THE WALL OF FACES

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Frederick Peter Crosby (NSN: 0-509126), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as pilot of a jet photographic aircraft in Light Photographic Squadron SIXTY-THREE, Detachment ECHO, serving aboard U.S.S. BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31), on 1 June 1965. Lieutenant Commander Crosby was leader of a two-plane flight launched from the carrier to conduct bomb damage assessment photography against a heavily-defended bridge site at Dong Phong Thuong, North Vietnam. Lieutenant Commander Crosby, because of cloud coverage at the target area, executed his run at an extremely low altitude in the face of heavy enemy ground fire. After completing the run, his aircraft was hit by hostile fire and crashed. His courageous and selfless devotion to duty throughout the run were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
General Orders: All Hands (April 1966)
Action Date: June 1, 1965
Service: Navy
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Light Photographic Squadron 63
Division: U.S.S. Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31)

LTC Frederick P. Crosby was the pilot of a Vought RF-8A Crusader on a combat mission in Thanh Hoa Province, North Vietnam on June 1, 1965. As he was about 5 miles northeast of the city of Thanh Hoa, his aircraft was hit by enemy fire, crashed and exploded. It was felt that there was little or no hope that he survived, and Crosby was declared Killed/Body Not Recovered. Located near the city of Thanh Hoa was the famed "Dragon Jaw" bridge which was the object of many vain bombing attempts in 1965 and 1966. Crosby is listed among the missing because his remains were never located to return home. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

Dear LCDR Frederick Peter Crosby, 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

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.