Norm McCauley

I got the sad news that our friend Norm McCauley passed away on January 16, 2016.  The last time I saw Norm was in 2001 at our OV-1 Mohawk Association reunion in Las Vegas.  The above photo is from that weekend.  Please remember Leslie in your prayers during this tough time for her.  I’ll send more information as I receive it.  Steve Simula sent me the following email:

Hello Gordy,

    Thank you for the update on Ken Cunningham.  

    I received a phone call today from Leslie McCauley.  Our buddy Norm passed away suddenly last night.  He had chest pains and

by the time paramedics arrived he was gone.   He had been in very good health.  

     Steve

I have excerpted the following from the ANNUAL SUPPLEMENT HISTORY OF THE 225th AVIATION COMPANY (SURVEILLANCE AIRPLANE), 223D COMBAT SUPPORT AVIATION BATTALION, 1st AVIATION BRIGADE, 1 January 1969 - 31 December 1969

Prepared by: Captain Jose A. Chapa, Unit Historical Officer

21 March 1969: To say March came in like a lion and went out like a lamb for the 225th Blackhawks would be redundant. However the spirits of the men were riding high on the successful accomplishment of the night photo missions and the beginning of round the clock surveillance of the border with SLAR missions. The company also began its 20th month of accident free operation with over 15,000 total flying hours. The end of March was set with the predominate mood of sadness, for the company not only lost an airplane but, much worse, had lost a Blackhawk, Captain David Bruce Peterson.

CPT Peterson was the pilot of Blackhawk 09 on the morning of 21 March 1969, on a photographic mission in the Plie Trap Valley. He was informed that it would be a particularly hazardous mission due to the many reported enemy anti-aircraft and automatic weapons in the area and the low altitude that he was required to maintain. He nevertheless accepted the mission and made ready. Upon entering the target area, his aircraft came under intense enemy fire, receiving approximately 20 hits with 37mm fire and smaller caliber rounds. One of these rounds exploded in the cockpit directly between and below CPT Peterson's legs inflicting serious wounds. Although in extreme pain, and with flames and smoke engulfing the cockpit, he was able to expertly fly the aircraft out of danger of the enemy guns and at the same time give a "Mayday" call announcing their intentions and location. At the last possible moment, he ordered SP5 Norman N. McCauley, his observer, to eject from the aircraft. After McCauley had successfully cleared the aircraft, he also ejected. Upon reaching the ground, he directed rescue helicopters to his position. After seeing his observer lifted to safety by a UH-1 helicopter which came to his assistance. As the crew was attempting to bring him aboard, he apparently lost consciousness from his many wounds and fell back to the ground. Although he was immediately rescued by heroic actions on the part of the helicopter crew and First Aid was administered, he died enroute to the hospital. His selfless actions are credited with saving the life of his observer, for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross posthumously.

26 March 1969: SP5 Norman N. McCauley, the observer who ejected from "Blackhawk 09", arrived back at Phu Hiep and the 225th. Following ejection and successful pickup, SP5 McCauley had been taken to the 71st Evacuation Hospital where he recovered from shrapnel wounds in his right arm.

On 26 March 1969, memorial services were held for CPT David B. Peterson at the Phu Hiep Army Airfield Memorial Chapel. At this time the friends and comrades of CPT Peterson paid tribute to a fine officer and an excellent Army aviator . . . and freedom is a gift from God that commands the highest price.