Robert Ray Swain

The database page for Robert Ray Swain

11 Sep 2003 On 28 Dec 1969, an HMM-364 CH-46 (YK-13, BuNo 153379) was returning from Phu Bai on a night IFR flight in heavy weather. In addition to the weather, YK-13 had to contend with radio problems. Although their IFR clearance specified an in-flight altitude of 5,000 feet above sea level they read back and flew at 3,000 feet. Danang Approach Control made every effort to alert the crew to their error, transmitting on all available radio frequencies, but were not able to contact YK-13. YK-13 flew into Hai Van Pass under IMC conditions and hit a mountain, killing all ten men aboard the aircraft: HMM-364: 1st Lt Charles King Butler, pilot 1st Lt William Patrick Higgins, copilot SSgt Robert Ray Swain, crew chief PFC William Lee Beadnell, gunner Passengers: MGySgt Edward Reynold Storm, L Co, Marine Spt Bn, 3rdMAF CTC Robert Sidney Gates, NAVSUPACT, USNAVFORV SSgt Richard David Walsh, MABS-16, MAG-16 LCpl James Howard Pence, MABS-16, MAG-16 LCpl Leslie Lewis Shelton, MABS-16, MAG-16 PFC James Muriel Alderman, MABS-16, MAG-16 Staff Sergeant Swain, and the other Purple Foxes who served in Vietnam, are remembered by the women who waited at home, whether mothers, sisters, wives, daughters, or friends. Those women, the Purple Foxy Ladies continue to support today's Purple Foxes of HMM-364 as they serve our country. Visit the Purple Foxes on-line or go to our unit page on The Virtual Wall A memorial initiated by the Purple Foxy Ladies Foxyladiesgroup@aol.com and HMM-364 Frank Gulledge, Point Man gulledge@bbtel.com

01 Mar 2006 You are my grandfather, oh how I wish I could have known you... My mother has always kept you alive in our hearts. From his granddaughter, Alexis Nistok alexisnistok@yahoo.com

06 Jun 2006 Bob, I think of you often, and wish you were around. You were a great friend. Your friend, Oscar Lopez Oscar and June Lopez 4438 East 100 N, Bluffton, In 46714 oscarlopez@adamswells.com

10 Jul 2006 Robert Ray Swain, you are never forgotten by your family, friends, and loved ones. We think about you daily and thank you and everyone in the Armed Servies for your courage and strength. Love always, your son Harry Robert Swain (Bobby) 10601 119th Street, Seminole Fl 33778 bobbyswain2000@yahoo.com

28 Jul 2006 Daddy, I miss you more then I can say with words. It has sometimes ruled my life, it made me ill and I spent time in hospital to find my way. I remember all we talked about before you left. I was not able to be the man of the house. I do not think I took care of mommy well. All I can say is I will never forget you nor will your grandaughters or your great-grandsons. I won't let that happen. And yes, I married a Naval Officer - 25 years and counting. Mom gave me things of yours and I am going to give some of them to the National Marine Corps Museum so all Purple Foxes can see them. I love you. Jenny From his eldest daughter, Jennifer Lynn Swain Dollard jendollard@verizon.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 12 Sep 2003
Last updated 08/10/2009