THE WALL OF FACES

I never met Mark Jr. But I knew his Dad well and babysat his half sister. For many years he was MIA and his Dad kept believing he would come back, of us who knew his Dad prayed it was true. There was some confusion on his return all thought he would come home alive. His Dad was crushed, we all saw his spark leave him then. His sacrifice was great and all that knew his Dad knew what price such sacrifice demands. Though we never met I will never forget you.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Robin is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...

I met Mark in May of 1968, Fort Stewart, GA at our first day of flight school. The class photo from that day is on my wall. So is a photo of us in August of 1968. I think of Mark often and recall his humor. He was a good man and a good officer. I last saw Mark on January 14, 1969, the day we graduated and pinned our wings on. I miss him as I miss others in our class, friends, that did not return home.

On October 3, 1969, A U.S. Army OV-1C Mohawk (#61-2679) from the 225th Aviation Company piloted by CPT Mark A. Babson Jr. with SP4 James T. Savage on board failed to return from an infrared surveillance mission. A search and rescue operation was conducted for seven days with negative results. Both Babson and Savage were listed as Missing in Action. On September 12, 1970, the Mohawk was found where it had crashed into a ridgeline 25 miles northeast of Dalat. Both crewmen’s remains were recovered and identified. Savage was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

CPT Babson, You are remembered. Ill-fated flight, OV-1C 61-2691.