THE WALL OF FACES

I was flying the other helicopter that Jim Gilbert and Sargent Rodriquez where providing cover for when they were shot down. I have not forgotten their sacrifice.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your childhood friend Rob Benjamin is touching. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Warrant Officer James Michael Gilbert, Served with A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear WO James Gilbert,
Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot. Happy Advent. 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.

Jim and I were childhood friends when he lived with his parents near Garrison, Minnesota. We were 10 years old. He subsequently moved back to Waterloo with his parents. He was an only child like me and very smart. Jim lived on a small farm.A favorite memory is when their family bull chased Jim and me and we dove through the barbed wire fence to escape and I snagged and tore my shirt but happy to have avoided a worse fate as the bull was quite aggressive.I am also a Vietnam artillery veteran and very sad that Jim didn't survive the war.