THE WALL OF FACES

In 1967, the U.S. Air Force’s 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron began operating the Cessna O-2A Skymaster as a replacement for the O-1 Bird Dog in the role of forward air control. The O-2A was a modified civilian Cessna 337 with an engine at each end of the fuselage. It carried more ordnance than the O-1, had more power, and was capable of longer loiter times. On June 2, 1969, an O-2A (#67-21319) was downed by enemy small arms fire 20 miles northwest of Da Nang in Quang Nam Province, RVN, while directing fire against enemy buildings. Two crewmen aboard the Skymaster were killed, instructor pilot Capt Jackie L. Dickens and “Peter” pilot 1st Lt Kennard E. Svanoe. The remains of both men were recovered. The “Peter” pilot label was a stigma worn by new arrivals: Dickens had been in Vietnam almost ten months, Svanoe just six weeks. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org and pleikuab.com]

Captain Jackie Lee Dickens, Served with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, 7th Air Force. Montani Semper Liberi !

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

CPT Jackie Dickens, Instructor Pilot with 1LT Kennard Svanoe when O-2A 67-21319 was shot down. You are remembered.

As a very young child (12), remembering Uncle Jackie and Aunt Peg (Margret ) my mother Alice (Bryant) youngest sister. First time remembering Uncle Jack was after their return from Berlin, Germany where he served his 3 year tour in the Army. Upon his return utilizing his veteran education program, attending then Morris College in Charleston, WV., graduating with a degree in Mathematics. My father (Bill Hopkins Sr.) eldest brother Clyde (Junior) Hopkins served in WWII as a Top Torrent Gunner and Bombay Door Operator on B-17 named “The Saint” - 25 missions total over France and Germany in 1944 – 1945. Losing JR. shortly after his return home, dad was like a magnet to Uncle Jack.
Uncle Jack enlisted in the Air Force, attending flight school at Maxwell Gunter Air Force Base in Montgomery, AL. My father made certain that we as a family traveled to see Uncle Jack and Aunt Peg wherever he and mom had the opportunity. From Montgomery, Alabama to Dayton, OH. Wright- Patterson Air Force Base (Home to the B-52) which Uncle Jack was a Co-Pilot. I remember Aunt Peg having us hurry to the base on specific days and times to watch Uncle Jack’s B-52 land at the base. Uncle Jack chose Vietnam knowing that a promotion would appear shortly after histour of duty was over. Nine months tour compared to 4 years by remaining states side. Your passing came one day before my high school graduation. Your loss was so devastating to all of us who awaited your return which would have been three weeks after your passing (July 1969). I miss you Uncle Jack, not knowing you well, yet looking up to you more than you will ever know.
Bil Jr.