Found another Plank Owner Seawolf 6/10/14

[Dan Arnes]

06/10/2014

**01** Found and spoke with Plank Owner Seawolf Rodney E. LEE, AO2, Gunner, HC-1 Det 27, 7/17/1966 to 2/16/1967, HA(L)-3 2/17/1967 to 2/16/1967. (Yes, the dates are correct as far as the records! He was actually transferred to Naval Hospital, Yokosuka, Japan on 2/16/1967, but HA(L)-3 Det Vung Tau showed him reporting to HA(L)-3 the next day along with the rest of the River Patrol Force, then HA(L)3 records on 22MAY67 show late correction entry that he was transferred on 2/16/67.)

Found him in Houston, TX and he had seen that there was going to be a Seawolf Reunion, and wanted to go, but his sister is getting married in New Jersey that weekend so won’t be able to attend, but interested in Association, etc. Never got Combat Aircrew Wings, but was presented Army Aircrew wings with rest of Det by Admiral Ward at Nha Be. Said received 11 or 12 Air Medals. He also had a brother Steven who was Navy SEAL stationed in Vietnam at same time, and medivac’d almost same time Rod was, after being shot 13 times. Rod got out after his rehab stateside. He was medivac’d after landing on a sand bar, and jumping out of helo onto the sand. That was the last thing he remembered until he woke up in a field hospital in Saigon, then transferred to Japan. He had lost weight down to 129 lbs. Found out he had touch of Malaria and also gotten infectious hepititas from using ice cubes in drinks that turned out to have been made from river water… Had a good talk, he’s doing great and retired.

Dan

[Ron Ekins]

Dan,

I just want to applaud you for your dedication to all of these heroes!

Sheila Ekins

[Dan Arnes]

Thank You Sheila!