THE WALL OF FACES

On February 23, 1971, the 223rd Combat Aviation Battalion was engaged in a combat operation in the Kingdom of Laos, approximately 20 miles west of Khe Sanh Airfield, RVN. The operation began at approximately 1100 hours and UH-1H troop carrying helicopters made 2 sorties each into the landing zone while being under continual cover of UH-1C helicopter gunships. The UH-1H helicopters had each made a long lift downwind, with a final approach along the long axis of a ridgeline, landing toward the east. The UH-1C gunships were in a covering orbit inside the traffic pattern of the UH-1H helicopters. A total of 38 sorties had been flown into the landing zone, with the UH-1H helicopters landing a single ship each time. The last UH-1H (tail number 67-19516) in the flight began his turn to base leg and on to final approach at a position approximately the center of the ridgeline. At the same time, a UH-1C gunship (tail number 65-09503) was beginning its turn to break away from its pass toward the landing zone. As the UH-1C was in its turn at approximately 40 to 50 degrees angle of bank, the UH-1H helicopter flew into the rotor system of the UH-1C from the left side. The UH-1C lost its rotor system, continued in a left turn, went inverted, and crashed nose low, exploding on impact. The UH-1H continued straight ahead, also losing its rotor system, and crashed in a nose low altitude, exploding on impact. The crew members and passengers (on the UH-1H) of both aircraft were killed on impact. The lost crew of the UH-1C included pilots CW2 James A. Miner and WO1 Roy Y. Shinkawa, crew chief SP4 Charles R. Hausherr, and gunner SP5 James E. Barton. The lost UH-1H crew was comprised of pilots 1LT Dennis C. Farris and 1LT Terry M. Usher, crew chief SP4 Terrence A. Ogata, and gunner SP4 John W. Bruin. The UH-1H additionally carried six ARVN passengers, names unknown, who also perished in the crash. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Dennis (Pete), I'll always remember your smile and winning attitude. I think about you often and miss you as a friend. Our time in Guymon High school, Oklahoma Panhandle State College (ROTC) and our carpool were wonderful. You left to soon. Your friend, Max

Dear 1LT Dennis Claude Farris, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

(Photo Credit: Larry Unruh) Rest in peace with the warriors.

No, I never did know you, but I would like to thank you anyway. I thank you for your service, and I thank you for your bravery.