Doug Donnelly  (AE1 CWO-2, RET.) Remembers
	

	Memories of the past - unforgettable faces w/forgotten names
	I have always wished to be classified as a "BLACK PONY" plankowner.
	With orders to VS-41 aka VAL-4, I was busy romancing the girl that
	has been my wife for the past thirty years. It was within a week of the
 	commissioning ceremony that I arrived at NAS North Island. I was 
	informed by AMH-1 Jean Vargo that I had just missed a "day to remember".
	I was very thankful that day in January of 1969, to join a group of men,
	that to this day personify the meaning of the words  - 
	"Brotherhood"  -  	"Dedication"  -  "Party". I salute all of the Plankowners,.

	Most of the names from thirty years past escape my memory - faces and
	original "Black Pony" projects do not. The enlisted "Black Pony" class of
	1969 at NAS North Island were for the most, a bunch of nuts. The female 
	population of the base considered them a "Touch of Class", to the guys in
	other squadrons, your basic enemy. Allow me to relate a story that has never
	left my heart/mind.

                                                    "THE FLAG"

	VAL-4 was honored to have as a "PLANKOWNER", PR-1 Ernie Withers.  Ernie made
	the first "Black Pony" drinking flag and it was ceremoniously displayed at the
	North Island EM Club each Monday thru Thursday, before,during and most days 
	after Happy Hour. There was a base wide challenge - try to capture our flag.
	The last guy to hang at the club was responsible for the integrity of the 
	flag. I am proud to report that it was never taken from the EM Club by an
	outside party, it was however returned to our group one Monday by Nancy A..
	She was a WAVE and the flag was inside of a 10# block of ice.

	I've more tales to tell  -  one at a time helps the mind.



		Chapter 2: "PETE RUSSELL - THE MAN I'LL NEVER FORGET'
	I wish to continue with the concept of "DONNELLY'S'"memories until the memory
	malfunction or the stories end. I spoke with Dave Stockley on the telephone
	tonight and he graciously asked if I still had the "FLAG". I don't nor did I
	ever say that I knew NancyA.. 
	I honestly don't recollect what happened to that flag.

	The second episode/recollection of "DONNELLY'S" is a bit selfserving as I am
	going to relate a tale of two lost comrades - LT. PETE RUSSELL & ADJ1 JOHNNY
	JOHNSON and myself on an arduos trip from NAS North Island to Binh Thuy.
	The United States Air Force designated these "Three Black Ponies" as official
	couriers, honored with the task of guarding the "Officer Plankowner Corps" 
	airconditioners and other personal items.

	We were told we would have to sleep on the plane throughout the 4-5 day trip
	by our U.S. Air Force hosts (the flight crew). My friend, the man that I still
	cry about, LT. PETE RUSSELL had other plans. Through the rest of this 
	remembrance it is Pete, Johnny, Doug - we became lifelong friends, I regret 
	that they're not here to share my memories.

	Hickham AFB, Honolulu,HI  -  Short overnight before going to Midway Island
	Pete has the three of checked into the BOQ in no time ,with the Hawaiian Air
	National Guard protecting this aircraft as if the President were sleeping.
	Partying in the "O" Club was unique to Johnny and myself.

	Midway Island  -  Land and miss the gooney birbs on the runway, do we really
	have to stay here for a night. The Air Force crew is finally accepting the 
	fact that we're on this flight with them. I wonder if Pete may have had 
	something to do with the fact that the Aircraft Commander invites the three 
	of us to the "O" club.
	Next morning, A.F. Security truck flies out to the runway just prior to our
	takeoff to the Phillipines. The problem, ----Someone stole a towel from the 
	BOQ ---. Prime suspects, Johnny and yours truly. Defense Attorney Pete 
	Russell has us remove our seabags from the aircraft and be ready to dump 
	them on the tarmac. A 2nd LT. (navigator) hands over the towel. What bullshit
	by assholes, what trust by my eternal friend PETE RUSSELL.

	We spent some time in the Phillipines after that on the way into Viet Nam -
	another story for those that new or want to know Pete Russell. Pete was also
	my friend in NAM, we helped procure the Maintenance Jeep for LCDR. Bill Bartlett.

	To many memories can hurt.  Later