THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir.. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

On March 8, 1969, a United States Air Force Lockheed C-130E Hercules (#64-0545) from the 314th Tactical Airlift Wing crashed in poor weather at Ching Chuan Kang Airbase in Taichung, Taiwan, following a flight from Vietnam. The pilot reportedly was ordered to divert to Kadena Air Base in Japan; however, the Hercules orbited the airfield for an hour before attempting a landing. While on final approach, the aircraft experienced fuel starvation. The Hercules came in to the right of the runway, its right wing tip making contact and shearing off the wing. The aircraft flipped onto its back and came to a rest inverted. A fire burned through the cabin of the aircraft. Nine personnel were killed in the post-crash fire. Three survivors were medivacked but died on the 14th, 15th and 16th of March. The lost personnel were COL Ralph A. Cone, LTC Paul E. Garrett, MAJ William J. Griffin (died 03/14/1969), TSGT John W. Israel, MAJ Warren L. Long, SGT Alan C. Martin Jr., SSGT Barry W. Murtaugh, SGT Eugene Pizzino II (died 03/16/1969), MAJ Raymond L. Tacke, MSGT William B. Terry, SSGT Gordon L. Wheeler, and SSGT Robert L. Wilson (died 03/15/1969). The twelve airmen had their names added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington D.C. in May 1986. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, aviation-safety.net, baaa-acro.com, and information provided by Allen R. Wood (March 2010) at c-130hercules.net]

Thanks to all who have left a remembrance.

Colonel Ralph Asberry Cone, Served with the 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron, 314th Tactical Airlift Wing, 13th Air Force.

Dear Col Ralph Cone,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot (Various.) It is 2018, Happy New Year, and it is the also the Epiphany. 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.