THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

On March 15, 1971, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 68-15441) from the 117th Assault Helicopter Company crashed after takeoff from Saigon H-3 heliport adjacent to Tan Son Nhut Airbase after experiencing a transmission seizure. Four crewmen were killed in the incident. They included aircraft commander WO1 Jerry W. Kirkendoll, pilot CW2 Raymond J. George, crew chief SP4 Gregory S. Morgan, and gunner SP4 Jerry W. Peoples. The tower at Hotel-3 helicopter field cleared 441 to takeoff after receiving a hover check report from the crew. The aircraft departed and appeared to be making a normal takeoff and climb out. It started a left turn with a normally indicated air speed and an altitude of 100 to 150 feet. While in a left banking turn, the aircraft was observed to encounter some turbulent reaction. The helicopter then descended in an unusual attitude, the main rotor blades appearing to slow. The aircraft continued to lose altitude, and impacted at a high rate of descent, exploding after hitting on the forward slope of the large ditch. The engine, transmission, and most of the body of the aircraft settled into the ditch and burned in the post-crash fire. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Chief Warrant Officer Raymond James George, Served with the 117th Assault Helicopter Company, 222nd Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear CWO Raymond George,
Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot. 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.

Raymond George was my uncle. I was only two or three when he died in Vietnam so I don’t remember him. My mom Mickie - Ray’s older sister - loved him dearly and spoke highly of his generous and caring nature. I thank him and all veterans for their sacrifice. I pray Ray is at peace and is with my mom also now passed.