I served with my friend Frank Chupko with the Helicopter Combat Support Squadron One based in Imperial Beach California. After a few months of training I was assigned to the USS Bon Homme Richard (CV-31) and Frank was assigned to the USS Oriskany (CV-34).
Prior to leaving for the war zone, the ships underwent a shakedown cruise along the California coast. This was done to familiarize the crew with the vessel and test the performance of all systems. My experience aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard was uneventful but that was not the case for Frank.
Frank had trained as a rescue crewman and he proved his worth when an A-7 crashed on the deck of the USS Oriskany and the pilot ejected into the ocean. Frank entered the water and freed the pilot from the folds and shrouds of his parachute. The pilot suffered a broken arm and dislocated shoulder which made it difficult for Frank to place him in a sling. As they were being hoisted Frank felt the pilot slipping out of the sling and wrapped his legs around his waist.
Frank never spoke of this, but I found an article in the May-June-July issue of Rotor Tips, the trade magazine of Kaman Aerospace Corporation, page 9.
I’ve kept in touch with Frank for the 49 years since we first met at Imperial Beach and see him when he visits his sister in New Hampshire. He is very active in Veteran affairs and makes regular pilgrimages back to the Philippines to visit old friends.
