THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sp4 Randall Dalton,
Thank you for your service as a Flight Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice. I read you were identified in 2011. Welcome Home. Easter is coming up. Happy Easter. 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.

Randy - his smile and blue Karman-Ghia will always have a place in my memories. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. He was the sweetest boyfriend I have ever had - patient, considerate and kind - and will always be remembered with love and gratitude.

The 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry was part of the 12th Aviation Group during its service in Vietnam. It was responsible for air cavalry support in the western part of III Corps Tactical Zone. In late 1970 it was placed under the operational control of the 1st Cavalry Division to form a highly successful ad hoc air cavalry brigade. On July 24, 1971, pilot WO1 Timothy G. Wiltrout, observer SGT Gregory A. Antunano, and door gunner SP4 Randall D. Dalton were crew members on an OH-6A "Loach" observation helicopter (serial #17-257) which was shot down by enemy fire while on a reconnaissance mission in Cambodia. The aircraft went down about 5 miles inside Cambodia, in Kracheh Province, just a few miles southeast of the city of Snuol. When rescuers arrived at the crash site, they found the pilot outside the downed aircraft. He suffered a broken leg in the incident, but was otherwise unhurt. The other two crew members were still strapped in their seats inside the wreckage. Both were taken out of the helicopter and at that time, SP4 Dalton was still alive. SGT Antunano was believed to be dead. A short time later, SP4 Dalton stopped breathing. Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The medic checked both Dalton and Antunano several times, and told other rescuers that they were dead. As enemy soldiers began moving into the area, search and rescue aircraft evacuated the rescue team and Wiltrout, the pilot. Because of enemy presence, no attempt was made to extract the two bodies. They were left lying near the downed helicopter. The following day, several SAR aircraft returned to the location in an attempt to recover Antunano and Dalton, but noted that the aircraft had been stripped and moved several feet. Personal effects of the crew, such as their helmets, weapons and the aircraft radio had also been removed. SGT Antunano and SP4 Dalton's bodies were gone. A search of the area from the air did not reveal fresh graves or any sign of the two men. In July 2011, the remains of SP4 Randall D. Dalton were returned and positively identified. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

Dear SP4 Randall David Dalton, 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

(Photo Credit: Dan Rhodes) Rest in peace with the warriors.