This is a members/enthusiasts website, not connected to the government or military, to share data and stories about Marine Corps Fighter/Attack squadron VMFA-314 at the time when it flew the F4B Phantom II from the Chu Lai airbase in support of military operations in Vietnam.  

You can learn more about the squadron on its official Marine Corps website or on Wikipedia.  You can also learn more about the Phantom II on Wikipedia.

This website was started in 2006 to help with the planning for a squadron reunion in January, 2007.  See the story below!

The DVD

As a result of that reunion, VMFA-314 pilot Bob Fraser created a terrific DVD from his Super 8 movies taken in 1968 from the cockpit of the F4B, with ground shots to further the story.  Send me an email if you would like more information about this DVD.  Bob has told a detailed and engrossing story of this time. 

The $20 payment for this DVD was contributed to the Wounded Warriors and was acknowledged in May, 2008:

"Thank you, on behalf of those who have given, as President Abraham Lincoln said, "the last full measure of devotion." Thank you for your generous contribution to Wounded Warriors.

Your donation will be used to support the families of our killed, wounded and injured Marines, Soldiers, Airmen and Sailors. Our next mission will be the construction of the "Wounded Warriors Retreat" northwestern Nebraska. The retreat will serve the families of those wounded, killed or injured in combat operations. Please sign up for our newsletter at www.woundedwarriors.org if you have not done so.

Your support is important and I use our newsletter to report the activities and programs that you support.

Your continued support will make this possible. Thank you. 

Semper Fidelis! 

John D. Folsom
Colonel, United States Marine Corps, Reserve
President

Total: $1,100.00 - This donation is on behalf of the Vietnam veterans of Marine Fighter/Attack Squadron 314."

The Patches

Squadron patches are still available for $7.50 each. A sample appears at the top of this page, created for the reunion from the versions used in 1968-69.  If you want a patch, use the same email address as above.

The Books

In late 2007, we heard from two '80s vintage squadron members, Mike Wanamaker and Lee De Haven, who are writing a history of VMFA-314 during the 1967-1970 era.  Several squadron members have contributed photos and stories to this work. The first draft was put on the VMFA-314 wiki in January, 2008. An excellent project!

We already have three squadron authors: Frank Petersen ("Into the Tiger's Jaw: America's First Black Marine Aviator") , John Trotti ("Phantom Over Vietnam") and Joe Garzik ("City Hall"). Can any other squadron match this high "literacy level"?

The Phantom is PFifty!

"The YF4H-1 prototype made its maiden flight on May 27, 1958, taking off from Lambert-St. Louis Municipal Airport with McDonnell test pilot Robert C. Little at the controls".

Below are two factory photos from Mike Wanamaker and check the factory (now Boeing) website:

Phantom - Original Single Seat Mockup May 1954

Phantom - 2 Seat Mockup Dec 1955

The Phantom II is long out of service with the Marine Corps.  Or is it?  Here are two 2007 photos from Major Byron D. "Shrek" Sullivan:

VMFA-314 Hornet with two Japan Air Self-Defense Force Phantoms

VMFA-314 Hornet over Iwo Jima

October 16, 2007

GOOD-BYE PHANTOM

They're coming one after the other now. Each day seems to bring another heartache – articles in professional journals, invitations for "the last of" events, calls for yet another "Old Guy Reunion", order forms for coffee table books. I'm beginning to realize that there's no putting off the fact that one of the most revolutionary, capable, and elegant airplanes ever to dominate the skies has gone away.

I refer, of course, to the F-4J Phantom II. Over the last several years the grand old boy has taken his leave. With the F-4J goes the notion of variable Intakes, radar intercept officers, and 2.0 indicated Mach number on the airspeed gauge. And with the F-4 also goes a big part of what made my life noteworthy, dare I say, the stuff of novels.

The Phantom had an amazing run: thirty-plus years, the Vietnam war, dozens of brushfires and contingencies. Few airplanes in the history of aviation have adapted as well to the tactical landscape over their years in the inventory. The F-4 was designed by McDonnell Aircraft Company as an intercepter aircraft round the radar missile system, a long-range air superiority fighter that pushed out the boundaries of fleet defense. The early portion of my flying career was about launching on the Alert 5 and escorting Soviet bombers and transports. Those were the days of the 1+45 cycle, the days when the Phantom was the fuel critical jet in the air wing. The thought of dropping bombs was anathema to us then.

But the threat changed as the Viet Nam War dragged on and other mission requirements meant the Steely eyed fighter pilots had to load Mk-82's on the wings and prove they were capable of beating up the dirt almost as good as any fully trained attack puke. Suddenly the Phantom, with its two-man crew and newly received upgraded radar was the platform of choice for air superiority in high threat areas.

But now the F-4's time is over. Emotions stir in the face of this reality. Thousands of hours of my adult life were spent strapped into the front seat of the "Big Ugly Fighter." It was there that challenges were met, friendships were forged, and the nation's will was carried out. From that lofty perch I looked up at the heavens and down on hostile lands. I didn't always realize it then – youth, of course, is lost on the young – but each sortie was a gift.

So, too, was the time spent in the company of greats. I think back on chain-laden plane captains who loved the airplanes as much as we did, those like Sam Summa who kept the aviators going with their enthusiasm in the face of long days that promised nothing but more hard work. I remember the maintenance master chiefs who taught me not just how the Phantom works but how to be an officer and a man. And for their caring they asked for nothing in return. In their countenances I saw my responsibilities.

Anyone familiar with Naval Aviation has a de facto doctorate in pilot personality types. Any RIO with 1,000 hours or more in the airplane possesses a similar degree. And as I flip through the pages of my weathered logbooks and read the names – Smith, Crenshaw, Southgate, Driscoll, Ensch, Roy, Bouck and hundreds more – I think of their skill, skill that boggles the mind even now, and the teamwork between cockpits that made flying the F-4 so rewarding. I know few things as surely as I know that U.S. Navy carrier-based pilots are the best in the world.

And what of the down times between sorties? In my mind's eye I conjure up a gathering in the eight-man stateroom where problems are broached, dissected, and solved. This is where I learned about trust. This is where I realized I could survive the trial that was life at sea – hell, life period.

Now I close my eyes and hear the clack, clack, clack of the shuttle as it moves aft for the next launch. The exhaust from the powerful and reliable J-79 engines fills my nostrils until we drop the canopies and bring our jet to life. Air roars through the ECS. Systems power up. Soon we're parked behind the cat, waiting our turn. I roger the weight board – 56,000 pounds, buddy, 56,000 pounds. Grasp that, if you can. The jet blast deflector comes down and we taxi into place, deftly splitting the cat track with the twin nose tires. And then – even after decades of doing the same thing – the adrenaline starts to flow as we go through the deck dance unique to the Phantom: The nose strut extends, giving the fighter the look of a beast ready to leap into the air by itself; the director moves you into the holdback. Wings spread. Flaps lower. Our hands go up as the ordies arm the missiles, bombs.

There's the signal from the catapult officer. I put the throttles to military power and wipe out the controls – stick forward, aft, left, and right; rudder left and right.

"You ready, C-ball?" I ask.

I run the fingers of my right hand across the top of the lower ejection handle (for orientation purposes) and hear from the back, "Ready Queenie, I'm right behind you."

I salute. We both put our heads back slightly. (forget once and you get your bell rung by the head rest). A couple of potatoes later we're off. Airborne.

And for the next hours we stand ready to bring this machine, this manifestation of American know-how, to bear however it might be required. Or maybe today isn't our day to save the world, so we accommodate one of the small boy's requests for a fly-by or break the sound barrier -- just because we can (and we're far enough above our fuel ladder to get away with it).

We're flying a Phantom. And we're getting paid to do it.

Alas, I speak of days gone by. What remains of what once gave my working life purpose is now only found in front of main gates, aviation museums, and VFW halls around the country. In the blink of an eye I have become the white haired guy with the ill-fitting ball cap and the weathered flight jacket who bores young ensigns (and anyone else who happens to make eye contact) with his tales of derring-do. "VF, dang it!" I rail. "Those were real fighter squadrons." And they were. Fighting Falcons, Jolly Rogers, Swordsmen, Pukin' Dogs, Grim Reapers, Diamondbacks – mascots of an adventure. At the center of it all was the airplane itself, and when an airplane has so much heart, personality, and character it ceases to be inanimate to those who climb into it on a regular basis.

So it's goodbye, dear friend. Forgive my depression. I've heard the promises of a brighter future, but my time in the arena was with you. I watch you launch into the sunset and wonder how it all could have passed so quickly. It doesn't seem like that long ago when we were together, inextricably linked, one defining the other. Ours was a world of unlimited possibilities and missions accomplished. Ours was a world of victory.

So goodbye, Big Fighter, blessed protector of the American way and our hides. We who knew you well will miss your class, your swagger, your raw power. Even in the face of technological advances, you bowed to no other. Thanks for the memories. They are indeed the stuff of novels.

The VMFA-314 Black Knights of Chu Lai, 1967-1970, had a Great  Reunion!

January 13, 2007

First report of the Reunion!  It was great!  If only "sunny" San Diego had lived up to its tourist posters, it would have been perfect.  We did see a little sun, but the temperature never got much above 60.  Nevertheless, we had more guys - with spouses and friends - than expected, with nearly 90 folks at the banquet and about the same number at the other venues and functions.  We'll have a combined action report in a few days, but at this point it's another "mission accomplished" for the Black Knights!

Older Reunion planning messages follow:

Gentlemen:

Our agenda for the upcoming reunion is now fast and firm. All ducks are lined up; most costs pretty well known and we are well and truly ready to meet. Here are the facts, and here is what is required of you:

THE HOTEL: We have committed to the Red Lion Hanalei Hotel in San Diego’s Hotel Circle area which is off Interstate 8 between highways 5 and 163.

We have firmed up a reunion rate of $104/night (plus tax) for the period of 11-14 January 2007, and the hotel will extend that rate for an additional three days before and after our reunion for those who wish to come early or stay longer.

RESERVATIONS: You must make your own reservations and should do so now. In any case, you should do so before 1 October to be assured of both rate and room. You may either book on line or by phone. If you book on line, use password KNIGHTS; if by phone, use VMFA-314 to get the discounted rate. Hotel link follows:

http://www.hanaleihotel.com/index.html

For those making reservations by telephone, the numbers are:

(800) 882-0858 or (619) 297-1101 

and the address of the hotel is:

2270 Hotel Circle North, San Diego, CA 92108

HOSPITALITY SUITE: We will have a hospitality suite at the hotel where attendees should check in upon arrival to pick up information packets, nametags, schedule info, etc. The suite will be staffed daily by squadron members and will be open until 2400 hours on the 11^th and 2200 or as needed on subsequent days. Stop in, have a beer, say hi to whomever’s there and just hang out.

THE AGENDA:

THURSDAY: Check-in; unpack; drop by the hospitality suite to renew old friendships. No group activities scheduled.

FRIDAY: Breakfast or brunch on your own and we will meet at the 314 hangar at MCAS Miramar at 1300 hours for a squadron open house with an F-18 display and lecture; a tour of squadron spaces; and an F-18 simulator checkout for smaller groups as required.

1500 hours: Move to the MCAS Officer’s club for the showing of Vietnam combat footage DVDs filmed by squadron members, with a break between segments.

1745 hours: Attend regular Friday happy hour at the O club.

1900 hours: Dinner at the club in a private dining room with remarks by honored guests and the Commanding Officer of VMFA-314, LTCOL Jeff Renier.

Here’s a link to the O club web site and location map.

http://www.mccsmiramar.com/oclub.html

SATURDAY: Breakfast on your own and the morning free.

1130 hours: Meet at the USS Midway (CV-41), Aircraft Carrier museum, which is permanently moored at the Navy Pier on the San Diego waterfront for a group tour and luncheon on board in a private area on the hangar deck.

http://www.midway.org/site/pp.asp?c=coIMKTMCF&b=81432

The rest of the day is free time for shopping and sightseeing, etc, with dinner on your own.

TRANSPORTATION:

The hotel does not provide an airport shuttle, but it is less than a $20 cab ride, including tip from the airport, if you are not planning to rent a car.

The cost of chartered busses to and from the MCAS and to the Midway is prohibitive, so, hopefully, enough attendees will choose to rent cars and will carpool others to and from events. We will try to maintain a carpool log sheet at the hospitality suite. We may be able to get some busses from Miramar but that’s not definite.

IDENTIFICATION/ACCESS : Access to MCAS Miramar is quite restricted, and access to the flight line is even more restricted. Accordingly, all attendees will be issued special nametags at the hospitality suite upon check in. Please wear them at all scheduled events.

Further, there will be an access list of all attendees given to all three MCAS gates, and that list will also be at the turnstile card access gate at 314’s hangar, where an officer will verify the attendee’s identity prior to activating the turnstile gate. We apologize for these measures, but in today’s world I’m sure you all understand their necessity.

MAPS AND DIRECTIONS: To be issued at a later date.

APPROXIMATE COSTS: All attendees will be handling their transportation and lodging expenses directly. Other costs, such as the O club dinner and the USS Midway luncheon and some small miscellaneous expenses will probably not exceed the neighborhood of $50.00. We will send you all a bill as soon as we firm these up, and would appreciate payment in advance of your arrival as we have already paid some of these expenses.

The Commanding General, 3^rd MAW, and the Commanding Officer MAG-11, have expressed both enthusiasm and welcome for our reunion, and the CO of VMFA-314, LTCOL Renier is really looking forward to it as well.

It has been a real pleasure for us to do the advance planning for this event and to get back in touch with so many who have had the same shared experience. We will continue to put things together and hope to see all of you in San Diego in January.

 

Update, September 26:

Things are coming together for our Jan11-14 reunion in San Diego. You can see by the addressees in the "send to" line, we have located more Knights and that doesn't include those without PC's that I send snail mails.

Gil and I encourage you to make reservations at the Hanalei if you haven't done so because the rooms could be sold if you wait too long. On That, if you are a late comer (e.g., can't decide until November, we'll provide alternate places to stay in other updates.

Presumptively, you received the agenda earlier. If not, let Gil Tanzer or me know and we can send one.

Item 1 - our squadron expenses. If each person attending could kindly pay $65.00 in advance, payable to Gil Tanzer, (address above) it will be greatly appreciated because we must pay for everything in advance. This $65.00 will include the cost of O Club dinner, dinner for our invited guests, Midway luncheon, hospitality suite beverages and snacks and miscellaneous (we are having a banner manufactured, postage, name tags, welcome packet,etc.) If you or your spouse will not attend Midway lunch, subtract $13 and send Gil $52. (A couple people are leaving early.)

In later updates, you will decide what you will have at dinner and lunch. Gil or I will publish menu choices. You select your dish(s) in advance and we advise the club and Midway. Food items look very good.

Gil will also send a note to all for those who want VMFA-314 baseball caps, shirts, patches, medallions and the like. He will list prices and you respond with shirt size.

We will publish a map and advise of things to do like golf, Sea World, zoo, museums, et al, for those who will stay and sight see.

A roster will be published. Some people are recognizable in e-mail address, but many are not.

For transportation, we suggest pairing up as front and back seaters so you all don't have to rent cars. Gil and I looked into buses and they are cost prohibitive - way too expensive.

To join the VMFA-314 Reunion wiki or ask questions about this website, email Bob Schmitt