UPDATE: CGAS Detroit held a memorial ceremony on 9 June 2010.
Fallen Coast Guard hero remembered
Friday, June 11, 2010
Written by: Christopher Lagan
LT Jack C. Rittichier stands beside his aircraft in this U.S. Coast Guard photo.
The women and men of Air Station Detroit marked a somber anniversary earlier this week and honored the memory of a fallen hero. On June 9, 1968, Lieutenant Jack C. Rittichier was shot down and killed in action while performing a search and rescue mission in “one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia.”
Rittichier, a plank owner of Air Station Detroit – where the main hangar bears his name, was serving as an exchange pilot with the Air Force 37th Air Rescue and Recovery Squadron (ARSS) when his helicopter was shot down while trying to save a fellow aviator. He was posthumously awarded the Silver Star for his gallantry and devotion to duty during the mission.
LT JACK C RITTICHIER, United States Coast Guard, distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as Rescue Crew Commander of an HH-3E helicopter in Southeast Asia on 9 June 1968. On that date, LT RITTICHIER attempted the rescue of a downed pilot from one of the most heavily defended areas in Southeast Asia. Despite intense accurate hostile fire which had severely damaged another helicopter, LT RITTICHIER, with undaunted determination, indomitable courage, and professional skill, established a hover and persisted in the rescue attempt until his aircraft was downed by the hostile fire. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, LT RITTICHIER reflected great credit upon himself and the United Station Coast Guard. (Silver Star citation for Jack C. Rittichier.)
On the anniversary of the mission, members of Air Station Detroit were joined by Bill Forsyth of Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Command (JPAC); retired Coast Guard Lt. Cmdr. Jim Loomis; and Allan Kaupinen, a Kent State University classmate of Rittichier to honor the memory of the highly decorated Coast Guard hero.
U.S. Coast Guard Air Station Detroit holds a memorial service for Lt. Jack C. Rittichier. Commemorating the event at the air station are (left to right): Cmdr. Daniel Travers, the station's commanding officer; Rear Adm. Michael N. Parks, Ninth Coast Guard District commander; Bill Forsyth of Joint Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Command (JPAC); Lt. Cmdr. (Ret.) Jim Loomis; and Allen Kaupinen, a Kent State University classmate of Rittichier. Also shown are personal effects of Rittichier and a rotor blade belonging to his downed helicopter. The rotor and other related crash site items were recovered in 2002 by an archaeological team led by Forsyth. (U.S. Coast Guard Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chuck Reinhart)
The Coast Guard Aviation Association
http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/swimmers-celebrate-save-life-19010
Photographs of the festivities
The USCG Rescue Swimmer Program's 25th Anniversary Reunion Committee wishes to sincerely thank the officers, board, and all the Pterodactyls for the most generous support you provided during all stages of our event. Ptero Pres Mont Smith held “counseling” phone calls with us almost on a daily basis. Special thanks to Treasurer Ben Stoppe for tracking our donations, writing some checks, and providing us with weekly updates on our financial status.
The Plaque Dedication Ceremony presided over by VADM Currier was a memorable event. The Reception and motorcycle ride were well attended and exceeded our expectations for attendance.
The CGAA merchandise on sale at the reception was a big hit with the Rescue Swimmers both active and retired. $737.00 of merchandise was sold. We recruited heavily for Ptero membership.
Thank You,
Larry Farmer, ASMCM, Ret. RS # 6
Mrs. Christine Farmer
Joseph (Butch) Flythe, ASTCM, Ret. RS # 5
Mrs. Beth Flythe
Rick McElrath, AST1, Ret. RS # 17
Scott Dyer, ASTCM, USCG, RS # 8
Mrs. Debbie Dyer
Rescue Swimmer Drew Dazzo was awarded Canada's second highest award for bravery. Read the story at:
ALSE Technical Services in Elizabeth City, NC, in conjunction with an ALSE Conference coming up in March 2010, is planning a Rescue Swimmer Program 25th Anniversary event for April 2nd 2010. It will be a reception with invited speakers.
Please help us reach our final goal for this worthy tribute to Jack's memory."