Marines honor pilot killed in night crash

(EXCERPT), by Jeanette Steele UNION-TRIBUNE STAFF WRITER

October 13, 2003

Capt. Theodore Treadwell was flying a night mission over the Mojave
Desert when the tail of his helicopter fell off.

While the craft bucked and pitched, the Marine pilot based at Camp
Pendleton calmed his crew over the intercom. Hold on, he told them,
we'll land soon.

Treadwell kept the nose up long enough to crash-land the Huey on a
sandy hillside 20 seconds later.

Treadwell, 29, and Staff Sgt. Roderick Nesmith died in the February
2002 crash. Two crewmen survived.

For his heroism and ability, the Marine Corps has posthumously awarded
Treadwell the Distinguished Flying Cross, the top award for flying.

"No one could have piloted this aircraft with more expertise. It's
remarkable that anyone walked awa...

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---------------------------
Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com