This Military Service Page was created/owned by
LtCol Stephen Eastham ("Shifty")
to remember
Marine Capt Mark Derickson ("Teddy").
If you knew or served with this Marine and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town Northern CA
Last Address Tustin, CA
Date of Passing Mar 29, 1992
Official Badges
Unofficial Badges
Additional Information
Last Known Activity:
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NOTE: Thanks go out to LtCol Carl "Mooch" Reynoso USMC Ret. who helped ensure the accuracy of this site. LtCol Reynoso (then Capt), was instrumental in ensuring that Capt Derickson was properly recognized for his heroic final actions on 29 MAR 1992. SEE ATTACHED DFC AWARD CITATION IN CURRENT /LATEST PHOTOS SECTION. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
On 29 Mar 1992, Capt Mark Derickson, was the Helicopter Aircraft Commander (HAC) piloting a CH-46E helicopter with second pilot (H2P) 1stLt Walt Audsley, practicing fast roping exercises with 1/1 between the USS Okinawa and USS Duluth, approx. 60 NM off of the coast of Somalia. During takeoff, his helicopter lost both engines. According to LtCol Reynoso, "the first one exploded, spraying shredded turbine blades and other engine parts which caused the other engine to explode as well. This also forced a huge amount of flames and smoke to rush through the cabin and into the cockpit. This explains why all survivors, including Walt Audsley, who was in the cockpit right seat, suffered burns. This explosion and total engine power loss occurred at an altitude of approx 100 ft. in the climb, the shaded portion of the 'power curve' in the helicopter flight manual where pilots are unable to execute successful autorotations. This is what is known as 'behind the power curve.' That Capt Derickson was able to skillfully maneuver and land the plane in the water from only 100 ft. was the only reason why the 14 Marines survived. The 3 Marines who died were the rope masters on gunners belts standing on the ramp. They were killed by the engine explosions/fire right above of them." 4 Marines perished that day, including "Teddy." The three other missing Marines in the fiery crash were from the 1st Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton. They were identified as Sgt. James L. Hagger, 29, of Spartanburg, S.C.; Cpl. Clarence E. Jenkins Jr., 26, of Greenville, N.C.; and Lance Cpl. Rodney N. Hudson, 22, of Garden City, Mich. Capt Derickson's remains were recovered approx. one year later and he was laid to rest at the Presidio, San Francisco, CA. Note: 1stLt Audsley was awarded the Navy & Marine Corps Medal for swimming back into the sinking helicopter to rescue a trapped Marine.
Many of us attended his funeral at the Presidio, San Francisco, CA in 1993 with other Marines from HMM-166. Capt Derickson was one of the last service members to be buried there if my memory serves me. His father is a retired USMC colonel and was the manager of the Marines Memorial Club (MMC) at the time. Teddy's memorial plaque can be found in the entrance of the MMC, not far from the elevator. Derickson, Mark D, b. 09/19/1963, d. 03/29/1992, CAPT USMC, Plot: WS 1379-A, bur. 05/31/1993, * www.interment.net/data/us/ca/sanfran/sfnat/san_fran_deldom.htm
