THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

John. You were older when I pledged the fraternity, so I barely knew you. I remember when I heard of your death. There was plaque placed on the wall for you after that. I hope it is still there. God bless you.
My time in the Navy was spent on the Mekong River not in the air. So, we were brothers in fraternity and brothers in arms.

LT John A. Griner was U.S. Navy pilot assigned to Attack Squadron 212 (VA-212) “Rampant Raiders” embarked on the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CV-19). On February 9, 1970, Griner was on his second strike mission of the day in a Douglas A-4F Skyhawk (#155005) when his jet experienced a blown main tire during the aircraft catapult. He was forced to divert to Da Nang Airbase in Quang Nam, RVN, after the blowout caused ordinance to hang up in the bomb racks. Griner’s air wing was directed by the air group commander to redirect to the airbase if they encountered hung ordinance instead of jettisoning the bomb load due to a shortage of triple ejector racks in the naval surface forces of the Western Pacific. Because of the blown tire, Griner did not execute a field arrestment upon landing. After touchdown, the Skyhawk began to leave the runway, headed for the arresting gear stanchion. The jet rolled and was inverted when Griner ejected. He suffered fatal injuries after the seat took him into arresting gear unit or the ground. A memorial service was held for Griner on the USS Hancock three days later. The damaged Skyhawk was sent to Atsugi Naval Air Facility in Japan for repairs and reassigned to VA-127 on November 24, 1971, almost two years after the incident. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and skyhawk.org]

LT John Arthur Griner is buried in Section A, Block 2, Lot 8, Grave 2 of the Cold Spring Presbyterian Cemetery in Cape May, NJ.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Lt. John Arthur Griner was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight, He served as a Pilot and was assigned to VA-212, CVW-21, USS HANCOCK, TF 77, 7TH FLEET.
See https://navy.togetherweserved.com/