THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Wayne W. Baggett was a flight-qualified UH-1 helicopter repairer serving with the 17th Assault Helicopter Company. On April 11, 1971, the 1-20 Infantry Headquarters located at LZ Liz observed an Easter Sunday service with the battalion chaplain, CAPT Merle D. Brown. A hot meal was provided, brought in by a resupply helicopter earlier in the day. At 1600 hours, Alpha Company's resupply ship, Dolphin 21 (ship #191), returned to 3rd Platoon to pick up the empty cans and personnel. SP4 Baggett was the crew chief on this flight. While departing the 3rd Platoon field location, Dolphin 21 was hit by either one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) or an M-79 round. The aircrew attempted to fly the aircraft out of the LZ; however, it was hit by a second RPG or M-79 round which caused the aircraft to crash into the LZ and burn. The LZ then came under a heavy volume of small arms fire, M-79, RPG, B-40 rocket, and machine gun fire from the northeast, east, and south of the perimeter at a distance of 75-100 meters. SP4 Baggett and CAPT Brown were fatally injured in the incident. Nine other U.S. personnel were killed as they attempted to secure the downed helicopter. They included SSGT Jean P. Humbert, SGT James L. Armstrong, SP4 Jon M. Melin, SP4 Jack P. Begley, PFC Douglas A. Varner, PFC Joseph E. Schoolmeesters, PFC Edward P Pilkington, PFC Richard M. Warren, and PFC Joe R. Silva. Another ten were wounded. [Taken from 174ahc.org]

I was in Delta company, we CA'd in the prior day and was told we were going to replace Alpha company right after Easter. On Easter 4-11-1971 Chaplain Merle Brown flew to our position to give us Easter services and eat lunch with us. His bird picked him up, Wayne Baggett was the Crew Chief and took him to Alpha's location not far from us. We watched as the ambush occurred, we knew it was bad, 11 brave men died that day. This day every year is very difficult for me.

Thanks for your service as a soldier and with the Las Vegas Police and Nevada Highway Patrol. You will definitely be missed. Skeen

As a member of the class of 1969, and a Veteran of the war but escaped real action that Wayne sacrificed his life for it is my gift to make sure no one ever forget him and what he gave to our class. On behalf of American Legion Post 248 of which I am the commander. Please never forget Wayne who is deeply missed.

Wayne, every time we visited the wall in DC. I looked for your name, but never found it. I have thought of you often through the years and prayed for your family. We were friends at Glad Tidings Assembly of God in Tampa, Florida where you were part of our youth group.

Thank you for giving the ultimate sacrifice for your country. I know that one day I will see you in heaven and it will be a grand reunion!