THE WALL OF FACES

It was late March in 1972. My unit, the 162nd Assault Helicopter Company, was in the process of cleaning our helicopters for transport back to the states. Our unit was leaving Vietnam. I was called from formation one morning by the Exec. Off. and told to report to S-1 at Battalion HQ. I was told I had been requested to serve as a body escort. The X.O. had no info on whom I would be escorting. On the way to S-1 it occurred to me whom the only person I knew still in Vietnam was Joe. That was confirmed by a major at Batt HQ. I had to get four shots before I could leave VN. Unfortunately the shots made me deathly ill. I had to wait one day before flying to Saigon. When I got to Long Binh, I arrived too late to take a urinalysis test. The next morning, which I think was the 23rd or 24th of March, I took my test and was booked on a flight leaving Ton San Shut AFB that night. We took off after midnight and headed for Travis AFB in California. We landed there about 3:00 AM and I went to Oakland Replacement station by bus. From there I escorted Joe's remains and casket to Love Field in Dallas that night. The next morning the trip resumed and ended in Springfield, Missouri. Then It was a ride in a hearse to West Plains, MO. Joe's wife Bobbie was waiting there when we arrived. Terry Schneider from our OCS class as well as flight training at Fort Wolters, Texas was there. The viewing took place that night and the burial the next day. It was a very emotional experience for me to stand there at the head of the grave site and listening to the Military style ceremony. After the 21 gun salute and Taps were played, the flag was removed from the casket and handed to me to present to Joe's widow. That was an experience that I will never forget.
Joe's widow and my wife Carol had become close friends while Joe and I were in flight school. Carol stayed in touch with Bobbie for quite some time. Carol died from cancer in 1997. Joe as well as Terry Schneider and Jim Bray had been in my wedding at Fort Rucker, Al on May 1, 1971. We sort of had been like the Four Musketeers in flight school. I have some pictures of my wedding and Joe is in a few of them. Was hoping to meet Joe's niece at our OCS reunion in San Antonio. I would like to hear from any of his family.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Uncle, as I complete my service to my country, not worse for wear, I thank you for your service and for giving me a beacon to follow through mine. I am honored to be the second helicopter pilot in the Dobbs family and hope I lived up to your legacy and would have made you proud.

Dear Lt Donel Dobbs,
Thank you for your service as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry. It is Memorial Day weekend, and we remember all you who gave their all. 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.

First Lieutenant Donel Joe Dobbs, Served with F Troop, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division.