THE WALL OF FACES

On July 29, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 69-15119) from A Company, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, was participating in the final extraction of Fire Support Base Mo, five miles northwest of Djamap Air Field in Phuoc Long Province, RVN. The flight had loaded its troops on the northern landing pad of the base. The first aircraft lifted out, cleared adjacent barriers, and proceeded to climb out. Aircraft 119 next initiated its takeoff and started to clear the barriers. While lifting off, the helicopter made some minor blade strikes on stalks in a clump of bamboo. The aircraft then started a left bank to avoid hitting a large, dead tree. The corrective action was made too late, and the main rotor system struck the tree on the right side of the aircraft. The aircraft started settling toward the ground into a clearing in the direction of its flight. The helicopter impacted tail-low on its right side and burst into flames. Three crew members and two passengers were trapped in the wreckage and perished in the post-crash fire. One crew member and three passengers survived and were evacuated to medical facilities. The lost crew included pilot WO1 Karl T. Anteau, crew chief SP5 Jack H. Dilon, and gunner SP4 Ricky J. Hills. The lost passengers were SGT Walter B. Golombeski and CPL Stephen W. Bancroft. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Warrant Officer Karl Thomas Anteau, Served with Company A, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 11th Aviation Group, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Warrant Officer Karl Thomas Anteau, Served with Company A, 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, 11th Aviation Group, 1st Cavalry Division.

Remembering your shy smile and wonderful laugh. The Class of '67 just had our 50 Year Reunion. We are so proud that you served along with many of our classmates. You made the ultimate sacrifice for your country and fellow man.

Thank you Karl! I will never forget you.

DEAR WARRANT OFFICER ANTEAU,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN UTILITY/OBSERVATION HELICOPTER PILOT WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. I BUGS ME THAT YOU DIED IN THE SAME MONTH AS YOUR BIRTH. A FRIEND'S BROTHER WAS 1ST CAV AND ALSO KILLED IN PHUOC LONG. SAY HI IN HEAVEN TO MICHAEL. REST IN PEACE.