THE WALL OF FACES

The Blue Ghosts remember and honor you. Rest In Peace Ralph.

Dear PFC Ralph Edward Consavage, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

On March 7, 1968, PVT Ralph E. Consavage was an observer on a U.S. Army OH-6A helicopter, tail number 66-07827, from C Troop 7-17th Air Cavalry of the 1st Aviation Brigade. While on a reconnaissance mission the aircraft came under small arms fire (AK-47), with rounds entering the cockpit area, causing fatal wounds to PVT Consavage. Although damaged, the helicopter was able to continue flight, and its pilot 1LT Harold F. Nicely Jr. was later rescued. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Ralph is buried at Summit Cemetery in Williamston, Mich.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle hero’s you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heros lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers