The crash site of the Air Force Helicopter Jolly Green 23 was discovered on 09 November 2002 and excavation began on 17 January 2003. The remains of the four crew members were repatriated to US soil on 14 February 2003 and SGT Locker was buried with full military honors in Sidney, Ohio on 18 October 2003.

Almost 300 photographs were taken at the ceremony by Jerry Wilson, US Navy Combat Photographer and Jerry Pearson, USAF PJ. Rather than post all the pictures, my husband made videos to make viewing them easier. If you want to pause at any time, move your cursor to the bottom left corner of the video and you'll see a pink play/pause button. You will need Flash to view them... if you don't have it, click  here  to download it.

• Farewell Video 1 - about 5 minutes long
• Farewell Video 2 - about 15 minutes long

A description of the ceremony can be found at  The Chained Eagles of Ohio  website.

EULOGY FOR JAMES DOUGLAS LOCKER
by  Douglas J. McGill , USAF Pararescue, Retired

Good afternoon! My name is Doug McGill. I was one of Jim Locker's best friends

We trained together, we flew combat together, we had fun together, and we had a mutual admiration and respect for one another.

I must tell you also, that Jim did not like to be in the limelight. He did not like to have publicity printed about his heroics but rather, he wanted to accomplish the job he was trained to do, do it well, and help others strive to do the same.

Today we shine the spotlight on Jim, and all our memories of him, with love and respect.

To Jim's dear father Robert, to Jim's loving mother Dorothy, to Jim's wonderful sister Judy, and to Jim's devoted bother Bob, I want to express my deep gratitude for allowing ALL of us to come and share with you Jim's final homecoming.

I have prayed for 35 years that this day would come. For Jim's ultimate sacrifice and exemplary devotion to his military duty will not go unnoticed. A hero "OUR HERO" has finally come home .

Jim did not consider himself a hero. He thought of himself as a caregiver to all in need. Whether a friend who was down in the dumps, a child in the local orphanage needing diaper changing, or injured combatants needing urgent medical attention Jim was always there to help. His heroic character, no doubt, was developed in a generous and loving home. His parents provided the nurturing that helped their son develop into a young man possessing a courageous and unforgettable spirit.

Upon Jim's casket lay three Silver Stars.

Each one of these medals was awarded for selfless heroism and steadfast bravery under fire, in deadly combat. The Silver Star represents honor unparalleled. bestowed to only a select few, the bravest of the brave, by a respectful and grateful nation.

The Silver Star on the left was awarded to Jim on March 14, 1968, for participating in the rescue of a downed fighter pilot. Repeatedly, the crew of his Jolly Green helicopter tried for the pick up and, repeatedly, they were forced to leave the area by an onslaught of enemy weapons' fire. Finally the chopper was told to leave the area for battle damage assessment. The aircraft sustained massive battle damage, and it was doubtful that they would make it back to base.

Jim Locker was awarded the Silver Star on the right, on May 4th, 1968. On that date, Jim volunteered to descend the hoist and rescue two Army Special Forces soldiers. This mission was known as an "extraction." It was a well-known term that struck fear into the hearts of ALL Vietnam rescue men. Because extraction meant that the enemy had surrounded the survivors and would be waiting with readied weapons for the helicopters when they arrived on scene.

Jim Locker earned his last Silver Star, the one in the center, on 9 June, 1968.

That fateful day, Jim and his crew of Jolly Green 23 were called upon to assist in the rescue of a downed and injured Marine fighter pilot. It became clear at the morning briefing, that this particular mission would take them dangerously close to the Ho Chi Minh Trail, just across the Vietnam border, into Laos.

After repeated attempts to hover over the injured pilot, their sister ship, Jolly 22, was driven off by massive ground fire and forced to leave the area due to battle damage and low fuel. After suppressive ordinance was directed into the area, Jolly 23, Jim's bird, was called into action.

Time and time again, Jim's aircraft tried to penetrate the area, and time and time again, they were driven off by heavy gunfire. Finally, on the last insertion into the area and while holding hover over the injured pilot, Jim was in the process of being lowered to the ground to render first aid and to extract the injured airman. Before his feet hit the ground one of Jolly 23's engines was hit by small arms and immediately began to smoke. Upon learning this situation, the pilot tried to land the aircraft, when, suddenly, an enemy combatant appeared from his dug in position and fired a rocket propelled grenade into the belly of the aircraft. The helicopter exploded in midair. ALL CREW MEMBERS WERE LOST!

Jim and his brave crew were killed that day, while attempting to save a single human life. He believed in the value of our life saving missions and he never flinched in the face of danger. He, through his example, taught us all the real meaning of true courage and dedicated commitment.

His unselfish expressions of caring for his fellow human beings always was self-evident. He was a true humanitarian, in the most noble sense of the word. He was always there to lend a hand, to give that extra full measure, no matter who needed his help.

To those of us who had the distinct honor of calling Jim Locker a friend, we will never forget HIS true and loyal friendship.

WE FRIENDS of Jim Locker, hold dear our memories. For he was a quiet, unassuming man with deep and strong convictions. Jim was a man who strived always to do his very best, he never compromised, and he never quit.

Yes, this man before you, James Douglas Locker, taught us well. And he touched our lives in a very positive way. He made us all better human beings for having the honor of knowing him and we miss him still.

To Jimmy! GO EASY MY DEAR FRIEND! I KNOW WE WILL MEET AGAIN!

WELCOME HOME, Brother, WELCOME HOME!!!!

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