THE WALL OF FACES

On October 9, 1969, a UH-1H helicopter crew and passengers were attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River. During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck a bamboo thicket, causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds. Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and 19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions. No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified. The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to survive, later drowned or was lost in the incident. The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft commander, was lost and his remains were recovered. SGT Dallas A. Driver, SGT Jimmy R. Garbett, SGT Raymond G. Moore, SGT James L. Suydam and SP5 James H. Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor among the missing. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

On October 10, 1970, a UH-1H helicopter crew and passengers were attempting an extraction from a mined pick-up zone in eastern Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam, near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River. During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees, causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds. Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and 19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions. No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified. A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to survive, later drowned or was lost in the incident. The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to reach safety. The two remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James A. Bailey, the aircraft commander, was lost and his remains were recovered. Others who perished in the crash included SGT Dallas A. Driver, SGT Jimmy R. Garbett, SGT Raymond G. Moore and SP5 James H. Turner. All were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor among the missing. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

Skipped his high school graduation to join the Navy during WWII. Moved on to Army paratroopers and finally to an Army helicopter pilot.

Dear CWO James Albert Bailey, sir

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

AC was chalk #6 on a CA operation to extract troops at an LZ. During takeoff and traveling approx 150', the retreating blade struck a bamboo thicket and continued for another 75m with severe vibration. Pilot made a right turn and radioed he was going into river. Pilot settled acft into river and acft began to roll left causing retreating blade to strike the water, break and lodge into the right front of fuselage. The xmsn broke loose and TR struck water causing acft to roll inverted. AC remained afloat for approx 7-10 seconds and sunk nose first.