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Re: B-52 Incident at Thule AB 1962
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a425couple
Nov 26, 2012, 9:50:23 AM11/26/12
to
<markgil...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:2e55ad6d-50dc-425a...@googlegroups.com...
-On Friday, June 26, 1998 2:00:00 AM UTC-5, Ted B Wendeln wrote:
> I'm trying to get some information for a friend of mune.
-Her father was stationed at Thule in 1962. He was an air traffic controller
-with the 931st Aircraft Control & Warning Station. He was the final
controller
-that brought in a B-52 from the 99th Bomb Wing (Westover, Ma) call sign
-Vodka 32, that experienced an in-flight emergency around 2000 hrs 23 Feb
62.
-This was the first, and maybe only time, a B-52 made an emergency landing
at
-Thule. There was a story published in the Thule Times, Vol 9, No. 6, March
2, 1962.
-He was supposed to get a Certificate of Exemplery Service citing his
"extraordinary dedication to duty and application of knowledge in the field
of air traffic control".
-Others mentioned, and included in a Thule Times photo were SMSgt Sanford L.
-Beshear and A1C John Bertram. Following were aircrew members;
-Maj. Earl R. Caril (Commander, killed when a hatch failed), 1LT William
Gilchrist
-(Co-pilot), 1Lt Leonard J. Ratzman (Navigator), 1LT William E. Whitney
-(EW officer), SSgt Donald Duncan (Tail gunner) and an additional passenger
-LtCol Charles S. Schofield.We are trying to get more info on this incident,
or
-contact crew members. There was also supposed to have been a plaque
-commerating the event placed on one of the buildings at Thule.
-Would appreciate any input that could give us additional information
-Thanks in advance,Ted Wendeln Dayton, OH
-My father was Lt. Gilchrist and althought this post is old I am interested
-in finding any information concerning this incident.
Interesting enough.
BTW, is Mark Gilchrist reading to see any responses?
Is the co-pilot Gilchrist still alive?
I've added a newsgroup that may be able to help.
Certainly plenty of stuff to read, about the 1968 B52 crash there.
Do you have copies of the newspaper you reference?
The following cite, (if complete & accurate) would seem
to indicate this March 1962 landing did NOT destroy the plane.
http://www.ksla.com/story/8708856/listing-of-b-52-crashes-since-1957
news:2e55ad6d-50dc-425a...@googlegroups.com...
-On Friday, June 26, 1998 2:00:00 AM UTC-5, Ted B Wendeln wrote:
> I'm trying to get some information for a friend of mune.
-Her father was stationed at Thule in 1962. He was an air traffic controller
-with the 931st Aircraft Control & Warning Station. He was the final
controller
-that brought in a B-52 from the 99th Bomb Wing (Westover, Ma) call sign
-Vodka 32, that experienced an in-flight emergency around 2000 hrs 23 Feb
62.
-This was the first, and maybe only time, a B-52 made an emergency landing
at
-Thule. There was a story published in the Thule Times, Vol 9, No. 6, March
2, 1962.
-He was supposed to get a Certificate of Exemplery Service citing his
"extraordinary dedication to duty and application of knowledge in the field
of air traffic control".
-Others mentioned, and included in a Thule Times photo were SMSgt Sanford L.
-Beshear and A1C John Bertram. Following were aircrew members;
-Maj. Earl R. Caril (Commander, killed when a hatch failed), 1LT William
Gilchrist
-(Co-pilot), 1Lt Leonard J. Ratzman (Navigator), 1LT William E. Whitney
-(EW officer), SSgt Donald Duncan (Tail gunner) and an additional passenger
-LtCol Charles S. Schofield.We are trying to get more info on this incident,
or
-contact crew members. There was also supposed to have been a plaque
-commerating the event placed on one of the buildings at Thule.
-Would appreciate any input that could give us additional information
-Thanks in advance,Ted Wendeln Dayton, OH
-My father was Lt. Gilchrist and althought this post is old I am interested
-in finding any information concerning this incident.
Interesting enough.
BTW, is Mark Gilchrist reading to see any responses?
Is the co-pilot Gilchrist still alive?
I've added a newsgroup that may be able to help.
Certainly plenty of stuff to read, about the 1968 B52 crash there.
Do you have copies of the newspaper you reference?
The following cite, (if complete & accurate) would seem
to indicate this March 1962 landing did NOT destroy the plane.
http://www.ksla.com/story/8708856/listing-of-b-52-crashes-since-1957
a425couple
Nov 26, 2012, 12:44:46 PM11/26/12
to
"a425couple" <a425c...@hotmail.com> wrote in message...
In a later post on soc.veterans, Mark adds:
"My father passed away on Sunday November 25th.
We do have an old copy of Thule Times vol 9 article but would like any
additional information that may exist about this incident.
I would be very interested in finding out if there was a dedication to the
crew and tower controllers placed on one of the buildings and if so I would
love to get a photo of the dedication plaque."
From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thule_Air_Base#Modern_Air_Base
"Modern era
Thule became an Air Force Space Command base in 1982. Today Thule is still a
military base, home to the 821st Air Base Group, which exercises Air Base
support responsibilities within the Thule Defense Area. The base hosts the
12th Space Warning Squadron, a Ballistic Missile Early Warning Site designed
to detect and track ICBMs launched against North America. The 21st Space
Wing operates around the world to provide missile warning and space
surveillance information to NORAD command centers located at Peterson Air
Force Base, Colorado. Thule is also host to Detachment 3 of the 22nd Space
Operations Squadron, part of the 50th Space Wing's global satellite control
network, as well as operating many new weapons systems. In addition, the
modern airfield boasts a 3,047 by 42 m (9,997 by 138 ft) asphalt runway and
2,600 U.S. and international flights per year.
A delegation from NATO's Parliamentary Assembly visited Thule in early
September 2010 and were told by the base commander that, at that time
(summer), approximately 600 personnel were serving at Thule, a mix of mostly
U.S. and Danish active duty personnel and contractors.[7]
There is only a brief period each year in the summer when sea ice thins
sufficiently to send supply ships to the base. The US sends one heavy supply
ship each summer in what is called Operation Pacer Goose.[8]
Major commands to which assigned --(skip those there, now gone)
Air Force Space Command, September 30, 1992 - present
Major Air units assigned ----
Redesignated: Det 1, 23d Space Operations Squadron, October 1, 2010 -
present
Redesignated: 12th Space Warning Squadron, May 15, 1992 - present
821st Air Base Group, June 1, 2002 - present"
You could email the above three 'commands' to try
to establish contact with someone who cares.
Hard to predict,,,,
(Can you find anyone there now to care enough???)
Would any 50 year old building in that cold climate, still exist?
Might someone have moved a memorial plaque to a new building?
Meanwhile, I extend my condolences.
"My father passed away on Sunday November 25th.
We do have an old copy of Thule Times vol 9 article but would like any
additional information that may exist about this incident.
I would be very interested in finding out if there was a dedication to the
crew and tower controllers placed on one of the buildings and if so I would
love to get a photo of the dedication plaque."
From
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thule_Air_Base#Modern_Air_Base
"Modern era
Thule became an Air Force Space Command base in 1982. Today Thule is still a
military base, home to the 821st Air Base Group, which exercises Air Base
support responsibilities within the Thule Defense Area. The base hosts the
12th Space Warning Squadron, a Ballistic Missile Early Warning Site designed
to detect and track ICBMs launched against North America. The 21st Space
Wing operates around the world to provide missile warning and space
surveillance information to NORAD command centers located at Peterson Air
Force Base, Colorado. Thule is also host to Detachment 3 of the 22nd Space
Operations Squadron, part of the 50th Space Wing's global satellite control
network, as well as operating many new weapons systems. In addition, the
modern airfield boasts a 3,047 by 42 m (9,997 by 138 ft) asphalt runway and
2,600 U.S. and international flights per year.
A delegation from NATO's Parliamentary Assembly visited Thule in early
September 2010 and were told by the base commander that, at that time
(summer), approximately 600 personnel were serving at Thule, a mix of mostly
U.S. and Danish active duty personnel and contractors.[7]
There is only a brief period each year in the summer when sea ice thins
sufficiently to send supply ships to the base. The US sends one heavy supply
ship each summer in what is called Operation Pacer Goose.[8]
Major commands to which assigned --(skip those there, now gone)
Air Force Space Command, September 30, 1992 - present
Major Air units assigned ----
Redesignated: Det 1, 23d Space Operations Squadron, October 1, 2010 -
present
Redesignated: 12th Space Warning Squadron, May 15, 1992 - present
821st Air Base Group, June 1, 2002 - present"
You could email the above three 'commands' to try
to establish contact with someone who cares.
Hard to predict,,,,
(Can you find anyone there now to care enough???)
Would any 50 year old building in that cold climate, still exist?
Might someone have moved a memorial plaque to a new building?
Meanwhile, I extend my condolences.
a425couple
Nov 26, 2012, 1:01:30 PM11/26/12
to
"a425couple" <a425c...@hotmail.com> wrote in message...
> <markgil...@gmail.com> wrote in message -Her father was stationed at
> Thule in 1962. He was an air traffic controller
> ---This was the first, and maybe only time, a B-52 made an emergency -
> landing at Thule.
By the way, you might find it informative and interesting
to take an 'aerial tour' of the place.
Go to Google, Maps, and go to NW Greenland.
Switch to "satelite" and look around at buildings at two sites.
Pituffik Airport - Qaasuitsup, Greenland
Qaanaaq airport - Qaasuitsup, Greenland
Keith W
Nov 26, 2012, 2:03:47 PM11/26/12
to
http://www.ejection-history.org.uk/aircraft_by_type/b52_stratofortress.htm
It seems a hatch blew open at 31,000 ft. The pilot was killed when he
was sucked through the hatch and the aircraft made an emergency
landing at Thule
Keith
a425couple
Nov 28, 2012, 8:04:20 AM11/28/12
to
"Keith W" <keithnosp...@demon.co.uk> wrote in message...
Thank you Keith for the good find & adding to our knowledge.
That (hatch blow & sudden extraction) would be a BUMMER
of a way for turning a long boring routine smooth flight into
exciting chaos!!
Now, will Mr. Gilchrist let us know he sees this?
That (hatch blow & sudden extraction) would be a BUMMER
of a way for turning a long boring routine smooth flight into
exciting chaos!!
Now, will Mr. Gilchrist let us know he sees this?
markgil...@gmail.com
Nov 28, 2012, 9:11:05 PM11/28/12
to
On Monday, November 26, 2012 8:50:23 AM UTC-6, a425couple wrote:
> <markgil...@gmail.com> wrote in message news:2e55ad6d-50dc-425a...@googlegroups.com... -On Friday, June 26, 1998 2:00:00 AM UTC-5, Ted B Wendeln wrote: > I'm trying to get some information for a friend of mune. -Her father was stationed at Thule in 1962. He was an air traffic controller -with the 931st Aircraft Control & Warning Station. He was the final controller -that brought in a B-52 from the 99th Bomb Wing (Westover, Ma) call sign -Vodka 32, that experienced an in-flight emergency around 2000 hrs 23 Feb 62. -This was the first, and maybe only time, a B-52 made an emergency landing at -Thule. There was a story published in the Thule Times, Vol 9, No. 6, March 2, 1962. -He was supposed to get a Certificate of Exemplery Service citing his "extraordinary dedication to duty and application of knowledge in the field of air traffic control". -Others mentioned, and included in a Thule Times photo were SMSgt Sanford L. -Beshear and A1C John Bertram. Following were aircrew members; -Maj. Earl R. Caril (Commander, killed when a hatch failed), 1LT William Gilchrist -(Co-pilot), 1Lt Leonard J. Ratzman (Navigator), 1LT William E. Whitney -(EW officer), SSgt Donald Duncan (Tail gunner) and an additional passenger -LtCol Charles S. Schofield.We are trying to get more info on this incident, or -contact crew members. There was also supposed to have been a plaque -commerating the event placed on one of the buildings at Thule. -Would appreciate any input that could give us additional information -Thanks in advance,Ted Wendeln Dayton, OH -My father was Lt. Gilchrist and althought this post is old I am interested -in finding any information concerning this incident. Interesting enough. BTW, is Mark Gilchrist reading to see any responses? Is the co-pilot Gilchrist still alive? I've added a newsgroup that may be able to help. Certainly plenty of stuff to read, about the 1968 B52 crash there. Do you have copies of the newspaper you reference? The following cite, (if complete & accurate) would seem to indicate this March 1962 landing did NOT destroy the plane. http://www.ksla.com/story/8708856/listing-of-b-52-crashes-since-1957
Thank you for all the responses, I have been checking in everyother day while trying to plan for my fathers funeral. The condensed version is that the plane lost preasure at 31,000 feet. The commander (Earl Caril) left my father Lt. Gilchrist in charge while he checked on the problem. The hatch gave way and the pilot was lost and never to be found. My father rapidly decreased the altitude and then continued to burn fuel until the plane was light enough to land. The plane was carrying Nukes and Thule weather was bad. Blowing snow and zero visibility. I was hoping I might find any additional information such as other articles besides the one in the Thule Times or maybe some pictures. I am going to try and contact media relations on the base in hopes that they may have some archived documents relating to the incident. Thanks again for all that have responded, it is very important to me and the rest of the family. I will continue to check in to see if anyone finds something.
> <markgil...@gmail.com> wrote in message news:2e55ad6d-50dc-425a...@googlegroups.com... -On Friday, June 26, 1998 2:00:00 AM UTC-5, Ted B Wendeln wrote: > I'm trying to get some information for a friend of mune. -Her father was stationed at Thule in 1962. He was an air traffic controller -with the 931st Aircraft Control & Warning Station. He was the final controller -that brought in a B-52 from the 99th Bomb Wing (Westover, Ma) call sign -Vodka 32, that experienced an in-flight emergency around 2000 hrs 23 Feb 62. -This was the first, and maybe only time, a B-52 made an emergency landing at -Thule. There was a story published in the Thule Times, Vol 9, No. 6, March 2, 1962. -He was supposed to get a Certificate of Exemplery Service citing his "extraordinary dedication to duty and application of knowledge in the field of air traffic control". -Others mentioned, and included in a Thule Times photo were SMSgt Sanford L. -Beshear and A1C John Bertram. Following were aircrew members; -Maj. Earl R. Caril (Commander, killed when a hatch failed), 1LT William Gilchrist -(Co-pilot), 1Lt Leonard J. Ratzman (Navigator), 1LT William E. Whitney -(EW officer), SSgt Donald Duncan (Tail gunner) and an additional passenger -LtCol Charles S. Schofield.We are trying to get more info on this incident, or -contact crew members. There was also supposed to have been a plaque -commerating the event placed on one of the buildings at Thule. -Would appreciate any input that could give us additional information -Thanks in advance,Ted Wendeln Dayton, OH -My father was Lt. Gilchrist and althought this post is old I am interested -in finding any information concerning this incident. Interesting enough. BTW, is Mark Gilchrist reading to see any responses? Is the co-pilot Gilchrist still alive? I've added a newsgroup that may be able to help. Certainly plenty of stuff to read, about the 1968 B52 crash there. Do you have copies of the newspaper you reference? The following cite, (if complete & accurate) would seem to indicate this March 1962 landing did NOT destroy the plane. http://www.ksla.com/story/8708856/listing-of-b-52-crashes-since-1957
a425couple
Dec 1, 2012, 11:31:26 AM12/1/12
to
<markgil...@gmail.com> wrote in message...
- a425couple wrote:
-> <markgil...@gmail.com> wrote in message...
----On Friday, June 26, 1998 2:00:00 AM UTC-5, Ted B Wendeln wrote:
BIG SNIP
- Thank you for all the responses,
- I have been checking in everyother day while trying to plan
- for my fathers funeral.
I thank you for letting us clearly know you have seen our responses.
My sincere condolances are with you and yours.
(I lost the last one of my parents generation just over a month ago.)
It is always tough. Some days are better, and sadly, some worse.
-The condensed version is that ---
- I was hoping I might find any additional information such as other
articles
- besides the one in the Thule Times or maybe some pictures.
We had dinner last night at a friend's home who had spent
a career with B-52s. He did not know of this incident,
but will try looking into it. I'll let you know if he finds much.
- I am going to try and contact media relations on the base in hopes
- that they may have some archived documents relating to the incident.
- Thanks again for all that have responded, it is very important to me
- and the rest of the family. I will continue to check in to see if anyone
- finds something.
OK. Again our best wishes are for you.
- a425couple wrote:
-> <markgil...@gmail.com> wrote in message...
----On Friday, June 26, 1998 2:00:00 AM UTC-5, Ted B Wendeln wrote:
BIG SNIP
- Thank you for all the responses,
- I have been checking in everyother day while trying to plan
- for my fathers funeral.
I thank you for letting us clearly know you have seen our responses.
My sincere condolances are with you and yours.
(I lost the last one of my parents generation just over a month ago.)
It is always tough. Some days are better, and sadly, some worse.
-The condensed version is that ---
- I was hoping I might find any additional information such as other
articles
- besides the one in the Thule Times or maybe some pictures.
We had dinner last night at a friend's home who had spent
a career with B-52s. He did not know of this incident,
but will try looking into it. I'll let you know if he finds much.
- I am going to try and contact media relations on the base in hopes
- that they may have some archived documents relating to the incident.
- Thanks again for all that have responded, it is very important to me
- and the rest of the family. I will continue to check in to see if anyone
- finds something.
OK. Again our best wishes are for you.
markgil...@gmail.com
Dec 5, 2012, 9:14:40 AM12/5/12
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