THE WALL OF FACES

I knew Richard from a previous tour in Korea. We met again at our first day in Can Tho Viet Nam. I was a Huey guy and he was a Chinook guy. Every moring when out flight took off Richard wuld come out from his Chinook and wave. I would wave back and he would know I was on the days mission. We were scrambled one after noon to cover and aircraft that was shot down. When we got on the sceen I could see it was a Chinook. It had been hit by a shoulder fired rocket we did not know they had at that time. The aircraft was badly damaged. It must have been a fire ball on the way down. They had around 15 or so civilian passengers on board with a crew of 6. It was a mess. But one person was off the the side just laying there. At first we thought he was alive. But it was apparent he jumped out to get away from the fire. It was my friend Freeman. That hurt me to the bone.

Specialist Four Richard Barton Freeman, Served with the 18th Aviation Company (Corps), 164th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Served with him in Korea and Viet Nam. In Viet Nam I was in the Unit next door. When we flew out in the morning he would come out of his chinook and wave. If someone waved back he knew it was me.

Hi Richard! Although I never met you, I feel as if I know you through your brother Tom, my husband, and the rest of your family. May God continue to bless and keep you safe in his arms until we all join you! Love you and happy anniversary in Heaven! XXXOOO Sister-in -law Linda

Dear SP4 Richard Barton Freeman, 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