Welcome
Quick note from the webmaster. As you can see the format of our website has changed. We are now using Word Press which I will explain later. For the next couple days I will be making adjustments to the files. At present the gallery page does not contain all the photos until I have completed the changeover. Thanks for your patience. In a few days things will be all fixed. You are able to leave comments at the bottom of the page. If you go to the veterans page use browser back button to return to here as I have not fixed the “home” links on that page yet.
This site is dedicated to the men of B Battery, 1st AAA Msl Bn, and B Battery, 3rd Msl Bn, 1st Artillery Regiment.
As the Nike Ajax system underwent testing during the early 1950s, the Army became concerned that the missile was incapable of stopping a massed Soviet air attack. To enhance the missile’s capabilities, the Army explored the feasibility of equipping Ajax with a nuclear warhead, but when that proved impractical, in July 1953 the service authorized development of a second generation surface-to-air missile, the Nike Hercules. As with Nike Ajax, Western Electric was the primary contractor with Bell Telephone Laboratories providing the guidance systems and Douglas Aircraft serving as the major subcontractor for the airframe.
In 1958, 5 years after the Army received approval to design and build the system. Nike Hercules stood ready to deploy from converted Nike Ajax batteries located in the New York, Philadelphia, and Chicago defense areas. However, as Nike Hercules batteries became operational, the bitter feud between the Army and Air Force over control of the nation’s air defense missile force flared anew. The Air Force opposed Nike Hercules, claiming that the Army missile duplicated the capabilities of the soon-to-be-deployed BOMARC. Eventually, both of the competing missiles systems were deployed, but the Nike Hercules would be fielded in far greater numbers over the next 6 years.
Specifications
| Length | 41 feet |
| Diameter | 31.5 inches |
| Wingspan | 6 feet, 2 inches |
| Weight | 10.710 pounds |
| Booster fuel | Solid propellant |
| Missile fuel | Solid propellant |
| Range | Over 75 miles |
| Speed | Mach 3.65 2,707 mph |
| Altitude | Up to 150,000 feet |
| Guidance | Command by electronic computer and radar |
| Warhead | High-Explosive fragmentation or nuclear |
| Contractors |
|
Thanks for writing, Rod.
Yes, Ron Shupe will certainly be counted as a loss for all of us that knew him!
Hat’s off to you for your service to Air Defense and our Country.
Best regards.
Don
I met Ron Shupe back in 1988, he was the Mess Sgt in the 342 MP Det CF) at
Ft. Snelling, MN (Twin Cities area) and I was the 1st Sgt. Ron was a neat guy,
fun to be around, always good for a laugh. During one annual two week summer camp at Ft. McCoy, WI, (during a training exercise – simulated POW Camp), about mid-afternoon we took in about two dozen prisoners that had been out in the sun since early morning with out breakfast and water. After coming into
our compound the prisoners started falling from heat exhaustion. Ron was
notified of the situation and provided them with all leftover food from the
previous meal, water and koolaide. Soon the prisoners were evacuated from
the compound by jeep, duece-half and helicopter to the Post Medical station.
Probably helped save a few lives!!
I kept in touch with Ron til the end, by phone.
While Ron spent time with you fellas in the Pittsburg Air Defense Command
I was with the New York/New Jersey Air Defense Command – S3 Section.
Thanks, Craig Ostrander.
I’m sure I speak for all the B-3-1 Veterans in saying we appreciate your hard work in developing and maintaining this website! For many of us,it is important that the history of the Herminie Nike site and its role in the Pittsburgh Air Defense be documented.
For those that do not know, Craig served as a Personnel Specialist at Irwin, PA, in 1969-1970.
He has a full time job as Audio/Video Supervisor for a large Church near Beaufort, SC. He does this just for “fun”!!!
Thanks again, for all you do, Craig
I just added 37 photos to Don Stemmler’s album. If you can add any names or comments to caption let me know.
Ronald L. Shupe
I have received a note from Ron Shupe’s oldest daughter, Kim Anderson, that Ron passed away yesterday, January 25, 2010. Services are pending at Marsh Funeral Home on 110 Main St., Lucky, Ohio.
Ron was at the Herminie Nike site 1959-1961. Those of us fortunate enough to have known him, remember a nice young man and a good soldier. He was Army retired.
Ron and his wife Marquietta were at the 2008 Reunion.
I was at Irwin March 57 helped move to Hermine in 58 got out in Nov. 58, came to Florida in 59, retired from Bellsouth in 89 and moved to Ocala Fl. in 99.
My cell number 352-804-8424
Thanks for writing, Sonny.
Yes, the Holidays were great. We spent 2 weeks in Flagstaff, Arizona celebrating Christmas with all or our family. Too much snow for this Texian! Reminded me of all that snow we used to shovel at the Herminie Nike site.
Thanks for your service and stay safe!
BLAZING SKIES!
Don
Don
Web site looks great. Hope all had a great Christmas and New Years we sure did.
A little more info. After my Dad died I was asigned to Ft. Leonard Wood was basic training supply Sgt. for two years and then VietNam For 1 year April72-April73. Closed down 4 four units and then to Ft Polk,La. left the Army in 1974. Moved to Dallas Tx. for 1 yr. Then moved back to Mo. Retired after 20 years with the school system as head custodian at an elementary school.
My mailing address:
1323 Sophia
Carthage,Mo.64836
I have drove by several times and thought of the many great times and the great people I knew there. i was there 62-65. it was my first duty station and looking backing was probably the best. Thanks for keeping the memories alive.
Ray Gall Jr
El Paso Tx
CWO USA RET>
12-14-2009
Recently I received notice from Barb Tyner that her husband Harmon D. Tyner had passed away on June 29, 2009.
Harmon was a SSG serving in the IFC Area in 1966. He retired from the Army in 1974. The Tyners resided in Las Vegas, Nevada.
If you would like to view his obituary and/or sign his Guestbook, go to Legacy.com and enter his name in obituary search. Select “Past year” from drop-down menu and then select “search”.
HAY DON
THANKS FOR THE E-MAIL WITH THE HISTORY OF THE NIKE SITE.
ALWAYS GREAT TO HEAR FROM YOU AND ALL THE WORK YOU HAVE
DON ON THIS PROJECT.
YOUR FRIEND
ARLIE
Don,
My friend — thanks for all your efforts in keeping these wonderful memories alive. I so enjoyed the re-union in 08. Hope we can do it again.
Launcher Platoon Leader — 1LT from Oct. 68 – July 70.
Frank Mellage
Raleigh, NC
Don,
I just received your Christmas message.
Last week I called two of my old buddies and enjoyed a good conversation. This would not have been possible if it were not for your efforts in organizing last year’s reunion.
Thank you and Merry Christmas.
I have moved. Here is my new contact info:
Don Stemmler
2464 Sweet Gum Circle
York, PA 17406
phone: 717-668-8569
e-mail: stemmlerd@comcast.net
Paul Hughbanks
Please contact me at my email address.
dfwellman@sbcglobal.net
Thanks!
Thanks, Ron Shaffer, for the phone call this afternoon. I enjoyed chatting with you. It is always good to hear from a Herminie Nike Veteran.
Best to you,
Don
HI don oh yes add my e-mail to the web sight any help would be great and thank you for your service i have always had a soft spot in my heart for all NIKE HERCULES VETS any pics i have i can send you to post of all the guys that were at the NIKE BASE in farmingdale ny back then. no don i was a combat engeneer my wife is a dallas police officer.enjoy the holiday pal
paul hughbanks
Hi, Paul.
Thanks for the comments on our website.
My hat’s off to you for your service to our Country. Are you retired Military Police? Also, my hat’s off for your Dad’s service in the New York Nike Air Defense. Would you consider adding your email to this link for anyone reading this that may have served at A-3-51 or D-3-51, NY-24/NY-25?
Anyone, please contact Paul if you have knowledge of the above Nike sites where his Dad served 1961-1964.
See you at the range, Paul.
Don
hey don love the site i met you at garland shooting range last week i was wrong my father was at site 24-25 sorry brain cramp from 1961-1964 A BATTERY 3RD MISSILE BN.51ST ARTILLERY NIKE HERCULES i hope to hear from you soon would love to connect with any one who was there when he was.
paul hughbanks
.U.S.ARMY RETIRED
B-3-1 Security NCOIC, June 1968 – June 1969. I will definitely have to dig out some old photos that I have! Great talking with you Don. I’m glad someone has taken enough interest to take a project this far. Keep up the great work!
Don, It was great to talk to you and hear about what is going on.
I was stationed at Irwin in 1969 twice went to weather equiptment school Ft. Sill ok. then back to Irwin until my Dad past away.
HEY GUYS LOOKS GREAT SO FAR CAN’T WAIT TILL YOU GET IT FINISHED. HOWDY DON !
Thanks for writing, Col. Wright.
Elrama, Herminie and Irwin(HHB) were the last Regular Army Nike sites in the Pittsburgh Air Defense to be deactivated in 1974.
Thank you also for your service to our Country.
Check back often as we have more items to add.
Don
The new site looks great!
Thank you for preserving the History of the Pittsburgh Defense. I was stationed at D-3-1 Elrama in 1972 where I served as an acquisition radar operator.
Keep up the good work!
Best wishes,
Terry Wright
Craig-
This looks good. We may want to add a spec sheet and picture for the Nike Ajax missile at some future date.