Sandy Gideonse died on December 3, 1998 while on the job in Virginia. He was the only person I heard from in my search for information about Major Francis E. Visconti, USMC who was listed as MIA in South Vietnam in 1965. Frank's helicopter crashed and no remains were ever found ... nothing of Frank or his crewmembers.
Sandy lived through those times with Frank, sharing a tent and memories. Sandy shared those memories with me during a phone call after being contacted by members of the Helicopter Association in reply to a message I had posted. Sharing those memories had to be painful for Sandy, but he willingly shared them with me.
Because of that phone call I was able to put Sandy and Jan Visconti back in touch after years of no contact. Sandy and Jan talked for a long time, mostly about what happened in South Vietnam so long ago. He told Jan far more than our government has ever been willing to share. A few months later, Jan contacted me to tell me of Sandy's death.

The following is a letter from Richard Howard sent to Jan Visconti on December 9, 1998.



"Jan, I just received a message from "popasmoke" that Sandy was killed in an accident on 12-03-98. The service was on the 8th...."

Sandy worked as a civilian employee for the Fairfax County Police Department, in the traffic department. He was on I-95 towing a "smart trailer", which have a screen on them to tell you how fast you are traveling as you drive it. He apparently did not see an approaching Semi-truck which was behind him about to pass. As Sandy changed lanes his vehicle was struck in the rear which caused him to loose control and caused the vehicle he was in to roll over a couple of times. Sandy was dead at the scene from a broken neck.
A memorial service was held and he is to be buried in Canada...

Again, I am sorry to be the one to tell you about this.

Dick"

The following is a letter sent to me by a close friend of Sandy's. I felt it was something that I should share with all who visit. Sandy was a truly remarkable man and one heck of a MARINE!

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As to what I could tell you about "Sanderson"--my nickname for him; his real name was Hendrik Alexander Gideonse--my goodness, I could probably write a book. He was an incredible achiever from a very early age--a world-class swimmer, and, as a matter of fact, his world record for the event he specialized in (the 150m individual medley) still stands. I should note the event was eliminated from official competition in the late 1950's, but the accomplishment is still impressive.
He received his undergraduate degree in American Studies at Yale University, and went on to earn an MBA at Harvard. Even with the prestigious education, the Marine Corps, and the sky, beckoned. He initially earned his wings as a carrier jet pilot, and transitioned to helicopters a short time later.
In the mid 1960's, Sandy was selected to be one of the pilots for Marine 1, and flew two presidents--LBJ and Nixon--from the White House lawn, Andrews Air Force Base, the Pedernales, etc. His stories about that time were screamingly funny, though sometimes not fit for mixed company.
He deployed on at least two tours to Viet Nam, where he merited numerous decorations, including the Silver Star. I would tell you more about his wartime experiences except he withheld much of that from me to spare me certain painful memories.
You see, my first husband, LCDR James Edward Sullivan was shot down, captured and killed on October 29, 1972. Jim's remains were returned 13 years later, and the subject of Viet Nam still causes me nightmares. Sandy wanted to shield me from additional grief on that topic.
You see, unlike you from what I can tell through your poignant statement on the webpage, I actually knew all of the nasty details of Jim's death, despite the active lies and deceptions from both sides--the North Vietnamese, and the Defense Department. I am happy to know the truth, but the pain resurfaces even after 26 years.
Since Sandy's retirement from the Corps, he had been working at the Fairfax County Virginia Police Department. Initially, he signed on to set up the traffic control/emergency medical helicopter division, which he did very successfully. Their squadron is considered among the finest in the country. When he became too old to fly, about 5 years ago, he joined the Auxiliary police department working with traffic safety. The hours were horrible, the stress unbelievable, and the danger ever present, particularly considering the drivers in the Metropolitan DC area. He had actually just returned to work three days before the accident after a month's medical leave following surgery for a job-related injury--he had torn his meniscus dragging the "smart cart" onto a median strip in July. Mr. "Grin and Bear It," stoic Marine put off the surgery for five months until he was certain replacements at the always short-staffed traffic safety division could be found. Sandy considered himself indispensable, and considering the level of dedication he brought to everything in his life, he was probably right.
I have only known one other man I believed his equal, and that was Jim. They tackled everything in their lives head-on; neither of them understood the meaning of "It can't be done;" and both of them understood that true patriotism, and devotion to family, friends, and community have irrevocable links.
Well, I have gone on long enough. I sincerely appreciate your note, and the opportunity to share my thoughts about a truly remarkable man. Last Monday, February 8, I was actually trying to locate pictures of Sandy taken at the reunion in P-cola last September, and much to my surprise, and gratification, I found this wonderful webpage. THANK YOU!! By the way, note the e-mail address is different. The hotmail account is the one I post on the web. Sincerely, Pam

For all of us who remember the man, for everyone who will miss him, for a chance to immortalize a wonderful man...please, take the time to stop in and sign the Condolence Book for Sandy. We will notify his family when this page and it's Condolences are ready. Just as we will never forget our POW/MIA's, we will never forget YOU Sandy, for the differences you have made.
This small rose is for you and it comes with heartfelt gratitude for the legacy you left us. Semper Fi and Rest in Peace Marine.

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