THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever.....

Warrant Officer Robert Wilkinson Cook, Served with D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.

Dear WO Robert Cook,
Thank you for your service as a Fixed Wing Pilot. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear WO Robert Wilkinson Cook, 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.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

On May 26, 1967 at approximately 2100 hours, a light fire team consisting of aircraft 66-677 and 66-673 were called out by the 51st ARVN Ranger Battalion, Ben Luc RVN, to investigate some suspected VC activity. The team arrived on the scene at approximately 2130 hours. They began a visual reconnaissance of the area with the assistance of flares fired by the artillery. At 2230 hours while in bad weather at night, the two aircraft met in an apparent head-on collision. There was an explosion and both aircraft fell to the ground in flames. There were no survivors. The two helo crews consisted of (66-673) CAPT Robert L. Mosher, WO1 Robert W. Cook, SP4 Melvin L. Martz, SP4 Rodger L. Fortune, 1LT Jack L. Dodson and (66-677) CAPT Gene F. Matthews, CAPT Norman R. Kidd Jr., SP5 George D. Bennett, SP4 Joseph D. Legrand Jr. 1LT Dodson was a passenger in 66-673. He and CAPT Kidd were the 191st's first casualties, even before their equipment had arrived in Vietnam. The 191st had just been formed with CAPT Kidd heading up the Armed Platoon. Both of them wanted to get into action right away and talked D35 into letting them get some experience. For CAPT Matthews of 66-677 it was his first flight after returning from the stateside funeral of his brother. [Taken from vhpa.org]