THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just two days after your 25th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Petty Officer Third Class John Henry Gilliland III, Served with the Public Works Division, United States Naval Support Activity (DaNang), United States Naval Forces Vietnam (USNAVFORV).

Dear CEW3 John Gilliland,
Thank you for your service as a Construction Electrician (Wiring.) 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 still remember you
God Bless You
RIP

On October 8, 1967, a United States Air Force Lockheed C-130B Hercules (#61-2649) transport aircraft from the 773rd Tactical Airlift Squadron, 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing, 7th Air Force, crashed into a cloud-covered mountain about 15 miles to the southeast of Phu Bai in marginal weather. The wreckage was found two days later about 150 feet below the summit of Dong Nhut Mountain. There were no survivors. Total losses were 23 personnel, including 5 crew members and 18 passengers. The Hercules aircraft had taken off from Phu Bai Airfield near Hue for the short flight to Da Nang. The weather was poor with low clouds and ground fog, and 10 minutes after taking off the aircraft flew into the 1850 feet high mountain. The wreckage was discovered two days later and the recovery mission was conducted by E Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines. The lost USAF crew included pilot (instructor) MAJ Robert W. Anderson, co-pilot LTC Christopher Braybrooke, navigator CAPT Scott M. Burkett, flight engineer A1C Terry M. Rehm, and loadmaster A2C Ronald P. Ruyff. The lost passengers were: (USMC) CPL William H. Arnold, SGT Francisco H. Gonzalez, PFC Bernie C. Kridler III, LCPL Dan E. Warner, and SGT Donald A. Wilkinson; (USAF) TSGT Cloyce O. Burkett Jr.;(USA) SP4 Richard G. Ferruggia, SP4 Terrance H. Larson, 1LT John S. Martin, SP4 Robert D. Nelson, SP4 Joseph P. Rowley, SP4 John D. Saville Jr., SP5 William L. Stewart Jr., and SP4 Ronald A. Vilardo; (USN) CEW3 John H. Gilliland III, CEP3 George A. Guy, BULCN Melvin E. Johnson, and HM1 Bobby D. Stevenson. Because it was not possible at the time to make individual identifications, a group burial was made at Arlington National Cemetery. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, 46thars.tripod.com, and aviation-safety.net]