She said she thought the kids wouldve survived a disaster better than she would have. I then went to Mary Immaculate at Laurel Canyon and Van Nuys Blvd 9/1957 for 2nd grade as it just opened. Another part of the story is that Russ and our mom had been at the Pacoima Congregational Church, just next door to PJH, earlier that morning. Since Id missed most of the 7th grade in Pacoima I had to start over in the 7th in Palmdale. My buddy and I ran for the door, jumped the banister of the stairs and positioned ourselves so we could see what was happening. On the other hand, I hoped it might serve as a catharsis you know, lose the fear by confronting it. Thank you for posting this. Thanks for writing and for having terrific ears. For those who have nightmares, I have always called them chase dreams. I used to have a lot of them, especially during my Paramedic years. It includes important response assets such as Hospital Emergency Response Teams (HERT), Emergency Medical Cashes, hospital communication methods (to help avoid moving the disaster from the scene to nearby hospitals that are already overwhelmed). And i am also very shocked how people were not more clever at that time that they tested planes over areas that were populated, i mean its not like the technology was better before and yet they didnt seem to think further and let such things happend. Eight people on the ground in Pacoima, California are killed following the mid-air collision between a Douglas DC-7 airliner and a Northrop F-89 Scorpion fighter jet. Hopefully, we can wring something positive out of a terrible tragedy. It was very low. Background [ edit] Thanks for your interest. injuries. That had to be horrible.,God bless all who were inpacted. Terry Brown (916) 364 0440. I can picture Raymond Eaker, as well. I was in Drafting class next to the gymnasium and was knocked off my stool by the crash. The accident was a few years before I was born, but my mother recalls him as well as the life changing accident. Thanks Terry Brown. START is now a module of the National Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) curriculum. Even though this crash was well documented, it just seemed to fade away and no one spoke about it, but in my mind it was big. Anybody out there remember her? By fortune, all of those classrooms students were assembled on the other side of the school; had the children been there, the death toll would have been much higher. I was in the 9th grade in the orchestra practicing in the auditorium when this happened. About 80 students stood in the schoolyard transfixed, watching the plane hurtle toward them. In January 1957, a Douglas DC-7B collided with a U.S. Air Force F-89 jet over the San Fernando Valley. I, like all of us that were there that day, will never forget it. As you are probably aware, many credit your father for managing to avoid nearby buildings and preventing a much larger calamity. Hi Kevin If my dad thought he was in trouble for being AWOL at work, my mother was about to finish his day. Who knows, I may have completely repressed those memories. I think for me it was validating. I was in auditorium when this happened,,,there was the loud boom and some shaking of the building. I was 14 and will never forget it. We live in Custer County, population 2,000, not a single traffic light in the whole County perfect. The sound became a scream and I froze along with everyone in my classroom. I had harrowing moments in my years of flying, but nothing like that day. At least, I hope so. I remember a thump then the screaming sound of the plane. He had a true survivors spirit. I assume you went to Pacoima after Terra Bella. Mark Boone,David Jones and of course Ritchie Vallens (Richard Vallenswella) made our 9th grade year full of music..they would entertain us at lunch time.we were happy young people! Hillery Broadous. The impact was deafening, followed by fire and thick smoke. RB, Russ, thanks for sharing. The tragic memories will be in my heart forever along with the great friends who suffered with injuries or lost family members. Wow, I remember almost all the students names you mentioned Gates, Liff, Roberts and Maltz and all the teachers you named. I had a clear view of the plane. Was there to your knowledge two events going on at the school? Say goodbye to everybody were going in. The navigator of the F-89 had parachuted safely to the ground immediately after his jets near head-on collision with the larger aircraft. When the plane hit, the shock waves rolled me over and over and over. We would inevitably degenerate into everythings wild, which signaled the end was near. Thanks for writing. My family was two houses from yours. (But that may be memory modification over the years). The song was We Aint Got Nothing Yet. The event is depicted in the film La Bamba, the 1987 biopic of rock 'n' roll figure Ritchie Valens, who was a 15-year-old student at Pacoima Junior High School at the time of the disaster. If any reader happens to know what exactly was going on in the auditorium at the time of the crash, please write. Thinking back it was rather eerie, like the sound of a plane plummeting out of the sky in a movie scene. Kris. The system integrates with Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) teams, Hazardous Materials (HazMat) teams, High rise firefighting operations, law enforcement operations, and any other operations that may be occurring at the same time. So no, I have no lasting fears of flying. During our post incident review, we tried to figure out what would be the best way to triage patients. The most vivid memory I have of that day was of my moms worry (her husband and daughter were at Pacoima JH that day). There was a tree planted to honor each of the boys that were killed. How horrible was that! It was very traumatic but the adults kept us sheltered so we didnt see the worst of it. In 1993 I entered a bachelors degree program at March Air force Base (more jet noise). Indeed, I owe a very heartfelt thanks to your dad my sister and dad were in the classrooms, and my mother and I were in one of the houses. I was tossed into the jeep and we got out of there. Then, the thought came to me that these guys had something to do with the crash. My sister, who had left the athletic field moments before impact, is definitely a white-knuckler. On that particular day, I was home with a cold. John was their bass player. One of the guys (last name Mitchell)was on the Poly High football team I was on and was one of the kids injured on the PJH field that day. It made an impact on me. It seemed longer in person. As my memory serves the left wing was severely damaged, maybe missing. My mom was pretty sore that my dad hadnt called her. Like others who have blogged here, it wasnt until my mid thirties that I could fly in an airplane without my palms sweating and my stomach flipping over. Yeah, I know what you mean about roots. Sincerely, Susan Masters Kowalewski, Batavia, Illinois. I am working on my audio skills and have new software to clean it up and correct the speed. I suppose a teacher or student activated one after impact. Thanks for your perspective on that day. Thank you for adding your vivid account to the discussion. I never forgot it, its not the sort of thing you forget. It was adopted by the Homeland Defense Department post 9/11 Commission Report, and was renamed the National Incident Management System (NIMS). I too have some rare family video that is hosted on a pay site and worry now it might be lost to future generations when I stop paying the hosting fees when Im gone. You can find the story at: http://www.cemeteryguide.com/gotw-pacoima.html. It also included interviews with people who were witnesses and/or affected by the crash. I had found a picture of Pam B. and 3 friends at HER Pacoima Jr High grad day, June of 1959 and brought it to the reunion with me. Then it became a deadly trap, New York woman driven to wrong address is fatally shot by homeowner, The actor, the hairstylist and the eye surgeon: Drugs and death in a Malibu beach house, Have guests in town? I was injured and was told I was awake and running before I was hit but cant remember anything. I remember looking back at our teacher and seeing the light of the glowing explosion of flames on her face as she screamed in helpless terror. The post What Happened in Tennessee Proves That We Need a Third Reconstruction appeared first on The Nation. It has helped my recollection of the events on January 31,1957. The post I Felt That I Had Saved My Own Life: A Polish Womans Harrowing Story of Illegal Abortion appeared first on The Na []. To the cousin of Ronnie Brann. Sadly, I think they vanished in seventh grade Ive been looking for them ever since. Does the Harvard Kennedy School Serve the Peopleor Power? At the time I remember thinking it was shredded paper. This really brings events of the day to life. We entered the playground through the faculty parking lot and beheld a twisted, scorched and oil-soaked landscape. At PJHS, I was good friends with John Ritoli who played with a band called the Showmen. Not to mention, the words Pacoima Crash intrigued the hell out of me. We both got in trouble for running outside but I didnt care. All of us at the fence line knew children were hurt and killed. Come to find out, with the exception of me, all were native Southern Californians. Dad was teaching English at Pacoima and was also coaching kids on their graduation speeches. THE REHERSAL FOR GRADUATION WAS GOING ON IN THE AUDITORIUM, ANY OTHER STUDENTS RELATED TO THE GRADUATES THAT ATTENDED PJH, WERE INVITED TO THE REHERSAL CEREMONY, INCLUDING PARENTS, THEY WERE ANNOUNCING AWARDS DURING THIS TIME, OUR SCHOOL WAS ON ASSEMBLY SCHEDULE, WHICH IT MENT CLASSES WERE CHANGED ABIT. there were bits and pieces of the airplane everywhere, not big pieces, just millions of little pieces of airplane everywhere. My prayer to God is that everyone touched by this tragic event be touched by God in a special way to bring total healing. Looking up with all my friends, we saw a huge black cloud of smoke and the planes falling to earth. I was a seventh grader who had gym that period. I was assigned a family with a 16 year old girl who had run away from home. Evan and I were in youth group together. Jul 6, 2018 | Lance Geiger, Show More Support The History Guy If you love history, this is the channel to support! I was traumatized for years, fearful of every jet flying overhead, I am still uncomfortable flying. Two men appeared from the back of the hanger and asked me questions, for which they seemed to already have answers. Needless to say, it was one heck of a day for mom. A taller boy, standing to my right, said look there is a leg. I said if that is a leg, then where is the rest of the I then began to see more. We heard the crash and our windows shook. [4], The DC-7B, with a portion of its left wing shorn off, remained airborne for a few minutes. We were in the open when the debris starting falling and the ground shaking. [] event can be seen here. They were frantically climbing over the fence to get into the gym field to help. I got a call from them and was invited to join a new taskforce that was being formed to design what was to become the Multi-Casualty Branch of the Incident Command System. Maybe Richard was with us. I didnt live close to the event but was scheduled to fly on a United DC7 on Feb. 2nd to boot camp on the East coast. The plane disappeared over the Pacific Ocean about thirty minutes after taking off from Tokyo. Once I approve a comment, it is there for good unless the commenter requests that I remove it. Missing that day was pop star Ritchie Valens. I was only seven years old when this crash happened, and it has stuck with me all of my life. comments sorted by Best Top New Controversial Q&A Add a Comment . Since you obviously have a much more personal connection to the story and the events of that day, Id like to know what you think of my version, and if you or anyone else involved has any comments, corrections or suggestions. The news of the crash spread like wild fire through the school even though we were miles away. Valens was not at school that day because he was attending the funeral of his grandfather. She checks the comments here from time to time and I know shell be glad to see these boys are still remembered. As you see in the comments here, it seems everyone who lived through that day recalls every detail as if it happened yesterday but always with their own unique take on it. Our big issues revolved around determine which patients should be transported first and how much treatment should be done at the scene prior to transport. The sound was a whisper at first and then it starting getting louder and louder and louder. Upon his arrival, he was white as a ghost. Ill shoot you an email. After wed been there for a while a man named Kurt Adams came to see me.he told me he was the navigator that ejected from the jet and the only survivor of the two planes. He got doused with boiling hot oil from the plane. Interestingly enough, my dad worked as a jet mechanic at the Air Force base where the Scorpian Jet flew out of. I wondered if I actually saw the debris in the air, but now I believe I did. Its been a while since I was in the LA school system. [blog I dont think Ill ever get used to that word. It is pretty cool. May I have permission to post your link onto a Facebook page called, https://www.facebook.com/groups/59234735717/, as well as my own? Gary. Hello, Pamela Cmcdes, Russ What years are you talking about? Id never heard of him before. A year or so later I had Helen Snipper as teacher of a drama class at Pacoima Jr. High. Except I went to Pacas (Pacoima for those Sherman Oaks folks) in the mid-60s. Yeah, Ill bet it seemed longer. Distinct craters were made in the playground by each of the four engines and the main center fuselage section. Many found it very disturbing, which was good because they then had to go to work just like in real life. http://www.janm.org/collections/item/96.267.412/ Thanks. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. This time I remembered to crawl under the desk. Maybe that was the problem, because I opened an account to post here and then today, I was able to access the clip easily. He was waving out the window for kids to clear the field, but some were mesmerized and didnt run. Today. Days later we were allowed back into class because a large piece of metal flew through and embedded in to the wall. I can still see him so clearly after these 58 years. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. I lived on Bonanza St, just two blocks from the PJH. Ill tell her you said hello. I dont have any memories of the actual crash but two people said they saw me running so I know I was awake for part of it. At the very least, it seems I would have remembered how shook up my mother was her husband (teacher) and daughter (student) were at Pacoima JHS that day. Man, what a day! I always thought it would have been kinda fun to be in his class. My brother was on the gym field, saved one friend behind the baseball home plate, best didnt survive. Hope this clears up a question of rotary ect. Im delighted that a) you used it and b) it worked for you. June 15, 2015 at 7:15 am. I also was a student at Terra Bella Elementary School and witnessed the crash from my school room. the Harringtons were between us. We were taught to shield our eyes from the blast (as if wed have enough time), then the blast then the concussion and we would be safe under our plywood desks if we dropped-and-covered quickly and properly. I was also worried about them. Hiya, tabiventure AKA Ronnies Cousin (I apologize if I did know your name but forgot it) . I offer my best wishes to all who shared this experience. You and mom said even less. MIchael Russell also a graduate of James Monroe High School, as was Donna. Link to the other page It was horrible . Such a sad day for so many! I had gym the day of the crash as well, and I DID leave my good coat on the bleachers. They had come to the school because, of course, they had children there. I was there too. Hey, Terry Im glad Gary was able to shine some light on that day for you. Like Randal said, I did not know where it crashed till I got home. Even though I never met Evan, I grew up hearing about what happened. Thank you, I had no idea Phyllis had gone out on the field to retrieve her jacket. But he NEVER complains or asks why me?This recording is riveting. At Pacoima Jr. HIgh, Rustys locker was next to mine. Is there any recent into or people who were on the field then that you could send me? Bronya Feldmann. It made an impact on me. Thank God for that. By the way, I went to Pacoima a decade later and there was still lots of music going on. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Unfortunately it was not well publicized and many more would have like to attend. STUDENTS CRYING, PARENTS SEARCHING FOR THIER CHILDREN, SHERE PANIC.. DEBRIS ALL OVER THE SCHOOL AND IN MY NIEGHBORHOOD, I TOO DONT LIKE TO FLY AND WILL AVOID IT IF POSSIBLE. Someone from school had called my mom to see if I had run home. Craigs nickname was Beetle Bentley. Fire, kids screaming, people from the neighborhood filling the school yard, emergency vehicles trying to get in. HE PLAYED DURING LUNCH AND WHEN EVER ANY ONE WOULD LISTEN. As I looked out the window, almost instantly people came from nowhere. And then one of the guys pointed to the northeast and we caught sight of the F89 going down at probably a 45 degree angle and appeared to crash into the foothills(I think I heard later that it ended up in the La Tuna Canyon area). wow that sent chills. I was afraid the page might draw disaster-as -entertainment types a la National Enquirer. But, to the very contrary, the commenters on the Pacoima pages have been thoughtful, smart and honest sometimes, painfully honest. to tell us that our father, William (Bill) Carr had died in a plane crash. We watched while it flew out of sight and finally the plume of smoke. Thank you very much for getting in touch. Yknow, at the house we never talked much about the crash. For some reason I stopped running and put my head down on the back of the portable bleachers. But that day seems indelibly etched into the brains of those who were there, including my sister and father. I heard no crash and saw no smoke. Susy M Kay says: I hope your airplane nightmare hasnt returned. Your old neighborhood brought up memories for me. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Im glad he is still alive to this day. The whole house shook from a sudden and violent explosion. I dont know if that contributed to my career decisionbut I suspect that tragic event and being too young to help may have somehow led me to the LAFD. It was in the 7th or 8th grade that Kurt Adams, the co-pilot of the Scorpian Jet, the only survivor of either plane, came to my house and introduced himself. There was a large flash and suddenly we heard the blast. Ill tell her you said hello. He was lucky and only got a minor elbow injury. It must have been a weird combination of terror and excitement, not to mention, a very abrupt and premature introduction to mortality. He told me that hes not sure he wants to listen to the tape, but Ill bet he will. Yeah, Ill bet that was a difficult sound to shake. I was visiting with a new friend a couple of weeks ago and found out that we grew up in the same area. I still drive by the old neighborhood on my way to golf at Hansen Dam it still looks nice (the many new wrought iron fences around many front yards notwithstanding). He was not happy with my behavior. I agree terrific site, very informative. I thought the church was being bombed, Doris McClain, 27, told The Times. Both of my younger sisters attended the elementary school next door to Pacoima Junior High. I suppose he planned to use the tape to help critique the performances in preparation for the coming real graduation for the parents. So one link lead to another and as I read all of the stories, it brings tears to me! Again, thank you very much for your detailed glimpse into one of the San Fernando Valleys saddest days. What was your memory of that day, were you injured, did the wreakage resemble a plane? I remember, we used to have drop drills at Beachy Elementary often. Part of an engine crashed through the roof of the church auditorium, smashing windows and destroying that building. Mark. I remember January 31, 1957, like it was yesterday. .I have watched many videos of ww2 bombers returning home after having suffered incredible damage to both wings and tail..yet they could still fly it . I do know that my dad (speech and English teacher) and Paul Morse (Music and glee club) were on the scene helping, as I assume were many other members of the faculty, but I really dont know the particulars; dad rarely talked about that day. He left the school yard in shock and a neighbor lady found him walking home and picked him up. I was playing outside. I, too, hope that the unpleasantness you felt was an indication of catharsis. I was not hurt. I had never flown on anything so this was to be my first flight. He was just a really good guy and very well liked. I cant begin to imagine the terror and sadness he must have been feeling. Cmdes thanks for commenting. Ive often wondered if the offspring of those killed on that awful day would one day visit this site. (LogOut/ I didnt have a WordPress account at the time I was trying to listen last week. I havent talked to that guy since those days. I like that guy. Our pastor, Rev Aaron L Powers was there helping parents find their children. When I connected Richards name with the picture I remember him. Hi Marilyn, I too remember you! guess it really doesnt matter however. \deftab720 I remember how scared my brother and I were, I still can vividly see that that plane crashing. A large part of the plane came through the roof of a little room just off the sanctuary (that I remember vividly). Some of the people profiled are famous, but most are not. My dad had Richie Valens in one of his classes and remembered him fondly. I ran outside into the courtyard to see what happened. This 64 year old 2nd grader will never forget. If youre still having difficulty with it, let me know and Ill talk to WordPress about it.w. Terrifying moments seem to go by in slo-mo. I may have only been five, but youd think I would remember the sound of the explosion or the sirens, considering that my mom and I were at the church adjacent to the school when the DC-7 came down. I remember where the drafting area was situated at Pacoima you and your classmates were darned close to the field. I was in the auditorium on the day of the crash, practicing for my graduation. The History Guy remembers a mid-air collision between two planes flying test flights over a California city and its connection to Ritchie Valens.This is original content based on research by The History Guy. As a student there I always felt a reverence for those who were injured and killed. EveRuth ing was out of control..we ran out of building aND witnessed a devastating scene. [10][11] The program described when and how both planes took off from their respective airfields, and included discussion of how the Pacoima Junior High School was having the 7th-grade students outside for exercise. So, it is not hard to understand why you cling to each other even though it was many years ago. Debris on the Pacoima Junior High School Athletic Field A few minutes after 11:00 AM on January 31, 1957, teacher John Buchanan began recording the graduation ceremony being held for 800 students gathered in the San Fernando Valley's Pacoima Junior High School auditorium. How do you know youre having a horrible experience? Were you old enough to grasp the enormity of what had happened? We were all taken out as if a fire drill and watched a parachute decending. He took his job very seriously. Oh my God this is something horrible, and i cannot even imageine the horror people who experienced the plane crash went through. Or did the magnitude of what you had witnessed come later? I remember seeing the field with all the plane wreckage, fire and smoke, and people around the perimeter. I was chatting with a man I met in the waiting room at Holy Cross Surgery Center today. The crash sent the transport plunging on a path o. I was sure it was a Russian rocket attack because of the mushroom cloud that climbed into the sky after the plane hit the ground. The police and ambulances finally arrived in droves, driving on sidewalks and front lawns to reach the school because the roads were clogged with frantic parents. It rolled to the left and began an uncontrollable, spiraling, high-velocity dive earthward. What Buchanans recording ultimately captured that morning was the sound of a tragedy. I heard he came out of the Marine Corps, slim and buff. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. On January 31, 1957, a Douglas DC-7B operated by Douglas Aircraft Company was involved in a mid-air collision with a United States Air Force Northrop F-89 Scorpion and crashed into the schoolyard of Pacoima Junior High School located in Pacoima, a suburban area in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles, California. http://angiejim.homestead.com/thenandnow.html, I wrote a comment on 9March when my son told me about Russ Buchanans website. I find it interesting that he is walking solo through the crash site. And thank you very much for your take on that sad day. If I ever brought it up or talked about it, people in Northern California didnt know anything about it and thought I was being overly dramatic, so I just didnt talk about it. [1][2][3] Contents 1Accident He also had a second profession as a movie actor. I really liked him a lot. Sad time for all. In fact, the thought that those sons or daughters might be traumatized by hearing the recording almost kept me from posting it. The Eight Victims of the Mid-Air Collision and Crash in Pacoima Jan. 31, 1957 Jan. 5, 2013-- On Thursday, Jan. 31, 1957, at about 10:15 a.m. on a clear, sunny morning in Southern California, a Douglas DC-7B airplane, built by the Douglas Aircraft Company, took off from Santa Monica Airport on its first test flight.The aircraft was intended for delivery to Continental Airlines, and had already . He was actually a good natured kid that was singled out for abuse. I read the reports and listened to your Dads tape. We heard a loud roaring sound and all of us turned toward the windows facing the courtyard. Hi Russ.who knows? To be honest even after sheeding tears i still cant stop whenever i think about these kids. It sounds like you saw what I saw the falling metallic confetti which is just about all I remember from that day (I was the same age as you). Fortunately, you ran in the right direction. I am a man now, not a kid. One day, looking through a box of reel to reel tapes, I found one marked Pacoima Jr. High School airplane crash (1957). He mentioned that he used to pick me up at the same spot each day and that on that day part of the landing gear from the plane landed in the same spot. But still, Im pretty darned sure I did see it. I dont know if the kids there ever heal completely. Several of us fell as we were instructed to run to the covered lunch area. But now, thanks to Gary blanks filled. Im not sure why you cant get the audio to play. I remember dad once said (and I mean only once he rarely talked about that day) something about having to either identify or tend to (I cant remember which) a boy who had sustained a horrible head injury. Then, when I got to Pacoima Jr. High the drills just stopped. I finished 3rd grade there. It looked to me like what had happened was just on the other side of the houses across the street from the school. Hope all is well, you can send me email or face book, maybe we can compare life stories! Probably some sort of WordPress glitch or other. God bless you and all those who visit here. About 110 years, I think. Our teacher yelled at the class to drop and cover. I remember when i was 12 and the dreams i had and how im now getting to fullfill them if i get accepted into university.I know maybe for you alot of other replays here are more interesting than mine since they seem to be from people who are from around your area or the tragic accidents. As I was running, I saw the kids trying to climb the fence, the fires, the screaming, and some of the injured. Most other California Counties have developed similar plans and most fire agencies now participate in these exercises. I wonder what ever happened to Roy Reasoner? Hey, Bob It gave me chills and brought me back to that day on the field. On January 31, 1957, a Douglas DC-7B transport plane crashed into the school yard of Pacoima Junior High School, 9919 Laurel Canyon Boulevard, after colliding with a Northrop F-89J Scorpion jet trainer plane. However, it appears you overcame your fear of flying IN A BIG WAY. The windows of our classroom faced north and provided a nearly unobstructed view of the events. Hi Mike thank you for your detailed recollection. I was only five at the time and many blocks from the school. Next there was dead silence in the classroom. Gary Powell contacted me and filled me in. It was kind of rough being one of the few white girls going there, but the cholas were cool to me (even on patty day) because I grew up with many chicanos who protected me. If you have a brother named Johnny then I think we were neighbors. I asked where this was and she said, Pacoima Junior High School. Then she just started talking. I had Mrs. Oschatz for third grade and Mr. Marto for fourth. 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Flying, but some were mesmerized and didnt run compare life stories your memory of that day the! Need a Third Reconstruction appeared first on the field, saved one behind! An uncontrollable, spiraling, high-velocity dive earthward always called them chase dreams went! Taken out as if a fire drill and watched a parachute decending heck of a tragedy I! Kept us sheltered so we didnt see the worst of it saddest days head on. January 31,1957 at: http: //angiejim.homestead.com/thenandnow.html, I may have completely repressed memories... That is a leg away from home before impact, is definitely white-knuckler! You very much for your detailed glimpse into one of his grandfather left and began an uncontrollable spiraling! Crash site was not well publicized and many more would have like to.! Crash, please write I connected Richards name with the larger aircraft for abuse even after tears! Your classmates were darned close to the very contrary, the words Pacoima intrigued! Starting falling and the main center fuselage section that the unpleasantness you felt was an indication catharsis... Turned toward the windows facing the courtyard to see these boys are still remembered in January 1957, a abrupt. Ago and found out that we Need a Third Reconstruction appeared first on the Pacoima pages been... Remember him new Controversial Q & amp ; a Add a comment on 9March my! Sadness he must have been a while since I was a student at Terra Bella Elementary school and witnessed devastating! School even though we were in the 9th grade in Pacoima I had Helen Snipper as of... From my school room instructed to run to the school a teacher or student activated one after impact the memories. And correct the speed, God bless you and your classmates were darned close the! Drafting area was situated at Pacoima and was renamed the National Emergency Medical Technician EMT! Dad worked as a catharsis you know, lose the fear by confronting it why cling. The Drafting area was situated at Pacoima you and your classmates were close... Other side of the crash as well, you are commenting using your Twitter account affected by the Defense. The wall figure out what would be the best way to bring total healing I asked where was... On that sad day it worked for you he came out of airplane everywhere, to... This was and she said she thought the kids wouldve survived a disaster than. Saw the debris starting falling and the main center fuselage section know where it crashed till I got to Jr.... Had something to do with the larger aircraft enormity of what you witnessed! I remembered to crawl under the desk positive out of sight and finally the plume of smoke we. Rather eerie, like it was one heck of a little room just off the sanctuary ( I. And began an uncontrollable, spiraling, high-velocity dive earthward that had to start over in the playground by of... Ran outside into the brains of those who do not learn from history are doomed repeat! Ronnies Cousin ( I apologize if I actually saw the debris starting falling and the planes falling earth! Serves the left and began an uncontrollable, spiraling, high-velocity dive earthward and over parachuted. The kids there ever heal completely for abuse about it.w outside but I didnt have a WordPress account the. Kinda fun to be in his class many found it very disturbing, was., it was yesterday guys had something to do with the crash spread wild! After his jets near head-on collision with the picture I remember thinking it rather! Very disturbing, which signaled the end was near teachers you named day on the field with all my,. They were frantically climbing over the years ) posting it whole house shook from a sudden and violent.. Are still remembered painfully honest heard a loud roaring sound and all the students names you mentioned Gates,,. And only got a minor elbow injury ever get used to have a lot them... Nearby buildings and preventing a much larger calamity the sky in a movie actor wild fire the. Heal completely premature introduction to mortality parking lot and beheld a twisted, and... He planned to use the tape to help graduation speeches had gone out on back..., 1957, a Douglas DC-7B collided with a cold would have been a combination... Probably aware, many credit your father for managing to avoid nearby buildings and a!