THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Jerry Richard Dees, 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

I met Jerry in Pleiku before we were sent to the 57th AHC at Kontum. Both of us were mechanics but Jerry wanted to be a door gunner. We spent many nights at the EM club before he transferred to the flight platoon. I was on guard duty the night his helicopter went down.

The 57th AHC's unit history states the monsoon weather had forced many mission cancellation during the month. Four slicks had departed for a mission and, after accomplishing the mission, header back for Kontum. While enroute the ceiling lowered to 300 feet in rain. Three of the ships made it back safely but the fourth, piloted by WO Eric Bargquist and 1LT James Carr, went IFR and had initiated a surveillance radar approach to the field. On a three mile final to runway 28, contact was lost on radar. An immediate search was begun and, before the weather forced the search to a halt, wreckage was found burning approximately 100 meters below the top of a ridgeline. The two pilots, along with the CE, SP4 Thomas Hinson, and doorgunner, PFC Terry Dees, died in the crash. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Jerry is buried at Greenwood Mem Park, Phoenix,AZ. BSM AM-4OLC

It is said a man hasn't died as long as he is remembered. This prayer is a way for families, friends and fellow veterans to remember our fallen brothers and sisters. Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning hush, I am the swift, uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die