Remembering fallen comrades: Screaming Eagles

My name is Clinton J. Andrews. I was a member of the 3/502 HHC BN Postal Clerk, Infantry 11C Mortar Crew member in the Air Assault unit of Fort Campbell, Kentucky 1984-1985.

While I was getting desert fatigues and boots, because I wanted back to Germany this time, I wanted to go to Berlin. I would have to extend my enlistment for six months, to go to Egypt to patrol the border of the Sinai Peninsula; I am one of the seven who stayed behind.

My unit went to Egypt for six months deployment. On December 12, 1985, they were at Gander, Newfoundland, when, at 10:02, the DC8 (Arrow character) started to bank hard across the highway. Witnesses said the fireball lasted five minutes. All were lost, including the flight crew.

There were 248 soldiers, men and women coming home for Christmas. Three soldiers were from our state of Washington: from Gig Harbor, Robert Kaplin, Sp.4; Tacoma, Melvin Reed, PVT 1; Oak Harbor, Rex V. Smith Sgt. 1st Class.

Every year at Ft. Campbell Kentucky, they remember their loved ones, and at Gander Newfoundland, where there are memorials celebrating their lives. There is a memorial at Fort Campbell, also, and 248 trees grow each year in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. I will miss them every day.

Clinton J. Andrews