THE WALL OF FACES

Capt Estrada, I am the 1986/7 recipient of the Scholarship in your name. I went on to graduate from USAFA in 1991 and complete a career in the USAF in 2013. Your memory lives on.

Dear Captain Carlos Estrada,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. It is important for us to remember all of you. 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.

Seems like only yesterday we walked into the gym at St. Joe's for our high school graduation. Who would have known, fifty-seven ago you would be my hero who gave the ultimate sacrifice. Your life was too short but you lived a good one.

On March 19, 1970, a U.S. Air Force helicopter UH-1F tail number 65-07944 from the 20th Special Operations Squadron (20th SOS) was the lead ship of a flight of two on a training flight in the free-fire area 8 miles southeast of Ban Me Thuot, Darlac Province (II Corps), RVN, when it was shot down by enemy ground fire. After being hit the aircraft caught fire, entered a spin and crashed. The helicopter was destroyed by in the ensuing fire. The instructor pilot, CAPT Clyde W. Enderle and the pilot, CAPT Carlos A. Estrada Jr., were both fatalities as was one gunner, TSGT James W. Greenwood. The other gunner, A1C John N. Visnesky, sustained major injuries when he was thrown clear. He was picked up by the second aircraft of the flight and transported to the Special Forces aid station at Ban Me Thuot East. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Dear Captain Carlos Albert Estrada Jr, 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