Det 8 Jerry Morris, died 4/19/85

[Son of DAT]

Hello, gentleman. My name is Neil Morris, I'm the fifth and final son of Jerry Morris, who served in the navy from 1959-1970 and in HA(L)3 from 1969-1970 in det 8. I came across your association trying to find information on his gunship, to see if it was still in existence, after my brother came across one at Cavanaugh Museum at Addison Field in Dallas.
I saw that you are attempting to account for Seawolves and I thought I'd let you know about my father. I'm also very interested to hear from anyone who may have known him.
He committed suicide 4/19/85, when I was three years old, in Denver Colorado. He had five sons and a daughter, myself and my two brothers, and two sons and a daughter from a previous marriage. He is buried in a family plot in Jefferson, TX.
I have a couple dozen photos from the war era, many of which include others, so one of you may be in my album. I'd be happy to share anything I have with anyone who may be interested.

[Mke Dobson "Ten Bears"]

Neil, I am so sorry to hear about your father , He served with a great bunch of guys on Det 8 . There are still many of them around, and I'm confident they will weigh in when they see your post. We probably have the best assn with the most devoted attendees . We were very unique, and did things that haven't been done before or since.  You've seen one of our old birds at Cavanaugh .... and there are a few others that we flew in that are still in the states. One in Murietta Ca needs a new set of blades and it will be airborne again .   Stay tuned, you will hear more, and Dan will probably talking to you soon. Where are you now located ?

[Dan Arnes]

Thank you for the info on your Dad Neil, and sorry for your loss. Very Sad.
We became aware of his passing after I had found him in Oct 2012, but wasn't aware of family/relatives.

And Thanks for sharing your photo. I did not have a photo of him for these sites, so I added yours to the links below.  
(Use the back arrow on the top of each link of the sites to return to this Forum)

Navy Together We Served Shadowbox

Find A Grave Memorial


Dan

[Russell]

Neil I remember your Dad.  I too was Det 8 69/70.  Sad to hear about him.  He was older than most of us gunners.  But don't think we cut him any slack.  Wish I had some hairy sea stories to tell you, let me have some time, my crs may give me a break.  I will tell you that he was a good guy and his memory makes me smile.  He was a man to be proud of, if you didn't have your stuff together, you didn't make it on det.  Long hours, scary rides, and if you screwed up one of your buddies might die.  Wouldn't trade what we did for all the gold in Alaska.  Here's to your Dad's memory.

[Son of DAT]

Thank you all for your kind replies. Mike, to answer your question I'm in Rogers, AR. My brothers and sister are all in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. I was vaguely aware you fellows were exceptional but I'm learning more now. I just picked up both of Daniel Kelly's books and am finding out more.
Dan, kudos to your efforts. I searched this sight for his name but didn't see anything, so was not aware you'd found any info. It must be a very tedious undertaking.
Russell, I'm very excited to hear from you. Outside of my family, I've never met anyone who knew him. I knew he was one tough SOB, and heroic, it's nice to hear it from another. In civilian life, he actually received numerous commendations for quick, life-saving action in various emergencies, and I've always admired him for that.
I've included a picture I came across, perhaps some of you may be able to recognize some of these guys.

[Russell]

Top row -- Your Dad, ?, Wayne Koontz
Bottom  --  David Hart, me, ?, Tommy Decker

I know the other faces, names will probably come later.  Somebody fill in the blanks.  I didn't remember I was so good looking!!!

[Mike Timothy]

TOP ROW - MORRIS, LOCK, KOONTZ

BOTTOM ROW - HART, FECHNER, TIMOTHY, DECKER

[Dan Arnes]

                                                      HA(L)-3 DET 8 GUNNERS     
               TOP ROW - AT1 Jerry D. MORRIS, AO3 W. Michael LOCKE, AMH2 Wayne L. KUNTZ 

BOTTOM ROW - AO3 Charles L. HART, AMS3 Russell E. FECHNER, ADJ3 Michael D. TIMOTHY, ADJ2 George T. DECKER

[Mike McNaull, SW-81]

All the gunners when I was on Det-8.  Love to get a copy of this pic.

[Michael La Bella (ROH)]

Mike,,, right click on the pic  and it will ask save image as,,, and go from there, i looks like a good sized (mb) picture so should be able to reprint it no problem

[Mike McNaull, SW-81]

Thanks Mike for the info.  I posted it on my facebook page.  I guess I should do that on the Seawolf page.

[Son of DAT]

I'm glad you were able to copy it. That'll be the highest resolution I have. If you're interested getting an actual paper copy feel free to let me know.