THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class Gary Bernard Flabbi, Served with the 483rd Transportation Detachment, 281st Assault Helicopter Company, 10th Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear PFC Gary Flabbi,
Thank you for your service as a Huey Uh-1 Helicopter Repairer. Your 74th birthday just passed, happy birthday. 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.

My uncle I never got to meet!!

Dear PFC Gary Bernard Flabbi, 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

Private First Class Gary Bernard Flabbi, was born in Baltimore Maryland on September 7, 1944. His parents were Julian J. and Gertrude M. Flabbi of 5038, East Oliver Street, Baltimore, MD (Both are Deceased). Gary was one of three sons, Donald (deceased), David and Robert F. Flabbi who went on to retire from the US Army as a First Sergeant and currently resides with his family in Florida. Gary attended Patterson High School in Baltimore, MD and grew up in the neighborhood of Armistead Gardens. He was active in baseball, football and fishing and was well liked by his neighbors and friends. Gary grew was an active member of the Roman Catholic Church. In May of 1965 Gary and several of his friends from his neighborhood in Baltimore joined the US Army and went off to basic training. Following basic Gary was assigned to Fort Rucker, Alabama for training as a 67N20, Utility Helicopter Mechanic. Upon graduation he was transferred to Fort Benning Georgia where he joined the newly formed 483rd Transportation Detachment. Gary and the 483rd were deployed to South Vietnam and arrived by ship at Nha Trang on June 9, 1966. In Nha Trang Gary was assigned as a crew chief on a UH-1 helicopter in support of Special Forces operations throughout the country of South Vietnam. In October of 1966 he was part of a forward operating element of the 281st AHC operating out of Khe Sanh. On the evening of October 22, 1966 Gary left the other members of the unit and entered an area planted with land mines and in so doing accidentally detonated a mine which resulted in his death on October 23, 1966. Gary was 22 years, 1 month, and 16 days old at the time of his death. Gary was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the RVN Campaign Medal, and the Aircraft Crew Members Badge. [Taken from virtualwall.com]