THE WALL OF FACES

I just now discovered that my roommate at Great Lakes BOQ was killed in Vietnam. I am stunned!!! I went from flight training to the Great Lakes Naval Hospital for surgery in 1964, after an accident and Curt and I shared a 2 bdrm suite at the BOQ. I did not know he went to Vietnam. My roommate at Pensacola was a POW from 1965 to 1973 (Bill Tschudy), and other roommate LT L. M. Kennedy was killed in 1964 when his F8-U crashed in LA. RIP Dr. Curt!!!

Dear LT Curtis Richard Baker, 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

On March 28, 1967 this aircraft from Marine Observation Squadron 2 (VMO-2) was operating in the Quang Tri Province (I Corps) near Dong Ha when it received hostile fire causing it to crash. Crew members aboard included MAJ Jack C. Owens, PFC George M. Stevenson, CPL Paul E. Albano, and LT Curtis R. Baker, the VMO-2 flight surgeon who was flying in the left seat. All suffered fatal injuries in the crash. [Taken from vhpa.org]

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep longnvigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving nthy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

Curtis is buried at Arlington Nat Cem.