Atlantic Ocean – March 29, 1967

     On March 29, 1967, the aircraft carrier USS Essex was crusing about 70 miles south-east of Rhode Island taking part in training exercises.  A helicopter with three men aboard took off from the carrier and crashed into the ocean.  Rescue operations were instituted and the co-pilot was pulled from the water and taken aboard the destroyer Hammerburg where he later died of his injuries.  The other two men aboard perished when they sank with the helicopter.  

     The men were identified as:

     Pilot – Lieutenant James P. Borsic, 27, of Hazelton, Ohio. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24086394/james-paul-borsic

     Co-pilot – Lieutenant (Jg.) Michael F. Burns, 25, of Harrington Park, New Jersey. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/49223860/michael-f-burns

     Tec 3/C David B. Dutko, 23, of Bethlehem, Penn. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/24084211/david-bruce-dutko

     All were assigned to Anti-Submarine Squadron 9.  

     The Essex was assigned to the Quonset Point Naval Air Station at the time of the accident. 

     Sources:

     Evening Bulletin, “Carrier Essex Copter Crashes; 1 Dead, 2 Lost”, March 30, 1967, Pg. 1.  

     Evening Bulletin, “Navy Drops Hunt For Two Missing Men”, March 31, 1967, pg. 25.