THE WALL OF FACES

David,
Your passing impacted the lives of those around you. Our family struggled with the emotional and physical impact, and there were moments we did not know how to deal with it.
You volunteered for that mission because someone was ill. You put yourself before others, knowing the dangers and potential results. You learned from Dad how to give to others and support them.
You, like all of us, were not perfect, but had a generous, loving heart. I cannot tell you how many times I have cried for you over the past 50-plus years. There is not a day that goes by without a memory, thought or idea of you.
I know you look out for me and the rest of the family. You are still loved and missed.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Jon Filina is moving. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

David Ralf Devik

Distinguished Flying Cross
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal David Ralf Devik (MCSN: 2196100), United States Marine Corps, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Marine Aerial Refueler/Transport Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-TWO, FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On 10 February 1968, Lance Corporal Devik was the Radio Operator aboard a KC-130 transport aircraft which was delivering a combat logistics load of JP-4 fuel bladders to the besieged Marine base at Khe Sanh. During the final landing approach to the runway, his aircraft was hit by intense North Vietnamese machine gun fire which ignited the fuel containers, immediately engulfing the cargo compartment in flames. Despite the intense heat, Lance Corporal Devik remained in the smoke-filled rear compartment, advising the aircraft commander of the situation until he was killed when another explosion caused the entire aircraft to burst into flames. Lance Corporal Devik's courage, superior professionalism and unwavering devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.

On February 10, 1968, the U.S. Marine combat base at Khe Sanh in Quang Tri Province, RVN, was being resupplied with ammunition and fuel. One of the aircraft involved in the resupply mission was a USMC KC-130F Hercules (#149813) from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152). The flight originated from Da Nang, RVN, in bad weather carrying two pallets of cargo (including a load of flamethrowers), and six JP-4 fuel bladders. The airplane was on approach to Khe Sanh when it was hit by .51 caliber enemy gunfire. Several rounds passed through the cockpit and cargo compartment, and disabled the #3 engine. The radio operator reported to the pilot that one of the fuel bags had been hit and was spilling fuel. Shortly after making this report, a fire erupted in the cargo compartment. Immediately after touchdown, an explosion was observed on the right side as the aircraft. Another explosion was seen as the Hercules was approaching the tower. Just after the aircraft came to a stop, a third, more muffled explosion was observed which engulfed the aircraft in flames and thick black smoke. The plane at this point was approximately 3,100 feet from the approach end of the runway. Three crew members and four passengers suffered fatal injuries in the incident. The lost crewmen were radio operator LCPL David R. Devik, and MSGT John D’Adamo Jr. and LCPL Jerry W. Ferren. Ferren’s death occurred March 1, 1968, at Brooke General Hospital at Fort Sam Houston, TX, where he succumbed to bilateral pneumonia secondary to burns he suffered in the incident. The lost passengers included Marine photographer SSGT William L. Brown, GSGT Waclaw J. Maczulski, COL Carl E. Peterson, and Marine Press Information Man SSGT George W. Walbridge. Maczulski died March 21, 1968, at the burn unit in the U.S. Army 106th General Hospital in Yokohama, Japan, where he had been evacuated for treatment. The pilot and co-pilot were able to escape the inferno through their hinged side windows inside the cockpit. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and aviation-safety.net]

Dear Lcpl David Devik,
Thank you for your service as an Airborne Radio Operator. It has been too long, and it's about time 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.