THE WALL OF FACES

On July 20, 1969, SFC James R. Couch was assisting in an aircraft recovery in Thua Thien Province (I Corps). Couch walked down a slope of a hill to get on another aircraft that would return to the Phoenix's Nest, his unit’s base. Despite the efforts of the crew chief to warn Couch to bend down, Couch didn't see the crew chief or was distracted by something else, and he walked into the main rotor blade. He was immediately taken back to Camp Evans Medical and then was transported to a Navy hospital ship (either the USS Repose or USS Sanctuary) off the South Vietnamese coast where he died. The sad thing was that “Pappy” had been at one time in his military career a member of the Presidential Flight Detachment for President Lyndon Johnson. He was well respected by everyone in the company. [Taken from phoenix158.org]

Dear SFC James Robert Couch, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

James died as a result of a helicopter crash while on a military mission.

Thank you SFC Couch.

James is buried at Greenwood Memorial Park in Lower Burell, PA. DFC BSM