THE WALL OF FACES

On April 25, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (#68-16429) from the 15th Medical Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile) was conducting an engine performance test when the aircraft crashed eight miles southwest of Phuoc Vinh Airfield in Binh Duong Province, RVN. The three crewmen were pulled alive from the crashed helicopter but succumbed to their injuries. The lost personnel included pilot WO1 Rodney K. Arnold and aircraft maintenance men SFC James H. Brooks Jr. and SP6 James T. Conway. The ship departed Phuoc Vinh around 10:30 AM, headed to the unit’s test flight area south of the Song Be (River) Bridge. According to observers on the ground, at approximately 11:00 AM, the helicopter began spinning violently to the right at an altitude of about 1200 feet. The witnesses stated at approximately 700 feet the aircraft began to recover from the spin, then at 400 feet spun again, crashing in a rubber plantation. The helicopter was found resting on its right side with the tail boom still attached. There was no post-crash fire after impact. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your cousin Brett is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...

Warrant Officer Rodney Keith Arnold, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 15th Medical Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division.

DEAR WARRANT OFFICER ARNOLD,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN UTILITY - OBSERVATION HELICOPTER PILOT WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THAT WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND'S BROTHER. SAY HI TO MIKE HI TO MIKE IN HEAVEN.

Dear WO Rodney Keith Arnold, 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, Sir

Curt Carter