April 10, 1970 – F4 Jet Crash Claims Nine Lives

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by

Terry Pochert
in

As a member of a small group of broadcasters that served in Thailand with the American Forces Thailand Network (AFTN), we remember those who lost their lives on April 10, 1970, at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, when a F-4 Jet crashed into the broadcast center.

  • TSgt Jack A. Hawley (37), Wakeman, OH
  • SSgt James T. Howard (27), Denver, CO
  • A1C Andrew C. McCartney (20), Lakewood, OH
  • SSgt Alfred N. Potter (27), Forest Grove, OR
  • Sgt John Charles Rose ( 25), Bloomfield, NJ
  • TSgt Frank D. Ryan, Jr. (41), Mercer Island, WA
  • SSgt Edward Wm. Strain (24), Myrtle Beach, SC
  • TSgt Roy Walker (40), Albuquerque, NM
  • A1C Thomas L. Waterman (25), Roanoke, VA

The jet was an RF-4C Phantom which crashed while trying to land.  In addition to the nine that died, thirty other military personnel were injured.  The pilot and copilot bailed out.

John C. Rose
Roy Walker
Roy Walker
Thomas L. Waterman

References:

Comments

5 responses to “April 10, 1970 – F4 Jet Crash Claims Nine Lives”

  1. Glen Carrillo Avatar
    Glen Carrillo

    I was there at Udorn Saw the pilot or back seater land in the Pool.The pilot tried to line it up for the landing,but could not and at the last minute ejected.I had no idea it crashed a huge fire on Base.I thought the fire was in Town.I was surprised to learn 9 people died.I actually took photos and the pictures are mis placed
    All this time and had no idea 9 people died

    Reply
    1. Terry Pochert Avatar
      Terry Pochert

      Thank you for your comment. I was at Korat when our phone lines went dead that provided our network feed to the Udorn AFTN station. Tragic… these guys are missed.

      Reply
    2. RICHARD BRICE Avatar
      RICHARD BRICE

      GLEN I WAS THERE ALSO. I HAVE TO SAY NEITHER PILOT LANDED IN THE POOL. I WAS NEAR THE BX AND ONE OF THEM LANDED JUST A FEW YARDS FROM ME. THE OTHER LANDED MAYBE 75 YARDS AWAY. I ASK THE ONE THAT LANDED NEAR ME IF HE NEEDED HELP. HE DID NOT. I DID NOT KNOW WHERE THE PLANE HIT UNTIL LATER. IT HIT THE TV SATATION. I HAVE NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY THEY DID NOT DITCH THE PLANE OUT IN THE JUNGLE. WE COULD HAVE PICKED THEM UP WITH A HELO REAL EASY. KILLED A COULD OF GUYS I KNEW.

      Reply
  2. John Salzwedel Avatar
    John Salzwedel

    I did not know the nine who perished in that Udorn station, but I remember them every Memorial Day as I worked at AFTN Takhli in 1969. I worked in broadcasting until my retirement last year.

    Reply
    1. Terry Pochert Avatar
      Terry Pochert

      Thanks John! I was at Korat during that time and helped prepare some of the equipment for Udorn to get the station back on the air. I was at the local station at Korat, but a good friend, Bill Ostrander, who was assigned to the network went to help just hours after the incident. As nice record and tribute to these guys has been posted at: https://bobwertzcm.tripod.com/AFTN/NetworkHistory/Contents2.htm

      Reply

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