THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your wife Jo Ann is moving. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Dear SSGT Gary Cox,
Thank you for your service as a Combat Engineer. Happy Valentine's Day. 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.

I remember cheering for Gary when he was on the track team in Junior High at Lamar Junior High School; he was a grade ahead of me and a super nice guy!

Dear SSGT Gary Lee Cox, 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

U.S. Army Helicopter 68-15837 was in direct combat support of A/2/35 and B/2/35 infantry, 4th Infantry Division. Total flight time for the day at the time of the accident was approximately 4 1/2 hours. Refueling had taken place forty five minutes earlier at 1210 hours. After picking up thirty one troops at a PZ 20mm west of Polie Djerang, the aircraft proceeded to Polie Dietang where an approach was initiated to the eastern portion of the airfield known as the Hook Pad. Radio contact was established with Night Jumper 10, and instructions were received to land to the land to the north on the west side of the area. A normal approach was initiated by the pilot 1LT James O. Murphy, and the approach was terminated at a 15 foot hover. A turn of forty-five degrees to the left was initiated and the pilot attempted to set the aircraft on the ground. Extremely heavy dust enveloped the aircraft and the right aft landing gear struck the ground. The aircraft bounced and started moving toward the right, sideways in a northwesterly direction. The pilot tried to apply power for a vertical lift off, but due to the heavy dust, lost sight of the ground. The aircraft moved 35 meters to the right, with a right side low attitude. The forward right gear struck the 5 degree upslope, and the aircraft rolled to the right another 15 meters and came to rest on a 2 1/2 ton truck in an inverted position, facing to the south. The impact with the truck fatally wounded four persons in the bed of the truck (SGT Paul L. Ramos, Jr., 1LT Charles A. Bazzinotti, SSGT Gary L. Cox, and 1LT David E. Hubner), and injured five others. The flight engineer and left door gunner on board the aircraft sustained minor injuries, while the right door gunner received moderate burns as a result of the post-crash fire. This fire was caused by fuel leakage, and was extinguished by one of the passengers on board. From testimony received and location of individuals involved in the accident who received burns, the fire occurred on the right side of the aircraft, at the right door gunners position and aft when the aircraft was resting on the truck. Neither the pilot or co-pilot were injured. [Taken from cacti35th.org]