As the webmaster for the USMC/Combat Helicopter Association (POPASMOKE), I’ve had the incredible privilege of crossing paths with some of the most remarkable Marines and Corpsmen. Their stories of bravery and sacrifice continue to inspire me daily, but every now and then, one encounter leaves a lasting mark.
In the summer of 2000, during one of our reunions in San Diego, I had the honor of meeting Jim Farley. Jim served as a Marine UH-34D crew chief in HMM-163 during Vietnam. His time in the Corps was nothing short of extraordinary. In 1965, the legendary photographer Larry Burrows flew alongside Jim and his crew on a mission deep in the heart of Vietnam. The powerful photos Larry captured during that mission were later published in LIFE Magazine on April 16, 1965, offering the world a rare, unfiltered glimpse of the courage and chaos that Marines like Jim faced every day.
One of the most poignant moments captured by Burrows occurred on March 31, 1965. Tragically, during the mission featured in LIFE’s pages, two Marine pilots from HMM-163 were killed in action. Their loss was a sobering reminder of the sacrifices made by so many, and that particular day became etched in history as a testament to the price of freedom.
POPASMOKE and its members have always been a living archive of Marine aviation history, and their stories have reached far and wide. One of our proudest moments came when the Discovery Channel aired “Vietnam’s Helicopter Heroes,” a documentary highlighting the bravery of Marines like Jim. This moving film, produced by Debbie LaPensee during our 1998 Reunion, is a powerful tribute to those who served. Featuring interviews with many of our members and in-country footage captured by them, it offers a raw, unfiltered look at the war through the eyes of the men who lived it.
I still keep in touch with Jim to this day. He’s a POPASMOKE Life Member, and without a doubt, one of the kindest, most genuine people you’ll ever meet. His humility, in the face of all he’s done and seen, is what makes him truly heroic. For me, Jim will always be one of my personal heroes.
Debbie LaPensee , this is Oramel Hall, from Hmm 362 I provided some film for the documentry that you made, it was well recieved by those that watched it.,
thank you , from Oramel & Sharon Hall
>u remind me of my late dad…he used to be a marine.