Welcome
Memorial Plaque list of donors
Find Battery B on Google Earth or other mapping programs. IFC area coordinates are Latitude 40.27315, Longitude -79.76300. The Launch area is Latitude 40.2631, Longitude -79.76516.
Google Earth—in “fly to” box, enter numbers only for Latitude and Longitude. Always enter Latitude coordinates first . Don’t forget to include “minus sign” for Longitude. Click on magnifying glass icon to fly to the coordinates. The coordinates will remain in your “Fly to” log.
ANOTHER WAY TO GET A GOOD AERIAL VIEW:
(1) Go to Google Maps. (2) Enter “Mars Hill Storage, Rillton, PA. (3) A red tear drop marker will appear. That is the intersection of Mars Hill and Slaughter Hollow Rd. The Launcher Area is South of the intersection and the IFC Area is North. (4) Zoom in and move around until you have your desired picture. The detail is amazing!
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 |
|
Here are two links of interest found by Tom Zangla. They are archived videos each about 30 minutes in length.
HI DON
THINK IT WOULD BE A GREAT IDEA. I WAS A COMPUTER/ACQ OPERATOR DURING 62/65 THERE AT HERMINIE. THAT WAS MY FAVORITE TOUR OF DUTY. WHEN I’M IN THE AREA I ALWAYS DRIVE BY THE AREA AND GO BY WHERE I USE TO LIVE AND HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF THE PLACE STILL TODAY.
RAY GALL
EL PASO, TEXAS
Hi, Bob.
Thanks for your comments.
If you will, write me a note via email. We are working on a Reunion for 2011 and I would like your contact information. My email address is located on the Veterans Link of this website.
Don
What a fantastic site. I was stationed at B Battery IFC from April 0f 66 until my discharge in May of 68. I am SP/5 Bob Webster. My thanks go to SP/5 Don Stemmler for directing me here.
Nice web site. I think I’ve got the record for time assigned to PI-37. I was there from September 1967 to May 1970. After doing a tour in Korea I was sent back to the site from May 1971 until January 1973 Then I was assigned to Alaska until July 1977. So I’ve got 4 years 6 months. I remember warrant officers McCall, Hodnut and Hirano, Capt. Jones, Huffy and Laspada. Lt’s Little, McMackin, Mellage, Paul, Merzian. SFC Leach
I’m interested in Herb Caldwell’s comment. Was he in the IFC or Launcher area? I was duty officer when Martin L. King was killed. We could share some stories.
IFC Platoon Leader 1st half of 1968. I remember Mr Mulich very well. I thought the housing he lived in was closer to the PA Turnpike. I thought it was near PI-36. I never knew that PI-37 had its own housing.
Thanks for writing, Herb!
And thanks for your service to B-3-1 and your Country!
Don
I was stationed at the Herminie Site after returning from Korea winter of 1968,I served my last 6 months at the Herminie site, before I could be released from the army I had to sit in the company Commanders office for 3 days to make up for being awol for 3 days, I reported back to Korea 3 days late after comming home for my brothers funeral they made me make up every minute (smile) I was a supply clerk and Armourer at the site, I am an african American and I was at the site When Martin Luther King was killed. and all the trouble statred in Pittsburg
I just received notice from Dorothy Lookabaugh of the passing of Bob Lookabaugh on Monday January 24, 2010. Bob was a Launcher Area Platoon Sergeant while at B Battery 1970 through 1973. He retired from the Army in 1973. I’m sure he was fine soldier.
Bob, along with many of his family, attended our 2008 Reunion. He added much to our tour of the Launcher Area and our gathering.
Our sincere condolences to Dorothy and family.
Don
Hi, Randy.
Thanks for the compliments on the website. We have Craig to thank for the technical web support.
I remember you from 1959. It’s good to hear from you and yes, it is sad to realize some of our pals have gone on ahead of us.
Looks like you didn’t let any “grass grow under your feet” as far as your military career! Thanks for your service to our Country.
My wife and I have relatives in San Antonio and we travel down there occasionally. We’ll have to get together and swap tales some day. If you get to Dallas pleae give me a call.
Don
Don, I found this web site by accident. It looks great. I served in the Launcher Area in 1959 after transferring from the site in Elizabeth, PA after the PA Army National Guard took over. I read the names of the men who served there when I did and a lot of them are deceased. I felt real old (I am 71). Good job on the site.
Randolph W. Walker
SGM USA Ret.
San Antonio, TX
Hi, Frank. So glad to hear you are doing better! Keep up the good work!
Battery Coordinates shown on Welcome page should work fine.
Go to Google Earth.
In top left corner under SEARCH is a field labeled “Fly to”.
Enter latitude coordinates, then longitude coordinates, be sure to separate them with a comma and be sure to include the minus (-) sign.
Click on magnifying glass icon.
Once you have been there, these coordinates will remain in your “Fly to” list (Down arrow next to magnifying glass).
Be sure to let me know if you have a problem “flying” there.
Best to you,
Don
Hey Don — Hope all is well with you. Things are getting better with me. Hope to be done with Doctors/Hospitals in January, please God.
Question are the battery coordinates correct and do you know the format for entering them in Google Earth.
Frank
I haven’t been on the this site in a while. Some medical issues I had to deal with. This is in response to Jack S. Mulich. I was newly married at the time with one small baby — we lived at the military housing site. Our address was 71 Mars Hill Rd..
Jack — I think your Dad left the Battery right before I got there in Oct. 1968.
I’m sure he was a great soldier.
Blazing Skies.
Hi, Tom.
I suggest you paste the address below into your browser and write the veterans of PI-43(Elrama).
Aerial view photos were periodically taken of all the Nike sites by the Signal Corps. Hopefully, one of the veterans will be able to help you.
Good luck and thanks for your service!
Don
http://ed-thelen.org/ppl-p.html#PI-43
I grew up next to the Nike site on Finleyville/Elrama road. (very close to the radar site at the top of the hill.
When I was old enough, I joined the 876th Engineer Btn that was now using the site. I’ve always wondered what that site looked like when it was active. If anyone has any pictures of that site, I’d really love to see them. Please email me. Thank you,
Tom
I am saddened to report that I have received notice of the passing of Len Snavely on October, 12th. Len served at Herminie 1957-1959 and was a military retiree. Those of us that knew him remember a man who always had a tale to tell!
He attended the Herminie Nike reunion in 2008 with his wife Anita.
BLAZING SKIES!, Lenny!!!
Hi, Richard.
Thank you for writing. 1st AAA Msl Bn was activated at Irwin, PA, 15 April, 1955. It was under the command of the 18th AAA Group.
Here is and excerpt from some of the history of the 18th AAA Group taken from an Army document from January, 1964. And yes, the history of the Pittsburgh Defense is confusing!!!
Following European action, the 18th AAA Group was inactivated
at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey, on 11 December, 1949.
During the second year of the Korean War, the l8th Antiaircraft
Group was reactivated on 14 July, 1952, and three months
later was ordered to South Park Military Reservation near Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania. On 18 October, 1952, the l8th AAA Group
occupied defense sites in the Pittsburgh area, replacing the
209th Antiaircraft Artillery Group of the New York National Guard
when that organization was relieved from active duty.
In February, 1955, the l8th Antiaircraft Artillery Group
began the transition from guns to Nike-Ajax Missiles.
In 1958, the 18th AAA Group was redesignated the l8th Artillery
Group (Air Defense).
August, 1959, saw another development in l8th Group structure
with the incorporation of Nike-Hercules, the most effective
operational surface-to-air missile available today.
When the 31st Artillery Brigade (Air Defense) was reactivated
on 15 December, 1961, l8th Group was inactivated and all
personnel were reassigned to the Pittsburgh Command Element of
the 31st Artillery Brigade.
On 26 December, 1963, 18th Artillery Group (Air Defense) was
reactivated at the Pittsburgh Air Defense Site, Oakdale, Pennsylvania,
under the command of Colonel Bill J, Tutin. The group
provided tactical control and administrative supervision for
Pittsburgh units employed in static air defense.
The North Park Nike site, BCO Cpt. Frank Gallagher, was under the command of the 509th AA Battalion, until it was completed in 1956. It was then designated as B Btry, 74th AAA Msl Bn. It was mostly manned by personnel assigned to B Btry, 1st AAA Msl Bn, because the home of B Btry, 1st AAA Msl Bn missile site at Herminie, PA, was not complete. B Btry personnel moved onto the Herminie site upon completion in 1957.
T.F. Hoffman was 18th AAA Commander 31 July, 1955 until 24 July, 1957.
Don
Updated info:
I found some old papers refering to our company. I refered to Murraysville as a town near the site but the formal address in 1955 was: Battery B, 1st AAA Msl Bn, Irwin Pa. Another person assigned at that time was PFC Donald A Zollicoffer he was assigned to Battery D at Irwin. The papers I have refer to Headquarters 1st AAA Missle Battalion (Nike) (Continental), Irwin Pa. Irwin must have been the headquarters with different sites around Pittsburgh like Nort Park, etc. This headquarters group was under the command of the 509th AA Missile Batalion, South Park Military Reservation, Broughton, Pa.There was a reference to a Col. T.F. Hofman. also a Lt. Col. James B Clark. Also another letter references Headquarters 18th AAA Group, South Park Military Reservation, Broughton Pa. also under Col. T.F. Hoffman. This may be confusing but this is what I have from letters of appreciation from a project three of us participated in the fall of 1955. We toured Pittsburgh and Cleveland with a Nike demo in department stores in these cities. It was very interesting and a lot of fun. I was promoted to SP-3 in December 1955 and returned to my duties. I was part of a maintenance and repair group at the time. Sorry if this confuses; hope it might connect some more dots to the earlier years.
I was in the service from Sept 1954 to Sept 1957. I went to Fort Bliss for Nike training in 1955. I was then sent to Pittsburgh and was stationed in North Park and a site west of Pittsburgh near a town called Murraysville. I was their until Sept 1957 when I was discharged and went off to college at Penn State. Their was a Sgt. Mc Guiness (called him Mac) that was incharge of the site maintenance crew which I was a part of. We had quite an experience at White Sands firing range. Its hard to think of the names of some of the men I served with, but I will try and think of them! Thanks for contacting me and please keep me in the loop.
I have received news of the passing of Jack Boggs on October, 5th. Jack was the BCO of B Battery 1962-1964 when much of the Improved Hercules System was installed. He also served at 3rd Battalion Headquarters at Irwin in 1957. He attended our reunion in 2008 and was a source for much of the early history of B Battery. He retired from the Army in 1975.
We offer our condolences to his wife, Judy, and to the rest of his family.
Don
Hi, Jack.
Thank you for writing.
The Herminie personnel housing was located between the Herminie Nike Site and Rillton, just off Mars Hill Rd.(Rillton-Sutersville Rd. The street the housing was on was Marley Ct.
Yes, the housing remains, probably as some sort of government housing.
If you have Google Earth, you should be able to find it along with the old Nike Launcher and IFC sites.
Herminie Nike veterans–if you can add anything to this please feel free.
Best to you Jack and thanks for your dad’s service to our Country.
Don
Hi Don,
My Dad was stationed at PI-37, Herminie, PA. From 1966-1968.
Could you tell me what the name of the road that the military
housing was situated on? I have a lot of good memories from
this area. I would like to find it on a local map.Do you know
if the houses are still standing? Thanks,Jack- Army Brat.
I live in Madison, WI.now.
I enjoyed talking with you tonight, Donnie. I can tell that you have an appreciation for the Nike Air Defense of that era.
From your letter, I suspect that your father, Donald L. Jones, Sr. was part of the 18th AAAA Group, later to be 18th Artillery Group(Air Defense) or even later still, the 31st Artillery Brigade.
All: If anyone reading this knew Donnie’s father or has information about him, please let Donnie know.
MR WELLMAN,
MY FATHER WAS LT. COL. DONALD L. JONES SR.. WE CAME TO PGH IN 1957 AND MY POP WAS PART OF THE NIKE MISSLE PROGRAM.ALL I CAN REMEMBER WAS THAT HE WOULD TAKE ME TO BASE WITH HIM AT IRWIN(PI 36)AND PI 70 (OAKDALE).
I DO KNOW I WAS YOUNG ENOUGH THAT I COULD GO WHERE I WANTED TO AT IFC IN IRWIN INCLUDING WHEN HE WOULD TAKE ME TO LAUNCH CONTROL PI36.(I ALMOST LOST MY LIFE ONE DAY WHEN THIS BIG ASS GERMAN SHEPHERD ALMOST HAD ME AS A SNACK:))
I RECENTLY WENT AND FOUND PI 36 ICF AND LAUNCH ALMOST BY MENTAL REMEMBRANCE.SO MUCH FOR 10 YEAR OLDS NOT KNOWING ANYTHING HUH!!
PI 36 IS SO INTACT IT MAD ME CRY. MY POPS DIED IN 2000… THE LAUNCH PADS AND MISSLE STORAGE ARE SO PERFECT I SWEAR I HEARD MY POP CALLING ME!!!
I AM WONDERING IF YOU OR ANYONE COULD GIVE ME INFO ON WHAT MY POPS JOB WAS??? I AM HAVING A HARD TIME FINDING OUT. I KNOW IN 1968 HE WENT TO COLO SPRINGS. BUT WHILE IN PGH AT IRWIN AND OAKDALE I WAS NOT ALLOWED TO GO WITH HIM TO MEETINGS AND ONE TIME I GOT TAKEN TO NUCLEAR BOMB SHELTER @ OAKDALE.
MY EMAIL IS : MTMKDADDY@HOTMAIL.COM. I HAVE PICS FROM PI36 WITH GOOD PIC SOMEONE WITH INITIALS: RAZ DREW OF OOZLEFINTCH IN 1963..IN AJAX UNDERGROUND STORAGE
THANKS SIR I LOVE THE SITE IT HELPS ME TEACH MY BOYS WHO MISS GRANDPOP TOO.
DONNIE JONES JR. 412 427 0893
Thanks for writing, John!
I have belonged to the Gun Range on Pleasant Valley since the early 1980s. Thanks for your efforts toward gun safety!!! I’d be glad to meet you at the Range sometime.
All the credit for the work on the website is done by Craig Ostrander. I just feed him the info!!!!!
Are you guys gonna do a Reunion for your Unit again someday?
Don
Don: Great website. Would like to start something like this for 4th Msl Bn 132 Arty. By the way, one of the inputs above talked about Garland shooting range. Where in Garland do you go, Pleasant Valley, if it is, I have been a member of that range since spring 1972? One thing I like to do is teach folks how to safely handle and shoot handguns. Maybe we can meet there sometime. TTYL.
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
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