THE WALL OF FACES

Dear LCDR William Frawley,
Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot) from the U.S.S. RANGER. You are still MIA. Please come home.
On this day, Columbus reached our continent, and we honor all of you who stand for us. 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. Be at peace.

LT William D. Frawley was a pilot assigned to Fighter Squadron 143 onboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger. On March 1, 1966, he launched in his F-4B Phantom II with his Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), LTJG William M. Christensen. Along with two other F-4 aircraft, they were assigned an armed coastal reconnaissance mission. After routine aerial refueling, they began their mission into what was deteriorating weather conditions. While just off the coast of North Vietnam and at extremely low level (approximately 500 feet) all three aircraft began a coordinated low-level turn through inclement weather. Midway through the turn, the lead aircraft lost contact with Frawley's plane. The flight leader radioed Frawley to see if he held the flight leader visually. Frawley responded that he did not. The flight leader then joined up on the third F-4, but neither were able to contact or get a visual on Frawley's aircraft. The flight leader contacted a rescue destroyer and reported the last known position of Frawley’s aircraft. Limited search efforts were begun by the USS Berkeley, USS Isbell and HU-16 and A-1H aircraft, covering an area from the shoreline out to 10 miles. No visual or electronic signals were made of the two crewmembers. The other two F-4s returned safely to the Ranger without further incident. Circumstances strongly suggest that the Frawley’s aircraft flew into the water and both crewmen were killed. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

Bill Frawley was a leader, great baseball player and good friend to all. His sacrifice is not forgotten, nor are his heroic missions in Vietnam. The photograph I am submitting shows Bill hoisted on the shoulder of his team mates. In 1952 and 1953, the Brockton Pony League All Stars played in the Pony League World Series in Washington, Pennsylvania, finishing in second place both years. On August 13, 1952, the Brockton team shown here had just won the second game of the World Series, defeating New Castle, Pa, 4 to 3.

Dear LCDR William David Frawley, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you 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. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.

Curt Carter (son of Sgt Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne, February 4, 1966, South Vietnam)

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.