ROBERT WENDELL GILLIAM
ROBERT W GILLIAM
11E/57
REMEMBRANCES
Thank You
Thank you for your service as a Huey, UH-1 Helicopter Repairer - Door Gunner. Merry Christmas. 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.
We Remember
Remembering An American Hero
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
Final Mission of U.S. Army helicopter UH-1B tail number 64-13932
Crew members included CAPT Harry T. Whetzel (KIA), WO1 Robert F. Chamberlain (KIA), SP5 Robert W. Gilliam (KIA), and SP4 Johnny L. Neal (KIA). There are two summaries of the crash: #1 - Aircraft was on a firing mission against enemy positions. Eyewitness on ground talking to pilot pointing out enemy position stated aircraft pitched nose up and out of control, then nosed toward ground and crashed and burned. It was undetermined whether enemy fire or other causes brought down the aircraft. #2 - This gun ship was shot down on an independent mission between Dong Ba Thin and Phan Rang while engaging an enemy .50 caliber machine gun which had a friendly unit pinned down with its deadly fire. (From 129 AHC unit history for 1967) [Taken from vhpa.org]