THE WALL OF FACES

Major De Fer, You are remembered.

Dear Major Richard Defer,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot (Various.) 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 Richard H. DeFer was a Raven Forward Air Controller serving with Detachment 1, 56th Special Operations Wing, 7th Air Force. He was assigned as a civilian to the Ambassador to Laos. MAJ DeFer flew a U.S. Air Force Cessna L-19/O-1 Bird Dog in support of General Vang Pao in the Barrel Roll Area of northern Laos against Pathet Lao Communist forces. Most of the fighting took place in the area known as the Plain of Jars. On October 18, 1971, while flying a mission from Long Treng, MAJ DeFer's aircraft was hit by small arms fire and he was unable to land the aircraft. His backseater crash-landed the plane and MAJ DeFer was knocked unconscious. A helicopter picked them up, but by the time they returned to the base, MAJ DeFer had expired. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, ravens.org, and a narrative written by Eric Meyers on the Ravens website]

Dear Major Richard Henry Defer, 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

Although he was flying as a co-pilot in B-52's at Kincheloe AFB, MI, Dick really wanted to be a fighter pilot. Some time after I left Kincheloe in 1963, he apparently volunteered for a Raven tour in Laos as an alternative to fighters. I'll always fondly remember his cocky swagger. He was, and will always be, one of the good guys.