THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR SEAMAN ACKER,

We are still celebrating our nation's birthday. In this time of celebration, it is important to remember those who gave their all for this nation.

Thank you for your service, and REST IN PEACE.

AT 18, YOU WERE JUST A KID. IT IS TOO SAD.

Seaman Apprentice Herman Carol Acker, Served aboard the USS Newport News (CA-148), Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.

Dear SA Herman Carol Acker, 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.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.

We Remember

For those who died so close to us
And ne'er returned to love at home
To those whom most knew but a bit
But live with us forever more.

In memory of
the 20 of us who died
on October 1, 1972.

On this date, at about 01:00 while on a support mission off the coast of Vietnam, an explosion that tore through the center barrel of Gun Turret #2, killed 20 of our shipmates. Some died in the explosion, others died of smoke inhalation. An eight inch projectile jammed inside the center barrel as it was being fired. The powder casing behind the projectile fired inside the barrel, causing an explosion which had no place to go but into the gunner's compartment. Smoke quickly spread throughout the ship putting many of us at risk. Most of the ships company survived but at least 20 did not.

Below is a list our shipmates who were killed in the explosion. Click on a name to open a memorial page for that shipmate.

SA Herman Carol Acker
SN Jack Stephen Bergman, Jr.
BM3 William Clark, JR
GMG3 Charles Wayne Clinard
SA Ronald Paul Daley
SR Raymond Rance Davis
SN Terry Wayne Deal
SN Joseph Grisafi
SA William Harrison, III
GMG2 Tommy Hawker
SA Robert Kikkert
SN Edward McEleney, JR
SA Robert Moore
SA Stanley Pilot, JR
SN Ralph Robinson
GMG1 Wesley Rose
SA Richy Rucker
SA Jeffery Scheller
SN David Lee Scott
SA Richard Tessman