Branson's Teeth

Bill Branson

Lt Bill Branson USMC, "Death Angel" pilot, enjoying a Halloween party at NKT in '57, clearly demonstrating his Naval Academy boxing skills, for all in attendance. He had already served a combat tour in Korea, as a "grunt". Bill, after a tour as Aide-de-camp to the CG First MAW, Japan and Third MAW, El Toro, was subsequently medically retired from the Marine Corps, after a major surgery. He was madder than hell! He then attended Medical School, and after graduating, practiced for a short time in Laguna Beach, CA, before accepting an appointment and commission in the US Navy, as a flying Flight Surgeon. He was assigned in support of MAG-13 at Chu Lai, RVN, where he also flew combat missions in the "Skyhawk" up North! Accused of violation of his "Hypocratic Oath" as a Doctor, by the media, he finished his tour flying the R4D, ferrying ordnance from NAS Cubi Pt, RPI to Chu Lai, RVN, in the days when we really needed it! He was later a key figure in the establishment of the famous Alcohol Rehab Center at the Long Beach, CA, Naval Hospital, one of the first in the nation, where he then served as Deputy Director. CDR Bill Branson, USN, MC, later died at NAS Cubi Pt., RPI, while on active duty, serving the Naval Aviators and Marine Aircrew, that he loved so much!

Photo courtesy of Don Hanna

Lt Bill Branson USMC, "Death Angel" pilot, enjoying a Halloween party at NKT in '57, clearly demonstrating his Naval Academy boxing skills, for all in attendance. He had already served a combat tour in Korea, as a "grunt". Bill, after a tour as Aide-de-camp to the CG First MAW, Japan and Third MAW, El Toro, was subsequently medically retired from the Marine Corps, after a major surgery. He was madder than hell! He then attended Medical School, and after graduating, practiced for a short time in Laguna Beach, CA, before accepting an appointment and commission in the US Navy, as a flying Flight Surgeon. He was assigned in support of MAG-13 at Chu Lai, RVN, where he also flew combat missions in the "Skyhawk" up North! Accused of violation of his "Hypocratic Oath" as a Doctor, by the media, he finished his tour flying the R4D, ferrying ordnance from NAS Cubi Pt, RPI to Chu Lai, RVN, in the days when we really needed it! He was later a key figure in the establishment of the famous Alcohol Rehab Center at the Long Beach, CA, Naval Hospital, one of the first in the nation, where he then served as Deputy Director. CDR Bill Branson, USN, MC, later died at NAS Cubi Pt., RPI, while on active duty, serving the Naval Aviators and Marine Aircrew, that he loved so much!
Photo courtesy of Don Hanna

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