired 12-75 out of the Minuteman program at FE Warren. Found the site by accident. Love it. Sad to see so few of the 71st'ers on it. That was a GREAT outfit. I have been back to Hahn and Bitburg several times and it is enough to make a grown man cry. Both bases are in shambles and the Bitburg sites have trees growing in front of the launch doors. The old 71st building is a hotel and the club across the street is a beer joint.
Thank you for this wonderful site that allows forgotten memories to be restored. Most of my career with these missiles were in Quality Control and I met some lifelong friends. Hello to all my co- workings of the past and hope that we will be able to see each other in Orlando in the coming year.
587th TMG/822nd TMS 1958-1959 587thMissileMaintron1959-1962 Orlando AFB 4504th MslTNGWG TAC 1962-1966 Bitburg AFB 71st TMS. 587th Msl Maint SQ 1966-1969 Retired MSG 01 AUG 1969 I had the task of pickling,cocooning and crating All the missiles for shippment to Egland AFB for the Drone program. I have pictures of the birds being readied for this trip.Also of the team members at that time if any one interested. My grand son put me onto this site. Its Super. Reguards James A Geary MSG USAF Ret.
I was stationed at Sembach 'A' Flight as Mech #1 for most of the time. Our crew chief's were Sgt Sanchez and Sgt Reiley (Capt Mon was our OIC). I have many 'interesting' memories I would like to talk to old friends about(Sonny?, Poodle? Stoney?). I also have many pictures that I will share as I get them scanned. I'm looking forward to the Orlando reunion. I hope there is a large turnout.
Mace School at Lorwy AFB, then to Orlando for advanced training, then to Holloman for 3 years, and then to Germany - Sembach for 3 years and then to Vandenberg to launch big birds. Back to Holloman to the High Speed Test Track (Rocket Sleds) for 3 years and then to Minuteman (SAC)at Malmstrom AFB, next to Fairchild AFB, 47th Air Div, and thats where I retired.
Going thru the rosters, there seems to be very few names from the 310th TMS in Korea and the the squadron in Taiwan. Until I received Decembers issue of the 'Voice', I didnt know about this organization. How do we spread the word?
Have lots of fond memories of Site III Grunstadt. Have lots of pictures of the phase out in Sept. 66. Will bring them to Orlando in October.
Arrived at Sembach Apr 60. A-site, Group standboard, build training site at Sembach and Hahn out of old Matadors. Lots of photos of construction of training sites at Sembach and Hahn. Is Jack Conniff the Martin Rep still around?
Test Equip Maint (TEMS) the entire time. I`ve had e-mail address change since first registering.
Have many slides and pictures of Mace at Orlando and Holliman, will be looking forward to the get together in 2001. Am two blocks from former Orlando AFB. Buy the time of reuion, all buildings on base will be gone.
Then continued ob to Atlas, Titan and Saturn V, launch teram for moon landing shot
keep up the good work!
Mech.1 (Guidance System). Crew Chief was Lee Kyser (who conspired with Beryl Ristine on the Wanted Posters on this page. Nuke Weapons guy was Joe Razidlo. Launch Officer was Major Finky. I'd love to hear from anyone who shared the TAC missile experience. My life is good. Still on my first wife and the kids both turned out well.
#1 Mechanic , electronics. Crew chief was John wellbeloved. Some of my best friends were, Chuck Margeson. Frank Maher, Perkster, My whole crew, most of the names I can't remember, Served on all 3 sites. Remember Capt Duffy, Lt Joe Womble, What was that black Capt name?
i was a mech 5 on capt banks crew on my first tour and an instructor at orlando from 1962 until 1966 when i returned to kadena . i also created the squadron ham radio station at kadena and ran many phone patches back to the world for lots of folks.
Joe this is very nice, and the quote may be true, but hope the true vote winds out. Walt
I have just found all these different web sites on the Matador this week and I am reliving some very fond memories of bygone days.
ITINERARY: May,59 - Oct, 59 Lowry, Electronics and Guidance School Nov, 59 - Oct, 60 Orlando, Backlog and crew training Oct, 60 - Nov, 61 Osan, Korea, Launch Team 5, Training and Standboard Crew Dec, 61 - Jul, 64 Orlando, Instructor - Crew Chief Aug, 64 - Aug, 66 Lowry, Instructor - Inertial Guidance and Crew Chief Aug, 66 - Feb, 68 Kadena, Okinawa, Instructor, FTD911L Feb, 68 - Jul 31, 69 Lowry, Instructor - Crew Chief, NCOIC Standboard Crew, Crew Training Section Retired Jul 31, 1969
Matador 58-60 at Lowry and Osan. Mace A 61-63 Lowry. Mace B 69-shutdown Kadena. Also worked on Minuteman II&III (Ellsworth and Vandenberg) and Titan II-Vandenberg.
WENT WITH 11TH TMS TO SEMBACH IN 56...CHANGED TO 587TH THERE ...WAS IN COMM/GUID AS GROUND RADIO REPAIR...DID DUTY IN LYBIA AND LANDSBURG....I WAS AT LAUNCH SITE IN LYBIA WHEN THE BIRD LOST ALL GROUND CONTROL AND WAS DESTROYED OVER THE MED....STILL REMEMBER THE NOMADS GETTING TO THE WHITE HOT BOTTLES PRIOR TO OUR OWN CHASE VEHICLES...RECRUITED PROMISED ME DUTY WITH SAME OUTFIT IN GERMANY...JOINED THE NAVY AND RETIRED .....ALWAYS FOUND A WAY TO GET INTO TROUBLE IN THE AF BUT WILL NEVER REGRET THOSE DAYS..
Lots of fond memories. Have heard from Renninger,Ellis,and Balco. Lots more I would like to hear from. Thanks for the site. See you all in Orlando.
Was a Mech #2 on Capt Harms crew with SSgt Provoncher and Bob Arnold. So many memories .. Seeing the many photos of the block houses, the shelters, (and without the shelters!) and trying to stay awake on the night shifts .. Send me a line if you recall me.
I had a convention conflict this year and missed the reunion. Will try hard to make Orlando.
I enjoyed the firs reunion in Las Vegas and am looking forward to the next one in Orlando,Fla. I was one of the guys who built the training site at 'A'flt Sembach and was on the training crews with Capt Neilson,Sgt Painter,and Airman Bond,as well as with the later upgrade of the site with Maj.Robison,Sgt Lischka,A1c Baird,and our Civ.advisor Jack Conniff. We trained the crews and had a great time meeting a lot of great guys in the three years I was stationed at Sembach air patch. I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of the guys at the next get together. thanks to Joe Perkins and the rest for the great web site that we can visit. See ya in Oct 2001 Johnny
I received great e-mails from Meine Komeraden von Flugplatz Hahn (somebody want to correct my German?): 'Marty' Martin, 'Zito' Esposito, Dave Maas and Steve Glazer. Joe, this is a great site. I love it but I'm changing from Juno (it stinks) to AOL, so I now have a new address. I hope to hear from other old buddies. I found some great old pictures, but I was using slide film back then, so I've gotta figure something out. Some other names I thought of: Joe Rea, Lou Yacco and Fred Mergle.
887th in Gruenstadt the whole time. Excellent assignment. Crewed with S A Moore, Bob Hagemes, Capt. Wakeman, among others. Good times with Ski, Bob Bolton, Jerry McBride, der Deeker, Robbie and George to name a few. Great friends. Welcome all correspondence! Hope to see you in Orlando.
Enjoyed going back in time
Worked on the 'A' Bird guidance system. Took over as crew chief from Ken Collingwood - remember him, great guy. Also remember SMS Fournier and Tsgt Bill Thomas? My only problem is I can't remember the site number - I think it was 5. While looking through the e-mail notes I saw some great old names - Lyscik, Martin, Esposito, Maas, Wiese, Dahl, Ruiz, Glazer and Renninger (I thought I was the left fielder on that softball team). Anyone heard from Bayliss, Quatrochi, Putnam, Doi or Heymans? Remember Lautzenhausen and all those bars?
Congratulations on having a great website. Since I missed the first two events, I am looking forward to the 2001 reunion in Orlando.
Thanks guys you really made my day. I have a lot of great memories of Germany, Bitburg & Sembach, the Air Force and the guys I was stationed with. I've been looking for a site like this for sometime. Today I received the Missileer News and decided to check the site out.
Hey !! Where are the guys from Site 6? Maybe a few names will help. Sosebee, Rittle, Capt. Duffy, Lt. Buskol (sp) Patchen, Richter, Finuf, Wilkens, Balleau, Valenti, Mueller, Ridge, Lowery, I could go on and on. Always ready to BS on the subject. Great Guys! Great Site!
3421st StuSqd, Lowery AFB, CO Nov 60-Feb 61 4504 StuSqd, TAC MSL, Orlando AFB FL, Feb 61-Sep 61 498th Missile Maintenance Sqd, Kadena AFB, Okinawa Sep 61-Jul 65
Really great to see everyone in Grapevine, We need to get more 586th people there next year. Marty Dave and Chico all looked great. Someone please help me get a hold of Joe Ellis, he lives in Paliuyup (S) Washington. No Phone # or e-mail address that works. I was the left fielder for the award winning 586th softball team. and occasionally worked at site 6. Most off duty hours were spent in the 'Cave' in kirchburg. Raced micro midgets (#76)
Went from Bitburg to Malmstrom AFB(Minuteman maintenance. Eventually was the Director of Contracting for the MX (Peacekeeper) Development and Deployment.
I went through Guidance School at Lowry late '59 and early '60 then on to the 310th TMS at Osan. Anyone remember the 1960 shots from the old Northwest Air Base on Guam?
How about that, this is great. Found you in the reunion section of today's (8-13-00) Newsday edition (Long Island, NY) placed by Julian Esposito. I was assigned to 589th C&G Sq. and 4504th MTW. Unfortunately I can't make it to Dallas due to other commitments. However, keep me posted for next year in Orlando. Sincerely, Norbert Koenig
Wow, what a site, not to many 498th people but that's OK..... spent time in AGE, maint. and on Crews 26 & 31...... Sites 3 & 4. Been a LONG TIME !!! harrya
I was sent to Sembach in 1957. Relocated to Hahn after only 3/4 Months at Sembach. Was in Africa for 1958 shots. Anybody remember the bird that would not come down??? Was also TDY to Bitburg. Spent most of the time at Hahn with 586 C. & G. Sq. Det. #2 (Idarkoph). Was also north of Hahn back in the woods. After Det. #2 closed was sent back to Hahn and assigned to 586th Group and worked offbase in the underground building next to offbase NCO club. Really enjoyed all of my time in Germany. Any other Crypto Operators out there ?? Donald Rhodd
I was an Instructor in orlando. 1957-60
I was in the last clas to graduate from Orlando. I went to Korea where we deactivated the unit.
My missileer time was spent at Hahn from Mar 60 thru Jul 63 mostly at site V. I have very fond memories of our generator room and the number of times those generators gave us all trouble. I recognized many of the names on the list and would like very much to see you all again. I'm planning to attend the Orlando reunion so put me on the list for two people. My e-mail address is: painef@msn.com. Thanks Joe and Gary for all your work in this undertaking.
Lots of guys I would like to see. Come to the reunion and lets get together.
Worked launch and maintenance in both long and RFML. Last assigned to Site V Hahn, closed out in Sept 66.
I was at Bitburg from 58 to m61 71TMS was in C flight launch was first crews at steinborn A flight was in Libya when thf missle burned We were awarded the first missle badges in Libya
Hi, GREAT SITE!! I'll be back 🙂 I really LOVE the Mace Missile and Teracruzer. Soon I will built a 1:32 model, based on the old Renwal (1958) kit. I have some information/documentation about this interesting weapon system. For your information. I have a big US Army Modeling Site with the name MIL-MOD: www.mil-mod.nl MIL-MOD has also 10 Newsgroups. Soon there will be on MIL-MOD a big historical article about the Mace/Teracruzer, incl. many photos. I hope you will have a visit. Thanks from Holland, Wim Vink
Guidance Mech at Sembach from June 64 until Oct 66. Was on crew at Grunstadt most of tour. Cochran, Hal Kern, Bob O'hara were crew chiefs. John VanHouten Mech 2. Jim Knapp was a maintenance officer (Lt.). I have seen him here at Peterson AFB, I believe he recently retired here also (O-6). Thanks to J.P. Esposito for letting me in on this site.
Was stationed at Hahn AB from 1960-1964. I was with the 586th unit. I worked at site VI as an AGE Repairman. Would like to hear from fellow workers, please call (843)634-7779. Look forward to hearing from you.
Hahn: Apr60-Jul63 Bitburg: Jan67-Jul69
looking to see some familiar names on the list and see them in the not to distant future. i have seen a few after almost 40 years and it warms my heart.
Hi, Joe, Love the site and the information it contains. Especially love the Editor's Staff. You are doing a good job with this site. Thanks for keeping me informed. Enjoy the reunion! God bless, Ken
I was trained at Lowry AFB and Orlando AFB and served on Taiwan (868thTMS). 1960-1961 My afsc 4333B. I was transfered to Fairchild AFB to be retrained on the Hound Dog but spent the last year of my service as production coordinator for the PMEL supporting service equipment.
I'm really glad I found this website. I have enjoyed seeing all the info and hearing about folks I haven't seen for many years. I was an instructor at Lowry, Orlando and the Cape in addition to crew duty at Hahn, Bitburg, and Kadena. The TAC Missile years were the best of my career. To whomever put this site together - Thanks!!
I was part of 586th at Hahn between 1960 and 1962. Enjoyed surfing in on web sites. Brings back a lot of memories. Keep up good work. Part of first group sent over to assembly and set up TM-76A,picture on cover of Missileer. Would like to hear from anyone there during this time.
Like to get my e-mail address on the roster,I'm already a member
69th Pilotless Bomber Squadron 1953, Patrick ABF. Hahn Air Base. Deployed from PAFB in September 1953 Departed Hahn Sept 1957. Served as Special Weapons Officer. Head of the Munitions Branch at Hahn, initally at Hahn in Butler Building on flight line, then Metro Tango Area when first built. Transferred to the 7382nd Provisional Group, while the 701st Tactical Missile Wing was being activated.Then to the 701st TMW. Served under Maffrey,Zachmann, and then Runyon. Departed for Vandenberg AFB then Camp Cooke.Spent 3 years with the Thor, then Minuteman with the 3901st followed by Headquarters SAC in Minuteman Branch of the Directorate of Maintenance. Air War College,J-4 Logistics of the Joint Staff, MAAG Korea as Senior Liaison Officer to the Korean MND, Joint Staff and Senior Service Colleges. Retire in 1973. Final assignment Andrews Air Force Base,Headquarters Command Military District of Washington, Washington DC
I was stationed at Sembach from 1961-1965. Was at site 3 (Grunstadt) for 13 months, then the 38TMW at Sembach, until March 1965, was sent to Vandenberg AFB, CA. I retired out of Vandenberg AFB in 1970 & liked this area & weather so well, that I have made Santa Maria, CA my home. Anyone who may remember me are welcome to send an e-mail my way. I plan on being in Dallas, TX in late August 2000 & hope to see a lot of OLD familiar troops there. I'm the guy who sent Joe Perkins those old I.D. pictures of Sembach troops, & he was kind enough to put them on the web. See you all in Dallas - Beryl Ristine
Neat site-Was stationed at Gruenstadt as a launch crew member from 1964 untill the Mace was phased out in 1966. Nice to see Bob Bolton, Ski, and Georges name here- Sure brings back some great memories....
I was both a launch crew & maint. crew chief.Was in the 887th as launch crew chief.I was glad to find this site is very good.
What a great site! I have renewed several old acquaintances from 36 years ago. I was at Sembach from May '62 through Dec. '64 ('A' Flight '62-'63; Gruenstadt 'C' Flight 63-64); Mech. I on Lt. Davenport's, Capt. Chuck Cage's, and Capt. Ray Berry's launch crews. I live very close to the location for the reunion in August, so I'll be there. Hope to see many familiar (albeit older) faces. Please, any old buddies who might remember me, send e-mail. I'd love to hear from you.
FORMALLY WITH THE 6911 RGM USAFSS AS AN INTERCEPT RADIO OPERATOR, CAME TO HAHN IN 1960 WITH THE 586th TMG COMMUNICATION CENTER . LOCATED OUTSIDE MAIN GATE. THE ONE THAT WAS BELOW GROUND.LEFT HAHN IN 1961 BEEN BACK MANY TIMES , PLACE HAS REALLY CHANGED OVER THE YEARS.NICE TO FIND THIS SITE.
I signed in earlier, but my e-mail address has changed, and I am too dumb to correct it. I was at Hahn from 64 thru 66, and worked mostly at Site IV as a flight controls mechanic. Hope to hear from old friends, and I really hope to see a lot of you in Dallas.
Great Job Joe, Bitburg AFB,Germany 1961-1964. Ist Group on the MACE. 585th MMG. I worked at Missile Supply (Parts Runner) for the MACE Pads after the MATADOR was fazed out. I was there when President Kennedy was shot. Remember the Alert and the sounds of the missiles being warmed up. Hope to Hear from all of my buddies from Bitburg, 71TMG & 585th MMG. Col. Vetter was the group Commander and a statue was built in his honor near the Missile Maintenance group. We were the group that unloaded the MACE Missiles.I Remember unindentified aircraft flying over trying to take pictures.(F-105's from Base ran them off)See yall in Dallas.
I was stationed at Hahn from 1961 to 1965. I was assigned to the 586th MMS and worked at Site IV, as a guidance sys tech with a recycle crew. After freezing my postier out there for over two yrs I was assigned to QC section with Patchen, Hay,Williams, Thompson, Frazier & Nelson. There were others but I'm too old and crotchety to remember their names. I only have contact with Willie Williams. Some of you may remember me form the Rod & Gun Club since I worked there and was custodian for a while after Don Kizer rotated back to the states. On rotating back to the states I was assigned to the 6596TH Instrumentation Sq at Vandenberg AFB CA, I retired in 1969 then worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 20 yrs, retiring permanently in 1990 and now live in Santa Maria, Ca.I learned about this web site from Beryl Ristine, it's a great site and sure brings back a lot of memories.
Arrived in germany in 1958 to man a Guidance detachment at Ilmspan. After the guidance sites were shut down went to Bitburg and worked in missile maint. for the 71st TMS. We were one of the best, crew No. 8. Won Crew of the month 4 times in a row. Left to go back to the states in 1961. Great site, hope to hear from some of the old 71st TMS crew.
It's good to find there's an opportunity to renew old acquaintances from Sembach, Orlando, and Bitburg. Although I enjoyed my entire career, I have always treasured the memories of my Mace days. Started at 'A' Flight on Lt. Vaselenko's crew with Quentin Davis, Ken Larsen and Wally Coburn trying to make me a 'Mech 2', and I credit Bob Harn with my 'Bogie' nickname. Moved to 'B' flight (Jim Reider's crew) during the RFML conversion; TDY to Hahn to 'bomb up' Hecken Site; then back to Gr
Joe the web site looks great. Thank you for adding the pictures I sent you of the guys from Sembach 1960. I will see you in Dallas in August and hope that more of the guys who were stationed at Sembach will attend. Stationed at Sembach 1960-1962 Member of Capt. Byron's launch crew at 'A' & 'B' flight 1960. Member of Lt. Burker's launch crew at 'B' flight 1960. Member of Lt. Pappacio's launch crew at 'C' flight 1961. Member of maintenance crew at 'A' flight 1961 & 1962 with Sgt. Don Shifflet and Airmen Don Hess.
Hello to everyone, but especially the 586th MMS from Flugplatz Hahn.
Lowery AFB 1961, 4504th MTW OAFB Florida Oct 61 to Jan 62 Sembach AFB Feb 62 to Dec 64 assigned to B flight (Invent 1 2 & 3) 823nd TMS as Guidance Tech with OIC Captain Thoeni Crew Chief S/Sgt Bill Rowe and Weapons Tech Tom Baker Can't remember how many times yelled ' launch bias good'. Returned to 4504th 1965 as instructor, until discharge.
I am planning to go to the Dallas reunion alone as I will be traveling on my scooter (any other bikers out there?)-- was wondering if someone who may be traveling alone would like to share a room to cut down on expenses? Please let me know as soon as posible. Thanks
I was in the Mace R&D program at the Cape in the late fifties and early sixties, as a guidance and control systems analyst. I think this is a super site. Keeo up the good work.
Great site. It seems that noone has taken up the responsibility of the 498th. I wish someone would so I don't have to. Surely there is someone more responsible. I remembered about 50% of my tour then and admitted to 10% of it. I'm not sure much of value remains physically or mentally.
stationed at hahn from dec 62 until dec 66. worked in the AGE section and at site's 4 and 5.where are all the guys who worked in maintenance and drove the MM1'S and hauled the missiles? would like to hear from you all.
Guidance Instructor, Lowry Matador Launch Team Cal Shop NCOIC Orlando Including Guidance, Flt Controls, and Missile and Std. Test Equip. for Matador and MACE A & B TEMS and Quality Control Sembach 76A TEMS NCOIC Orlando 76 B TEMS Shift Supervisor Orlando Deficiency Analyst Kadena TEMS Shift Supervisor Kadena
Enjoyed the Mace at Sembach. Was in U.S. Army HHB 94th Arty Grp (Avn Sec) Sembach 1964-66
Joe love the new Newsletter, answered all the question about the Aug meeting. Walt Fenley
i was stationed at sembach 1959---1960 would like to hear from other people that were there during that time frame
Stationed at Bitburg 1958-1961. When I reported to Transient Barracks upon arrival, I noticed that NCO's and Officers were wearing sidearms. I was told that some Algerians had raided an armory I believe in France. Nice arrival. I was assigned to the 585th Support Squadron and worked in the Orderly Room. Major Harold E Barr was the Commander at the time, and Col. Vetters was Group Commander. Lots more stories. Contact me.
Hahn AB 1956-1960 Matador maintenance (guidance) and then as launch crew chief (C Flight). Two AMLOs in Libya. Then Martin Co factory school in Baltimore on Mace B guidance (out of Orlando AFB). Bitburg AB 1963-1967 in guidance (Mace B) and then Maintenance Control NCOIC. Nuclear power and radiobiological research after that. Finished my 30 years back at Hahn AB as the Base Food Service Officer 1979-1984. Good site here, but lots of names I don't recognize. That can be remedied!
Stationed at Hahn AFB from Nov. '57 to Aug. '59. Worked at 'A' Flight Launch.
Was stationed at Hahn AB from Nov 62 to Nov 65 and worked at Site 6.
Assigned 38th TMW SP from 1958 thru 1960. Stationed at Sembach and at Hahn.
Please put me on your mailing list and advise me of ANY costs,IE, membership,etc.Also will advise on the re-union in DALLAS, ASAP. I later rotated to VANDENBERG AFB into the 395th ,TITAN Missile Sqdn. in NOV. of 1958. Retired from the MINUTEMAN at Malstrom AFB, MT. in 1973 and returned to my home state of CALIF. 1974 'Sometimes sorry I left MONTANA' TOO MANY PEOPLE HERE NOW..... REGARDS,RAY
At Sembach A B Germany June 63 to 65. Worked in the flight controls hanger mostly.
Great site. Love the pictures and seeing familiar faces after so long. 587th MMS 1/62 - 10/63 586th MMS 10/63 - 12/64
Went into MACE in 1958 and stayed til we closed down in 1967. Attended CCTng in Orlando 59-60, then went to Holloman to Det 1 in support of launch training.Sent to Sembach in May 62. Assigned to guidance shop, site maintenance and Quality Control. Closed out Mace in 1967 and retrained to AGM-28 Hounddog.
Great site. Worked the AANC in Sembach from '62-'64. Biggest surprise was when we got there, was finding out that the Wing had flunked about three ORI's in a row. The Saturday morning alerts got old after a few months.
887TMS from 1963 - 1966. Great site and pictures from Grunstadt. Starting to see old familiar names.
Sorry used wrong URL address Correct is http://fly.to/bobsplanes
Hi Everyone! I just wanted to let you all know that we about have a lock on the dates and location for our Dallas/Fort Worth meet in late August. I'm currently preparing the next issue of the newsletter which will include all the info about the meet as well as the long- promised roster of member names, phone numbers and addresses. If things go as planned, I should be mailing it out about the 2nd week of February. I hope you will leave a place in your late August schedule for a visit with old friends. Gary
I arrived at BAB about mid January 1956 and left about late November 1958. I was there when the missile burned in Tripoly. Some brave cowboy from armament roped the RATO bottle and dragged it off with a truck. When I first got to BAB the squadron was the 1st Pilotless Bomber (or Aircraft) Squadron. Malish flew back with our crew in 1958 and I was assigned to pet and comfort him all of the way home. I'm writing up all of my experiences at BAB. When I get through with it, I'll submit it to this web page. It's good to know that you all are here. A/1C (tired) Paul A. Yadon.
Joe and Gary...Thanks. You've developed a GREAT Site for us. Las Vegas was OK...Dallas will be better and Orlando will be Great!..Thanks again...Joe
Sembach 1960 - 1962 was on launch crews at B-flight which was near Enkenbach. Original crew consited of
Just might make the reunion, Hardest part of being retired again is tring to figure out where to go and when to be there and how long to stay
Dallas sounds good for RU in 9/00----- hope we can be there. 1st & 69th out of 6555th. MKJ
Joe, just browsed the new site, really looks good. I would like to add more to our 38TMW site, even fire one up for the B Bird people at Kadena (498th?), and possibly a Korea/Taiwan page for the Matador if there is enough interest. This is the best contact source we have had to work with yet. Keep up the great work! [Bitburg Jan 62 til Dec 65, Flight Controls; Lowry as Perm party, then back to Bush again April 68 til shutdown in April 69, GSC]
The site is OK Joe, what happened to the pictures from the first iteration, I can't seem to find them now? Glad to see some of the other 887th Grunstadt 'Grovelers'... Marc, George and Ski connected, hope to see you guys and a lot more in Dallas next year. It was enjoyable meeting with everyone from the various Mace and Matador units in Las Vegas last June. Everyone should plan to attend both the Dallas interm reunion this year as well as the Orlando 2001 reunion. You will not be sorry. Hope to see you there. Bob
I was at Bitburg 57 to 61 I'm glad that I have means to contact other Missileers after all these years. Thanks, Roy
I am pleased to find a site that reunites the old MACE Missileers. I was a member of the 586MMS at Hahn AFB from 1964 through its deactivation in the fall of 1966. I had the honor to be present again at Hahn in April 1985 as a member of the USAFE Special Plans Division (GLCM) to reactivate the 38th TAC MSL WING. With me at that special occasion was another previous 586th member from my 1963/64 Flight Controls Class, Duane W. Wiese. I look forward to hearing from any of the old Mace buddies, Hahn Orlando or Denver acquaintances.
Was at Hahn Air Base from Summer 60 to Summer 63. (TM76A) Am now working in the Balkans as a civilian contractor. Plan on attending the reunion in Orlando -- 2001. Regards, bill
Great site joe. note to ski and george will get some e-mail off in the next couple of days. May we all get together in big D.
Checking out the new web site. Was a great idea to get this TAC missle assoc going. Has allowed me get in contact with old friends I lost contact with over 35 years ago. Still have a few to contact yet. Thanks and keep up the good work. Don
Hi Joe, Finally got up here to check out the new site. You fellows are doing a marvelous job. Can't wait to see everyone in Dallas. Hope that we have a good turnout. Our best to all our Missileers and the families for a Happy, Healthy New Year. Wow! Year 2000, didn't think that we would make it this far. Warm wishes, Joe & Johanna Molinaro (Sembach 1963/66)
Flugplatz Hahn und das BIG city LAUTZENHAUSEN. I don't miss the alerts at 3am. i would like to catch up on old times with the friends i had made.
You are doing a great job. Keep up the good work. I was stationed at Hahn from 1964 to 1966. Worked at Site IV as a flight control mech. Hope to see all of you in Dallas.
Served with Capt. Carl Harms, Crew chief: SSgt Melvin Provoncher, Mech #1: A/1c Bob Arnold. Arrived Sembach during Pres. Kennedy's 'Stop the Gold Flow' which boiled out to not bringing dependents. Also crewed with Crew Chief SSgt Tobin, and Lt. Gallegan. (The Lt. was one of 22 new Lt.s we got in one slug.) My tour was 1962 through 65. I drove T. Trailer part time from the PX Depot in Grunstat, down the hill from Site 3. We flew into R.M.on a C-118 from McGuire. When we got to the barracks next to the N.C.O. Club, we had to carry bunks and lockers up to the 3rd floor to set them up. Bad 1st impression, but all good there after! After that we went to the 'Golden Anchor' in down town Sembach for beer and pizza. Off base, after paying for the family to fly over, we rented an apt. over the Grinerhof Gasthaus in Mehligan. That was an experience! After training counts at Site 1 (Einkenbach) our crew and our sister crew would come back to my apt. and sample beer and schintzels.(spelling?) The good life!
Guidance Instructor at Lowery. Launch team and NCIOC Cal Shop @ Orlando. Wing Quality @ Sembach, Germany, Orlando TEMS 76A, TEMS 76B. Kadena, TEMS & Deficiency Analysis,76B.
Great site - keep up the good work.
Hi Joe: I like the looks of the site and I think your doing a great Job. I was with Wing traing site at 'a' Flt Sembach from 1961 thru 1964 and help Design and build the first training site! I'm looking forward to the next reunion . Johnny I'm looking forward to the next reunion. !
887th in Gruenstadt (WHAT A PLACE!!!!) from Jan 63 thru Jul 65. Like to hear from anyone before, during or after that period. Best military assignment ever; right Ski?
I'd like to hear from any of the guys from the 887thTMS or support groups stationed at Gruenstadt.
Joe. Looking real good. I like what has been done sofar. Bill
Improved but it just may be the time of year as is slow. Don't get me wrong as I don't have the knowledge to try and start a web page. Some info on a few of the history would be great. Keep up the work. Thank you for your effort's. George
Nice site, Joe. Sure would like to see more of the Matador people come here too!
Sembach 'C' site (Gruenstadt) 1961 through 1962. Flight Controls Mech. Went by the nick-name 'Koney' Looking for fellow crew members Beryl 'BR' Ristine and George 'GID' Larson.
Sembach, Ger. 1959-1961 MMT assembly/checkout crew