THE WALL OF FACES

Never forget.

Semper Fortis

Lieutenant James Allyn Duensing, Served with Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21), Carrier Air Wing 2 (CVW-2), USS Ranger, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.

Dear Lt James Duensing,
Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot). You are still MIA. PLEASE COME HOME.
Independence Day is approaching, and we remember your sacrifice. 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.

Jim: I think of you often. I have a rubbing of your name from The Wall that I keep to this day. I am constantly humbled by the things that I have been fortunate enough to experience in life that were denied to you. You are a hero. I will always remember our times together as part of Class 46-67 - Pensacola, Meridian . . . Godspeed.

On January 30, 1973, pilot LT James A. Duensing and LTJG Roy E. Haviland were crew members aboard an F-4J aircraft (#158361) in a flight of two returning to the USS Ranger from a carrier combat patrol mission over the Gulf of Tonkin. About 90 miles north of Da Nang over the Gulf of Tonkin, and 90 miles from the USS Ranger, a mid-air collision occurred between the two aircraft. The crew of the second aircraft reported by survival radio that they were in the water. The USS Horne was immediately dispatched to the location and was able to rescue the surviving crew of the second aircraft. The search for LT Duensing and his flight officer LTJG Roy Haviland continued throughout the night and the following day without success. These two jets were the last USN and USMC aircraft lost during the Vietnam War. A conclusive determination of death for Haviland and Duensing was made by the Department of the Navy on February 8, 1973. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]