THE WALL OF FACES

Major John Albert De Bock, Served with the 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Paul Nikolai is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Dear Major John De Bock,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot (Various.) My husband was born on your birthday, which was also the day my mom passed. Say hi to Mike and Rose in heaven.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.

MAJ John A. De Bock served with the 558th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force. On August 3, 1967, he was the pilot of a USAF F-4C Phantom II (#64-0719) which crashed onto the approach lighting array after an aborted take-off at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base. MAJ De Bock suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The other crewman, Ron Flake, was able to egress the aircraft. The following is an account of this incident by Mr. Flake: I was the pilot radar officer (RO) in F-4C (#64-0719) which crashed at Cam Rahn Bay on August 3, 1967. The abort was because the aircraft failed to achieve nose wheel liftoff at the calculated speed or at take-off speed. That was probably due to a forward center of gravity caused by a centerline fuel tank and full bomb loads on all 4 wing stations. We both decided to ride it out rather than risk ejection at ground level. The accident investigators never talked to me and listed pilot error as the cause of the crash, citing full flaps as the cause. The flaps were lowered as part of the abort procedure after we determined the bird would not fly. (From by Ron Flake, November 2013) [Taken from ejection-history.org.uk]

Dear Major John Albert De Bock, 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