THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Curtis Foster,
Thank you for your service as an ACFT Cryptographic Systems Technician. It is now fall, and as the seasons pass, it is important to remember you all. 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.

On June 6, 1965, two U.S. Marine Corps UH-34D helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM 161) were involved in a mid-air collision shortly after takeoff from the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima (LPH-2) stationed off Chu Lai in Quang Tin Province, RVN. The aircraft were launched for a pre-dawn search and rescue mission when they apparently collided in mid-air and fell to the sea. Because of darkness, only a bright yellow ball of flame was seen from the bridge of the Iwo Jima, followed by a loud explosion. The accident claimed the lives of eight squadron members. The lost crews included (from #148820): aircraft commander 1LT Allen C. Hertz, pilot CPT Paul F. McNally, crew chief CPL Frank W. Wilson, and gunner LCPL Carl E. McBee; and (from #148791) aircraft commander 1LT Nicolaus A. Doeden, pilot 1LT Gerald O. McKay, crew chief CPL Gary D. Tracy, and gunner PFC Curtis L. Foster. The remains of all crewmen were recovered. The squadron held a memorial service on the flight deck of the Iwo Jima the following morning. [Taken from popasmoke.com, archive.org, and vhpa.org]

I new Curtis very well. we were in the same outfit Hmm-161 out of Hawaii we were in the same cube or sleeping area in Oakinawa for the month of April 65 and than we went to Viet Nam. We made a beach landing in May of 65 at Chu Lie south of De Nang. I remember when the two helicopters collided togeather in the early morning, It was still dark. We lost Eight marines. I was suppose to be on one of the two H-34 Helicopters but I was told to not to go on this mission. As I look in my squadron book, Ive thought about him many times through the years.and the others lost that morning. They were good Marines. God Bless Curtis and the others

Dear PFC Curtis Lamarr Foster, 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