Recovery of Martin’s Remains Delayed
The remains of Capt. Dean Paul Martin and Capt. Ramon Ortiz may not be recovered from the wreckage their F-4C fighter jet on a mountain near Banning until Friday because of the “ruggedness of the terrain and severity of impact,†an Air National Guard spokesman said Monday.
“The site is on a 70-degree slope at the 5,500-foot level covered with undergrowth six feet high,†Maj. Steven Mensik said. “The only access to this site is by helicopter.â€
Mensik said the recovery team was increased from 20 to 50 people in order to expedite the removal of the remains.
Martin, 35, son of entertainer Dean Martin and pilot of the aircraft, and Ortiz, 39, the weapons system officer, were killed instantly March 22 when the jet crashed into the mountain during a snowstorm.
Meantime, it was announced that a military memorial service for Martin will be held Wednesday.
The service--for friends and family only--will be held at 2 p.m. at the Los Angeles National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family is asking contributions in their son’s name to The Times Summer Camp Fund, care of Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, CA 90053.
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