THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Willie,
We were only married a short time, but the time we had was good. Remember flying the controlled model airplanes you built from scratch. You taught me a lot. I remember how brave you were shortly before leaving for Nam. You were special - mainly because of your love of flying. You could have gotten a less dangerous assignment and you refused. I loved you deeply and part of my heart will always belong to you. You were responsible for my second marriage to a Navy S2 pilot. We are together here over 50 years later and you have always been a part of our family. We have two sons. I 'll always remember you.
Barbi Ann

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear Lt William Gottschalk,
Thank you for your service as a HMH/M/L/A/ (I) Helicopter Pilot. 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.

On May 12, 1967, a U.S. Marine Corps CH-46A (#152550) from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 262 (HMM 262), Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36), crashed into the South China Sea after suffering a structural failure. There were no survivors. The lost crew included pilot CAPT Jay A. Mitchell, co-pilot 1LT William H. Gottschalk, and crewmen CPL James M. Akstin and CPL William F. Clover Jr. The aircraft was one of two helicopters shuttling 4,400 pounds of cargo between Ky Ha and Marble Mountain Air Facility. At approximately 1430H [2:30 PM], the number two aircraft crashed in the sea. The aft pylon was observed to leave the aircraft before it entered the water. All CH-46's were grounded in the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW) pending investigation of cracks in the aft transmission mount area. All aircraft were subsequently returned to Okinawa for tail reinforcement and returned to duty. [Taken from popasmoke.com]

Marine Corps Recruit Depot
San Diego, CA
First Battalion
Platoon 179
"HONOR PLATOON"

Commenced Training: 03 December 1962
Completed Training: 12 February 1963

SSGT B.J. Williams - Platoon Commander
SSGT R.L. Scroggin - JDI
SSGT T.W. Jones - JDI
SGT J.N. Camp - JDI

William H. Gottschalk was the only member of Platoon 179 to be KIA in Viet Nam.