THE WALL OF FACES

RIP LT. Dugger. 51 years ago today of your death.

My name is Charles Thompson. I served from April 72 to March 73 as a crew chief /door gunner at Plieku, Vietnam. I was a specialist E5. On that day my helicopter was down for maintenance. So I volunteered to fly as a door gunner for another helicopter which was October 16th 1972) . (We had a tough time getting people to volunteer) We were finished with our mission for the day and we heard over the radio that one of our helicopter just took a mortar round to the frontside of it. We radio in that we were in the area and would try to get the remaining crew out. Once we were told where they were located we flew in low level (which means about 3 to 5 feet above ground. The crew chief was Ross and door gunner was Smitty ( they always flew as a team) Don't remember pilots name. We got them out without getting hit. About 7 or 8 days later once we got the firebase back from Vietcong they sent in 2 specialist to recover bodies. My helicopter got the mission to retrieve Lt. Dugger body and another body that was standing outside of Lt Dugger side of helicopter. They said he was only in country for a few weeks. We made it in and out without taking any fire. I met Lt Dugger many times out at the airfield and he flew with us a couple times. My pilot was Warrant Officer Olson he always sat on the left side of helicopter and I always sat same side behind him with my m60. The thing I remember mostly about Lt Dugger he use to kid my roomy and I that we took the jeep out to airfield from our hutch ( where we slept) he always ran out to the airfield. He was a great guy. I hope this helps you with telling your son what a great hero your brother was.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who knew you are moving and reflect their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

Jim and I were cousins. I met him at East Tennessee State University. He came to my home several times. Jim loved the military and graduated from ETSU and the ROTC program. After graduation, he went to training and straight to Vietnam. He was not there lone before he was killed. He was a great guy and think of him often. Love you Lt. Dugger.

First Lieutenant James Dowel Dugger Jr., Served with the 57th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.