That Time a Marine Corp Pilot Went Rogue to Stop a Sniper
On January 7th, 1973, Mark Essex stormed the Howard Johnson Hotel in downtown New Orleans and proceeded to kill four people before making his way to the rooftop. One week earlier, Essex had attacked the headquarters of the New Orleans Police Department, resulting in the death of two police officers. He had been on the run since.
The Background of Mark Essex
Now Essex was what you would call a disturbed individual. Previously, he had been dishonorably discharged from the Navy for misconduct, but he believed his discharge was racially motivated and not because he actually went AWOL after an altercation with an NCO.
By the time he was discharged from the Navy, Essex had become quite radicalized and joined the “Black Panther” movement. But after an incident where two African American students were killed by police during a protest, Essex went over the edge and actively planned to kill white people. Though it must be pointed out one of the officers he killed in his first attack was black. Now he was barricaded on top of a building and was actively shooting at everything that moved, including police, firefighters who were sent in after Essex had set fire to several hotel rooms, paramedics, and anything else that moved.
The Hostage Situation
As a result, four more policemen were killed and many more were wounded. Worse still, police snipers on other buildings could not get to Essex as he had hidden himself inside “bunkers” on the roof.
In comes Lieutenant Colonel Charles “Chuck” Pitman, USMC. For a lack of a better term, he was an absolute legend in the Marines for the many missions he did during the Vietnam War and was stationed at the nearby Belle Chasse Air Station. Seeing what was going on, Pitman and another pilot took a CH-46 Sea Knight and flew into downtown New Orleans. Landing near the hotel to meet with the NOPD Chief at a command post inside the hotel.
The Plan to Stop Essex
They came up with a plan to have three policemen ride in the Sea Knight and try to shoot at Essex. To which they did, as Pitman would make several flights near the rooftop for the police to get a shot. Eventually, Pitman realized that Essex would only come out after the helicopter went back to reload, so after moving off as if he was going to land, Essex came out of the bunker… only to be illuminated by Pitman’s searchlight and soon targeted by every police sniper in the surrounding buildings. Thus bringing an end to the rampage.
The Aftermath
Now Pitman and the other officers were hailed as heroes for ending the situation, but there was an issue. You see, Pitman had basically taken a Marine helicopter to conduct a “paramilitary” operation without authorization. A very big no-no that could have very well seen him being court-martialed.
But no charges were made, and Pitman would remain in the Marines, eventually retiring at the rank of Lt. General.
There is no doubt in anyone’s mind who was there that day that Pitman’s actions prevented more bloodshed.
~NC
