THE WALL OF FACES

On the remembrance of your 70th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

On June 10, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 66-16409), call sign Ghostrider 409, from the 189th Assault Helicopter Company (“Ghostriders”), was flying in the vicinity of the Jurai Montagnard village of Edap Enang (also know as “Tin City”) near Duc Co, a U.S. Special Forces camp west of Pleiku in the Central Highlands. While flying low-level underneath cloud cover, the helicopter reportedly suffered a broken transmission strap. A chase helicopter noticed Ghostrider 409 had unusual lateral vibrations whenever it was placed in a steep left bank as the pilot maneuvered to avoid hostile groundfire. Moments later, the helicopter lost power, nearly became inverted, and was brought back under control as the aircraft commander, WO1 Dale E. Greife, attempted to autorotate into an opening in the jungle below. There was not enough airspeed and altitude available to complete the maneuver, and the aircraft went into the trees 200 feet short of the clearing. Greife died when a tree penetrated the rear of the cockpit area and pinned him to the roof, killing him instantly. The crew chief, SP5 Ronald W. Rash, was thrown out of the helicopter. Rash suffered multiple internal injuries and died a few minutes after the crash. The co-pilot escaped serious injury, except for minor cuts, bruises, and sprained right ankle. The door gunner fractured his back and received facial lacerations, although he was able to walk out to a clearing with the co-pilot. They were rescued and flown to the 77th Evacuation Hospital at Pleiku. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vhpa.org, and the book “Secret Green Beret Commandos in Cambodia: A Memorial History of MACV-SOG's in Cambodia” by Fred S. Lindsey]

Dear WO Dale Greife,
Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation 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.

Dear WO Dale Edward Greife, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Thank you Warrant Officer Greife for your skill and courage.