Lt.Commander Arthur K. Tyszkiewicz, USN lost his life in Laos 1/14/67 while flying Douglas A-4C Bu No 145087. His service record was impressive, and his life story worthy of a book. I did not know Art Tyszkiewicz, but I taught with his brother Charles (Mr. T to his students) at Hawthorne High School for many years.

I had visited the A-4C Bu No 148570 crash site on the Mojave Desert that occurred on 8/18/66 from which LCDR Tyszkiewicz successfully ejected following an engine fire on a combat tactics training mission. Since there were two A-4 wrecks in the same area, I did not know for sure who the pilot was until I obtained the accident report. The surname listed got my immediate attention, and I called Mr. T. ( Photos courtesy Charles Tsyzkiewicz) Complete story to be posted soon.

LCDR Arthur Kasimir Tyszkiewicz taken shortly before his death at age thirty-three. He served with Navy Attack Squadron VA-56. Following a mid-air collision over Laos 1/14/67 LCDR Tyszkiewicz parachuted successfully into the jungle, but when the rescue helicopter attempted to recover him the cable became entangled, and he was dropped with fatal results.

With great respect we honor the good service and sacrifice of Lt. Commander Arthur K. Tyszkiewicz. (Photo Courtesy Charles Tyszkiewicz)

Project Remembrance

USAAF Pvt. Allen Weis is flanked by his sisters, Alberta Weis on the left, and Aletha Weis on the right. The photo was taken just three weeks prior to Allen’s tragic death on 10/29/43 when his Consolidated B-24E serial number 42-7092 crashed on the south flank of Cucamonga Peak. Pvt. Weis was one of ten airmen killed in this weather related accident. Chris LeFave spotted the remains of 42-7092 from the air, and then hiked to the crash site in October 2010. Chris described his hike as the toughest he’s ever done. The complete story will be posted soon.  (Photo courtesy Alicia Beauchamp)

Project Remembrance

Lt. David James Clare is pictured here while serving in the USAAF in the mid-1940’s. His flying career continued in the USAF as a Captain, and co-pilot on Boeing B-47’s assigned to the Strategic Air Command.

Capt. Clare lost his life on 10/13/55 in an evening take-off from March Air Force in B-47B #51-2231. (Photo courtesy David James Clare II)

B-47B Story
Project Remembrance

USAAF Pvt. Stewart L. Nengel survived the in-flight breakup of a Douglas C-53A on 1/31/43. His amazing story of survival and rescue will be posted shortly. (Photo courtesy Denise Robinson-Bartow)

Video: Douglas C53 Skytrooper and Waco CG-4A Glider accident in 1943 - Part 1

Revised Video: Family members and rescuer visit 1943 Douglas C-53 aircraft crash site-Part 2

Project Remembrance

1st. Lt. Howard Daniel Jones looking sharp in the cockpit of a USAF North American Aviation F-86D. Tragically, 1st Lt. Jones was killed on 9/1/58 while taking off from El Toro MCAS in a Republic F-84F serial number 52-6527. 1st Lt. Jones was number two in a flight of three F-84F’s departing on a runway with an uphill gradient towards rising terrain. The pilots in this flight had not been briefed regarding the up hill gradient or the rising terrain beyond the end of the runway. Hazy conditions prevailed at the time of take-off. (Photo courtesy Peggy and Tim Mallon)

Project Remembrance

1st Lt. Howard D. Jones prepares to board a USAF NAA F-86D . At the time of his death 1st Lt. Jones was assigned to the Air Force National Guard in Springfield, IL where he flew the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak  assigned to the 170th Tactical Fighter Squadron. In the spring/summer 2010 the Project Remembrance Team made two efforts to locate the wreckage of F-84F #52-6527. The first search was unsuccessful, but the second found wreckage consistent with jet aircraft. Since then we have learned that two A4D-2N Skyhawk’s crashed in the same general area as the F-84F. Our goal now will be to confirm the type of aircraft at site one, and if it is the F-84F the next of kin can visit the crash if they choose to do so. Special thanks to Sam Parker for his efforts on behalf of 1st Lt. Jones’s family. (Photo courtesy Peggy and Tim Mallon)

Army Air Force Cadet Charles M. Eckstein shown with a Stearman PT-13 primary training aircraft circa spring 1942. On September 21, 1954 USAF Captain Eckstein sacrificed his life to allow eight crewmen and passengers to parachute to safety as the C-82A Packet he was piloting began descending rapidly over the San Bernardino Mountains after losing an engine. By the time the last airman bailed out it was too late for the pilot to safely parachute from his stricken C-82A. Captain Eckstein attempted to make an emergency landing in a high mountain meadow, but he crashed to his death about 150 yards short of his goal. He is remembered today for his heroism and sacrifice in saving fifteen lives at expense of his own.
(Photo courtesy of the Eckstein Family via Marc McDonald)

Project Remembrance

S/Sgt. Irving B. Kibler was killed flying a USAAF Douglas DB-7B (A-20) on October 10, 1942 while flying a gunnery training mission south of Blythe Army Air Base. The accident was attributed to possible target fixation during a strafing run. S/Sgt. Kibler was the sole occupant of the DB-7B and he was assigned to the 51st Bombardment Squadron at the time of his death. S/Sgt. Kibler was described as eager to serve his country in combat. (Photo courtesy of the Kibler Family)