THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Danny Evans,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Your 48th anniversary just passed, sad. 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.

Private First Class Danny Leo Evans, Served with Combined Action Platoon 2-3-2 (CAP 2-3-2), Combined Action Company 2-3 (CACO 2-3), 2nd Combined Action Group, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

On August 7, 1970, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter CH-46D (tail number 152576) from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364) was on a night medevac flight near the village of Hoi An along the coast of the South China Sea in I Corps. After picking up three wounded Marines, the helicopter received anti-aircraft fire on the way out of the zone. The controls were hit and the CH-46D spun out of control and crashed into a wet rice paddy. Two crewmen were killed in the incident, aircraft commander 1LT James F. Gilles and gunner SGT Richard M. Seymore. Pilot 1LT Robert L. Marshall survived with injuries and was rescued. One of the medivacked Marines, PFC Danny L. Evans, was rescued but died three days later aboard the USS Sanctuary. The following is an account of the incident from 1LT Marshall: I know that maybe 5 seconds after liftoff, one of the gunners yelled, “We are taking fire." I said, "Return fire," and he did, one or two bursts from his .50 caliber machine gun. We suddenly, and without any warning, swapped ends, completely out of control. I remember that the controls, rudder and cyclic stick, no longer seemed to be connected to the rotors. We continued out of control, swapping ends again, I think. I remember very clearly believing I was about to die. I had no fear and was rather matter of fact about it. I had the feeling that it was an absolute certainty. I came to when somebody tried to lift me out of the cockpit without removing my shoulder harness and seat belt. I said, “Pull this" referring to the quick release lever. My next memory was on a stretcher being carried aboard MAJ Jensen's chopper. The noise of the engines and rotors must have awakened me. I remembered then screaming at the top of my lungs, however I have no idea what I said. My next memory was outside the operating room of the Army 95th Evacuation medical facility and a nurse asking what my name was. I kept telling her but she continued to ask the same question. Then she said I had been in a helicopter crash. I remember my exact reply, "Well, no shit lady!" Three crewmembers survived the crash. (By Bob Marshall) [Taken from vhpa.org and popasmoke.com]

Semper Fidelis, Marine.

Danny, Your brother Terry is married to my cousin Janice. I think we meet at their wedding. You are a couple of years older and we may have meet at some other family gatherings.

You are one of several family members who became Marines. My father, cousin, brother in law, niece etc. all are Marines. And one of the reasons I became a Marine. But you are the only one who didn't return, and it still hurts. I would want you to know that you are remembered and loved. Even if I didn't know you very well. I was in ITR at Camp Pendleton when mom gave me the news.

I try every year at Marine Corps birthdays and Veteran day events to honor your name. You will not be forgotten.
Love and Semper Fi
Butch Gee