Paul M. Artlip, Jr. 1938 - 2021
Obituary of Paul M. Artlip, Jr. Today we lost our hero. Paul M Artlip Jr., a two-time purple heart Navy Vietnam veteran, passed on April 5, 2021 at the age of 82 after a very hard-fought battle with cancer. Paul is survived by his wonderful wife and best friend of 55 years Kate, his daughter and son Margaret Artlip and Paul (PJ) Artlip; his siblings Alice Mulholland (Larry), Mary Kate North, Pat Artlip and Mike Artlip (Rita) and his three grandchildren Justin, Sophia and Lily. Those of you that know Paul know he always loved a good story. His favorite? Telling people that he’s actually been declared dead for over 54 years. How is that you say? Well, Paul was shot down during his Vietnam war days and it took several days to rescue him. Many, many, many years later, they still couldn’t get the records right, so when they decommissioned his ship - the USS Enterprise a few years back, he was still listed in the “In Memorium” section, which was something Paul thought was rather interesting given his ever beating heart at that time. Rather than mourn his actual death, Paul would ask that you raise a glass of scotch (or your favorite beverage), tell a few good stories and instead of flowers, he’d really love it if you’d help our veterans by donating to Tunnel to Towers (his favorite) or any other reputable veterans support organization. In lieu of a funeral, Paul will be buried at sea in honor of his Navy service and as per his wishes. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at www.southcarolinacremation.com
Paul was the RAN in 151623 when he and his pilot, Cdr D.H. Jarvis (he would eventually be RVAH-14's second CO), were shot down over or near Haiphong:
At 1145 on 12 February 1967, Flare 105, an RA-5C (BuNo 151623), Commander Donald H. Jarvis, pilot and squadron executive officer (XO), and Lieutenant (jg) Paul M. Artlip, radar navigator, RVAH-7, launched from Enterprise on a Blue Tree photographic reconnaissance mission, escorted by Show Time 603, a Phantom II. At approximately 1240, Flare 105 was at about 800 feet, flying 450 KIAS, on a heading of 30º left bank, beginning a slight right turn, in right echelon formation parallel to the Vietnamese coast. Suddenly, numerous 37 mm and 57 mm AAA commenced concentrated firing almost simultaneously. Both aircraft received heavy fire from the enemy guns and 603 observed a hole in 105’s starboard wing. Both aircraft entered overcast.
Show Time 603 broke in clear on top at 6,000 feet, but failed to locate 105 by either visual or radio search, so immediately alerted CSAR forces, during which the Phantom II crew sighted an oil slick on the water. Almost afterward, the crew also heard a beeper signal, followed by a very weak PRC-10 transmission: “Goodman, Goodman, down here.” Continuing their search for the downed crew, the crew of 603 sighted both men in the water, one in a raft and the other floating approximately one-fourth of a mile away, the impact area at approximately 20º10’N, 106º24’E. Sighting the raft was actually very difficult, as it blended into the “yellowish” water, but unusually, the green flight suit stood out.
An enemy junk, however, was rapidly closing the downed crew, but 603, assisted by a second Phantom II as RESCAP, drove her off. Loosefoot 68, an SH-3A, arrived on the scene at about 1315 to pick-up Artlip, but due to an overheating transmission, was forced to terminate the rescue and return to Long Beach. A UH-2 then arrived and attempted to retrieve Jarvis, but was unable to do so due to a hoist malfunction. Crown Bravo, an HU-16, arrived at 1400, assuming on scene commander. However, the rescuers now came under small arms fire from shore, so a pair of Arab A-1s, together with a couple of Battle Cry A-4s, were vectored-in to suppress the fire with Zuni 5.0 Inch [130 mm] unguided rockets and 20 mm rounds. Thirteen minutes later, Crown Bravo landed and picked up the pilot, the recovery hampered by injuries, including two fractures, to Jarvis’s arm, and his entanglement in parachute shroud lines, together with a helo crewman who had stayed in the water with Jarvis. Crown Bravo returned Jarvis to Da Nang.
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I along with Jerry Piggy and Earnie Gowan as AK's worked under Lieutenant JG Artlip in 1966- 67. I have always had fond memories of being in his presence. He was truly a blessing in the lives of those who knew him and especially us who work for him. God's speed dear friend of my youth. You were always an inspiration to many. Countless times I look for your name on the Wall thinking that you may not have made it. I am thrilled you did. Robert L. John Allison