"At 16:50 hours Johnson tower called the alert crew of the 36th Air Rescue Squadron - and advised that Tachikawa GCA had called and reported that a C-124 was apparently down, as they (Tachikawa GCA) had lost it on their scope after take off.

Upon receipt of this message the helicopter pilot, Lt. Colonel Tatum and Captain Mecca and the Land and Para-Rescue team were alerted and given the information available in a quick briefing as the helicopter (H-19) was being rolled out of the hanger. The crew and load consist of pilot and co-pilot, a two man para-rescue team, litters blankets and assorted emergency equipment. A second para-rescue team was briefed to stand by in vehicles to be dispatched by the helicopter crew if needed. A second helicopter was rolled out (H-5) and cranked up to await further instructions and the Johnson Air Base Air Police and Hospital were alerted to stand by.

We the undersigned took off in the H-19 at 17:06, after receiving instructions from Johnson tower to report to Tachikawa GCA when airborne. The weather at Johnson at this time was approximately 200' and 1/2 to 3/4 miles. we took off on a heading of 200 degrees cruising at 75 to 100 feet at 50 KTS. and attempted to contact Tachikawa GCA. Initial radio contact was made immediately, however the instructions were garbled, we continued this heading until passing the south end of the reservoirs. At this time solid communications were established with Tachikawa GCA. We were given heading of 190 degrees for about two minutes - 90 degrees for about two minutes and 140 degrees for about 1 minute and a final heading of 160 degrees. At this time GCA advised the aircraft wreck should be dead ahead at 3/4 miles. At exactly this location we observed the smoke and fire of the wreck. At 17:13 we hovered over the wreck at 100 feet to give GCA another fix and then landed approximately 150 feet from the wreckage. The AF Officer in charge at the scene (a Major name unknown) was immediately contacted to determine if there were any survivors or if rescue was needed to evacuate anyone. He replied there were no survivors. The para-rescue team were directed to inspect the area for any possible unlocated survivors. After examining the area thoroughly this team determined that there were no survivors.

We then advised the [not legible] that as no survivors existed we would return to base. He requested that a message be passed to Tachy tower for chaplains and graves registration personnel be sent to the scene, this was done immediately.

We departed at 17:35 and returned to Johnson Air Base the land rescue team were dispatched to the scene and instructed to remain until all personnel were accounted for.

The weather in route was approximately the same as at the time of take off. At the scene of the accident, the weather was approximately 200' with light rain with about 3/4 mile visibility. During the period we were on the ground, the rain increased and the visibility decreased somewhat. The weather on return to Johnson deteriorated and some difficulty was experienced in returning to the base. We arrived at Johnson at 17:55.

In conclusion, we feel some comment should be made of the detailed accuracy of the Tachikawa GCA in directing the helicopter to the site of the accident under the most adverse conditions. Without their instructions and guidance, it is doubtful if the wreckage would have been located by the helicopter."