USAF ROTORHEAD Members

Jim O’Gorman

AF Aug 59 to Jan 80  retired as E7

Received the 2 H-43B’s at Dover in Mar. 1960, tail #s 59-1569 & 59-1555. I was HM & FE in the LBR, Det. 10, 43rd ARS, me and my buddy Andy Paparella crewed these as Airman 3rd Class, probably the lowest ranking FE (we had only been in the AF 7 months including tech school).

I then moved to Dow AFB for another year on the 43’s, from there on to Alaska and the H-21, that was 4 great years.

Then to Nam as Crew Chief/FE/Door Gunner on UH-1F #63-13158 as a member of the 20th SOS “Green Hornets”. We were shot down on Mar. 26 1969 killing 8 of the 10 on board. This was the 695th Combat Sortie and I was lucky.

I did a year in the hospital getting over the crash then got reassigned to Laredo AFB till they closed it. I was processing out for another tour in Nam when the war ended???.

For some reason I made the dumb mistake of volunteering for MTI duty. I think I wanted to get my head out of the toolbox and improve my people and communication skills. That was the worst most dead end tour of duty I ever faced.

I’m a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Crew Members Assoc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ Final Flight 04 August 2010 ~

James “Jim” E. O’Gorman, MSgt., USAF (Retired)
July 28, 1942 – August 04, 2010

James (Jim) Edward O’Gorman, our much loved husband, father, grandfather and brother passed away on Wednesday August 4, 2010 at the age of 68. He was born July 28, 1942 in Brooklyn, New York, to Thomas and Eleanor O’Gorman.

Jim was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam as an Aerial Gunner and Crew Chief on an UH-1F Helicopter, assigned to the 20th Special Operations Squadron “Green Hornets”. He was awarded the Purple Heart with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Battle Stars, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Good Conduct Medal with 3 Oak Leaf Clusters. Jim honorably retired as a Master Sergeant in San Antonio, in 1980.

He is survived by his wife Sharron O’Gorman; his children Shawn and Heather O’Gorman of Bulverde, Jason O’Gorman and Carol Grothues of Dripping Springs; Step-Children Clayton and Melissa Sowell of San Antonio, Rayleen Watson of Louisville; his grandchildren Carly, Shawn Jr., and Hailey; his brothers Thomas O’Gorman, Andy and Lana Paparella; and other siblings.

Visitation will be Monday, Aug. 9 from 6-8 pm and Funeral Services will be Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 9:00 am; both will be at Mission Park North Funeral Chapels. Interment will follow at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery at 10:45 am.

~ GUEST BOOK ~

Feb 06, 2014
Cousin Jimmy was my fathers, sisters, (Eleanor) son. My last memory of him was when he came home from Alaska, where he was stationed and left his car in my dad’s garage while he was in Viet Nam. RIP cousin. If any of Jims siblings, my cousins. Read this: Tom Denise, Maureen, Edwin, Michelle red this, please contact me. I know it’s been many many years but it might be nice just to make contact again. Jeffmtnman@verizon.net 
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Posted by: Jeffrey B Krushinski – Quakertown, PA – Cousin 

Aug 09, 2010
Dear O’Gorman Family: Please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved. There are never any right words to express how deeply sad I am for the pain your family is enduring at this difficult time. Although I did not have the honor and pleasure of knowing him, as Chair of the Senate Committee on Veteran Affairs and Military Installations, I am sincerely thankful for his valiant service in defense of our rights and freedom. His commitment to family, friends, our community, and to serving our great nation leaves a wonderful legacy. May the love and the wonderful memories you shared with him help you when you need it most. He will never be forgotten, and your family will be remembered in my prayers.
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Posted by: Senator Leticia Van de Putte – San Antonio, TX.

Aug 09, 2010
Sharon – we were completely shocked to have read Jim’s obituary in the paper. I am so sorry for your loss – We will pray for his soul. He is probably keeping St Peter laughing. Keep your faith in God. Love to you and to his children and family.
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Posted by: Jean and JR Herrera – San Antonio, TX.

Aug 09, 2010
Rest in peace Jim. You have and will always be a part of our family. You will be missed…Thanks for that… Love Always, Tess and Jim Wilson
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Posted by: Tess Scott Wilson – Bryan, TX.

Aug 07, 2010
Sharon and Family: I was so sorry to hear about your loss! A loss to many who knew and loved him. He will be truly missed. He was a very caring man and was there for us during a very hard time. Our love and prayers be with all of you, from the Stendebach Family. God Bless you…Pat
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Posted by: Pat Stendebach – San Antonio, TX.