This was my unit while I was stationed in Germany-This gets no major headlines as it was just an accident (or so the report says) but I knew these folks. SSG leach's wife had just had a baby.
On the 11th of January 1985 a firing platoon was in the process of assembling a MGM 31C Pershing 2, Missile in the training and assembly area on Fort Redleg .
At about 1:53 p.m., 3rd PLT from Charly Battery 3rd Battalion 84th Field Artillery stationed at the Artillery Kaserne in Neckarsulm Germany, made the first attempt to remove rocket motor serial number P/S 1203
from its shipping container.
As the motor was being lifted from the shipping container the forward attachment ring of the rocket motor binded with a metal flange in the shipping container. Although the aft end (nozzle end) of the rocket motor lifted about 5 inches (0.13 m), the forward end hung up, preventing the rocket motor from being lifted clear of the container.
The lift was halted and the aft end of the rocket motor was lowered back into the
container.
Due to the very extreme cold weather a build up of electrostatic electricity occurred In the Kevlar rocket case.
As the second attempt was under way
The boom on the crane was repositioned in other words it was (extended) outwards for a straighter pull .
The rocket motor hung up momentarily, then released, causing the
forward end to rise about 7 inches (0.178 m). The motor moved toward the
rear of the container and the aft end bumped a steel cross member .
It was at this time , that the motor caught fire and burned.
Due to the abnormal burning. Pressure in the motor case increased beyond
the strength of the case.
The case ruptured in less than one second.
The aft dome of the motor and the entire aft skirt to which it is attached,
were expelled to the rear of the container together with numerous burning pieces of propellant.
The aft dome, nozzle and aft skirt were later recovered about 410 feet (125 m)
from the site of the fire.
When the motor case ruptured, it caused the hoist beam to fail, dropping
the remaining forward portion of the motor into the container, where it
continued to burn.
At the same time, the container was driven forward
approximately three feet until it contacted the rear wheels of the
M.A.N,,. tractor.
SSG Leach and Sgt Zephier were killed instantly Pfc Shirley although mortally wounded was still alive but Died later on the way to the hospital
Nine others . were injured with life threating injuries,seven others were injured with minor injuries.
The heavy winter clothing (gloves, boots, parkas with hoods, etc.) worn by the soldiers, because of the cold weather, reduced the number burn injuries.
The second stage motor placed beside the first stage motor P/S 1t37 was
exposed to the fire and sustained scorching and heat damage but did not burn.
As we try to grasp the extent of this loss and the meaning of this sacrifice.
And it always seems more than words can convey. All we can do is remember and always appreciate the price that was paid for our freedom and for Peace.
Freedom is a very fragile and precious gift and liberty is a rare commodity in this world today.
We should never forget that freedom comes at a very high cost and that a grateful Nation will always remember their sacrifice and their devotion to our country.
We honor these three brave Americans who Lost their lives in service to our Nation and to preserve our way of life.
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