Where can I find records of a specific Army Cold War accident in Germany 1974?

PFC David Gettman — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 12:57:49 -0400

Response by PFC David Gettman made Aug 24 at 2017 1:28 PM

PFC David Gettman — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 13:28:48 -0400

The incident happened near Inzendorf, Germany, July 25, 1974. A fully combat loaded M551 Sheridan caught fire and exploded. I saved the life of a SSG who was on fire just prior to the explosion and was later recommended for the Soldier's Medal by my platoon leader, then 1LT Andrew Stilley, based on my statement of the incident.

The SSG was flown from the scene and I never heard anything more about him, figured he had died from his injuries. Then about 1999, retired LTC Stilley contacted me. Andy told me that SSG Brow had been flown to a burn center in Texas, and had survived his burns. Said he was living someplace in Corpus Christi but he couldn't find him. Also Told me the reason the Soldier's Medal had been denied was for lack of witnesses.

I just blundered into the family of SSG Brow on Facebook. Unfortunately he suffered a stroke in the early 1990's and passed away in 2002. But he had another 28 years with his family. His wife vaguely remembered my name when her son mentioned it to her the other day, but she vividly remembers about the poncho I used to extinguish her husband. It was in my original statement from that day about the poncho and I'm hoping if those records still exist, her testimony might be enough to corroborate my statement and finally get the medal. I'm getting old and I want something to leave my grandson.

Response by SSG Robert Webster made Aug 24 at 2017 2:01 PM

SSG Robert Webster — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:01:33 -0400

Contact the Army Safety Center and see if they can locate the accident report for the incident.

Ground Systems and Accident Investigation Division
https://safety.army.mil/

USACRC

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made Aug 24 at 2017 2:25 PM

SGT Tony Clifford — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 14:25:35 -0400

I recommend filing a FOIA request with the DoD. The records involving the incident should have been filed and are most likely located at a NARA facility. Depending on how much information you're requesting the price of information can vary, but it will probably cost $30-60

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2017 4:20 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 16:20:47 -0400

Good luck in your search, apparently there was a records fire and that's why I can't find much of my grandfathers information from WWII.

Response by PFC David Gettman made Aug 24 at 2017 5:12 PM

PFC David Gettman — Thu, 24 Aug 2017 17:12:46 -0400

Wow, they have already located the accident in the database and are requesting the report from the records custodian. She said it should be late September for it to arrive.

YOU GUYS ARE GREAT!!!!!