THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from Michael Rink are touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Dear PFC Richard Erwin,
Thank you for your service as a Field Radio Operator. 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.

Private First Class Richard Eugene Erwin, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

On April 11, 1968, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter UH-34D (tail number 145804) from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMH-163) was involved in a mid-air collision with a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1E helicopter (tail number 154968) from Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6) with the loss of twelve personnel. The UH-34D, call sign Seaworthy 4-5, was launched on an emergency medevac mission with two VMO-6 Huey gunship escorts to pick up some wounded Marines in the hills around Khe Sanh. They were on their way to Delta Med at Dong Ha when they collided and crashed near the abandoned refugee camp at Cam Lo. The gunships were flying above and behind the UH-34, as usual. According to one of the gunners on the second gunship, the 34 and lead Huey just "kind of kissed" and both went down. The UH-34 was torn apart and the UH-1E was consumed by fire. The lost UH-34 crew included aircraft commander CPT Eugene R. Gannon, co-pilot 2LT John P. Holden II, crew chief CPL Frederick D. Graten, and gunner CPL John A. Nixon. The passengers were CPL Robert W. Belcher, PFC Dennis R. Davidson, PFC Richard E. Erwin, and PFC Charles R. Finley. The lost gunship crew was aircraft commander 1LT Ronald E. Riede, co-pilot CPT Bruce F. McMillan, crew chief CPL Paul J. Allen, and gunner LCPL Michael G. Demarco. [Taken from vhpa.org and popasmoke.com]