THE WALL OF FACES

CPT Gaylord, You are remembered and honored. Observer in O-1G 51-12045 on that ill-fated mission.

WO Selvwyn R. Taylor was assigned as a fixed wing pilot with the 184th Aviation Company, 210th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade. On March 16, 1969, he was the pilot of an O-1 Birddog flying a reconnaissance and spotter mission. His passenger was CPT Douglas D. Gaylord, an artillery officer. On this night they were flying the Eagle Watch mission (midnight – 4 AM) looking for mortar flashes around Dong Tam in the Mekong Delta. At about 4 AM, the perimeter guards reported seeing their aircraft go down. WO Taylor and CAPT Gaylord were fatally injured in the crash. CPT Gaylord was on his third tour when he was killed in action. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and veteransmemorial.us]

I Rember the first time I saw Doug. He came down from St. Louis Mo.with his mother Lorene. To visit his grandmother, Grandma Shelton, which my cousin and I always called her. she lived 2 houses down from our grandmother. I just loved when he came to visit. He was the the most handsome boy I ever saw. We played at the Brown shoe factory. Baseball, football, tag, rode bikes, and rolled down the grassy hill. Grandma Shelton would give us money to walk to Benny Crosses drive in. Which was right down below the house.my cousin and me always argued about who he liked the best. But he always held my hand when we were walking. My cousin and Doug. We're 3 years older than me. She said it was because I was younger. And he was looking after me. But as we got older, he still held my hand, and would give me a hug.she finally realized he liked me just more than a friend .
He had a beautiful smile. He was always tanned, and his teeth were so white. As we got older. He didn't come as often. He had his own car and stayed around St.Louis with his friends. I had a boyfriend here. And he had a girlfriend there. We remained good friends. He always made sure when he came down, to see me. Doug was always so sweet, kind, gentle boy. When they told me that Doug lost his life. I was devastated. I didn't want to believe it. I know as his daughter, I'm sure you are beautiful inside and out. Lorene was always a beautiful woman. We always had such great times together. And will never be forgotten.

Dear Captain Douglas Drue Gaylord, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

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, perchnace, may therein comfort you.