THE WALL OF FACES

Roger and I had just returned from R&R in Australia. We were on a late night operation near the village of Ben Suc. I was in a gunship covering the flight into the LZ when a gunship from s different company flew into Rogers helicopter. Roger and Arnie Sanford were both KIA along with 13 others.

Warrant Officer Roger Martin Auld Jr., Served with the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company, 11th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

I was Roger's roommate before I went home--His last letter said that he had just been to Australia and wanted to go back--Always was just a great guy!

Remembering Roger today and always.

Not sure I totally agree with the excerpt from DOD... I was flying a gunship (Crossbow) on the way out to escort the flight to the LZ; they were at our 10-11 o'clock position. All the lift ships had their lights on dim. Mid air occurred right in front of us; we broke right to avoid the flight. I remember the flight in a slow left turn when the two collided.. We never saw the gunship, I think he was "blacked out" coming on station. We followed the wreckage down until impact with the ground and both were on fire prior to impact and continued to burn on the ground. Roger was "short" with only a few weeks left in country. A great guy, always seemed to be smlling...he was with 2nd platoon of the Robinhoods.