THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from fellow airman Robert Hardy is moving and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Sam III and I entered the Air Force in 1960, training as Navigators at Harlingen AFB, Texas, Class 61-17. We were further stationed together at Electronics Countermeasures School in Keesler AFB, Mississippi. Upon graduation in 1962 were were both assigned to the Flight Test Wing at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio where we flew a wide assortment of highly classified missions photographing and recording Soviet ICBM's, flying a highly modified KC-135 out of Shemya, Alaska. We also flew reconnaissance aircraft in support of many US orbital missions, filming the recovery of the Gemini capsules, Athena test missiles reentering on the Holloman Test Range and other high value missions. At about the same time I received orders to pilot training, Sam received orders to train as a Wild Weasel systems operator, a crew member on an F-105 operating out of Takhli, Thailand. It was an exceedingly dangerous mission, the purpose being to ferret out surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites and to kill them before the SAM could be launched. His aircraft was shot down on Jan 5, 1968 BY A Mig-17, Sam was seen ejecting, had a good parachute, but apparently received fatal injuries on landing or shortly thereafter. Sam was my best friend in the several years we served together and his wife, Louise, was very good friends with my wife, Janet. I hope this brief narrative enables his many friends and relatives to remember Sam as the loving, enthusiastic friend that I knew.

Sam...Honoring You on your birthday...God bless

Captain Samuel Fantle III, Served with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force.

Dear Captain Samuel Fantle,
Thank you for your service as a Electronic Warfare Officer. Another national holiday is coming, and we honor you this Labor Day. 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.