THE WALL OF FACES

On March 5, 1971, a U.S. Army CH-47C Chinook helicopter (#67-18518) from the 180th Assault Support Helicopter Company, was on approach to Lane Army Heliport in the Phu Ti Valley, Bin Dinh Province, RVN, when it collided with a Republic of Korea Army O-1D Bird Dog. The Chinook was struck in the left rear quarter by the Korean O-1D. The impact knocked the port engine free of the fuselage and ruptured a fuel tank, causing a fire as it disintegrated in flight. The O-1D dropped down the left side of the CH-47C and flipped over and fell straight to the ground. As the CH-47 descended in flames, the aft pylon had separated entirely and the main body of the fuselage impacted nose-low. The rear ramp portion of the fuselage separated from the forward fuselage section and slid downhill, breaking into two pieces before it came to rest, its movement stopped by rocks. The entire aircraft was consumed by fire. The lost crew included pilots CAPT Barry M. Straw and CAPT Ralph L. Ward, crewman SP5 Richard S. Dennison, crew chief SP5 Gary G. Prentice, and gunner SP4 Edward L. Rayburn. [Taken from vhpa.org]

I am Lettie's child hood bestfriends (Belva Cummings) grandaughter. I am doing amproject for school and thought I would chose Richar. I am going to the Wall next month in DC. I wish you could have made it back. Thank you for what you did. I wish your family the best.

I wish I could have gotten to know you. You've always been with me I've always felt it. Even though I never met you, I miss you.

Thinking of you on this Memorial Day. Thinking of your two beautiful nieces that never got to know you or you, them. Thinking of your love, Lettie. Thinking of your brother, Buddy, and I hope you two are palling around together.
You are not forgotten.

Dear SP5 Richard Samuel Dennison, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter