02 May 1998 Additional medical personnel were temporarily assigned to the hospital at Pleiku during a period of heavy casualties. On completion of their duties at Pleiku, they were returning to Qui Nhon in a C-7B Caribou (tail number 62-4175, 458th TAS). During approach into Qui Nhon, the pilot was advised that the airfield had gone below landing minimums due to low cloud, rain, and limited visibility. The pilot, Major Thomas D. Moore, accepted a divert to Nha Trang but crashed into a mountainside at 1,850 feet ASL about 5 miles south of Qui Nhon. Everyone aboard the aircraft - 4 aircrewmen and 22 passengers, two of them civilians - died in the crash. Five medical personnel died in the crash: Captain Eleanor G. Alexander, 85th Evac Hosp 1st Lt Jerome E. Olmsted, 85th Evac Hosp 1st Lt Hedwig D. Orlowski, 67th Evac Hosp 1st Lt Kenneth R. Shoemaker, 55th Medical Group SP5 Phillip A. Ogas, 85th Evac Hosp Alexander was 27, Orlowski 23. Both were posthumously awarded Bronze Stars for meritorious service. Visit the Military Woman Home Page and Marilyn's web page about women in Vietnam or The Virtual Wall's details about the 8 military and 56 civilian American women killed in the war. The background image was derived from a photo of the Vietnam Women's Memorial, which is copyrighted by Glenna Goodacre and VWMP.

 

26 Feb 2005 We were classmates in high school, but never spoke. We were members of the same military unit, but never met. Two souls on life's journey. One was brief, but never forgotten. Heddy, I salute you. Ken Class of '62 Vietnam '66-'67 From a high school classmate and fellow member of 67th Evac, Kenneth Kazmierkiewicz majorkaz@aol.com

 

27 Jul 2005 Attached is a picture of Diane "Heddi" Orlowski, killed in Vietnam on November 30, 1967. The picture is Heddi's Hurley School of Nursing graduation photo (1966). Heddi and I attended H. H. Arnold High School in Wiesbaden Germany, she a member of the class of 1962, I a member of the class of 1963. We served in Vietnam during the same time period. I hope that in some small way this photo helps honor her memory, her valor, her sacrifice, and the contribution of so many to the cause of Freedom worldwide. We all love you , Heddi! Rest in Peace! Paul C. Burton paulcburton@comcast.net

 

18 Nov 2006 A lot of things have happened since that day in November of 67, but you are always on my mind and in my heart. I have always been proud of you and the sacrifice you made for us. God Bless You and all the soldiers and nurses that gave their lives for "OUR COUNTRY" Your brother, Jerry Orlowski lilj0529@msn.com

 

08 Jan 2007 Heddy was a classmate at Hurley Hospital School of Nursing, Flint, Michigan, Class of '66 to both my wife and I - Gary Rich and Joelyn Snyder Rich I was also an Army Nurse, and stationed at Fitzsimmons and 31st Field Hospital in Thailand. I was there when Heddy lost her life, but I didn't know until I returned. We honor Heddy's life, her sacrifice, and her family's loss. Whenever I visit the Wall, it is Heddy I look for. We love you, Heddy. Rest Peacefully!! Gary Rich 212 Long Rapids Road, Alpena, Mi 49707 grrich@charter.net

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