While off-loading Marines on the Western Beach of Koh Tang Island, Cambodia, in support of the Mayaguez incident, his CH-53 was hit by ground fire. The pilot managed a single engine takeoff and headed out to sea, skipping along the water, taking on water each time it hit the surface. The helicopter made it nearly a mile off shore when it crashed. The helicopter rolled on its left side and all of the crew managed to exit the helicopter; however, SSgt Rumbaugh disappeared a short time later and is presumed drowned. SSgt Rumbaugh was serving with the 21st SOS at the time of his death, but served with the 20th SOS in 1970-1971.
| ON THE WALL |
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Panel 01W Line 132 |
| RUMBAUGH ELWOOD EUGENE |
| STAFF SERGEANT AIR FORCE |
| SPANGLER Pennsylvania 09/10/1943 |
| Helicopter Air Casualty Aircraft Loss at Sea |
| Hostile - Died 05/15/1975 Cambodia |
| Caucasian |
| Nazarene |
| Married |
| Male |
| U.S. |
| Body Not Recovered |
