THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your commanding officer Patrick Falsetti is poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Phan Rang Air Base was located five miles northwest of Phan Rang in Ninh Thuan Province, RVN. Built by the Imperial Japanese Army about 1942, the airfield was used by the French Air Force during the First Indochina War, then abandoned in 1954. The United States rebuilt the airfield in 1965, and it was used by the U.S. Air Force and the Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) during the Vietnam War in the II Corps Tactical Zone. In October 1966, the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing took over as the host unit at Phan Rang. Two squadrons of B-57 Canberra tactical bombers were placed at Phan Rang with the 35th TWF. In the early morning of September 26, 1969, Air Force personnel were conducting ground maintenance on B-57s parked in aircraft revetments. At approximately 12:45 AM, an armament maintenance crew troubleshooting one of the bombers applied power from a portable ground power unit when the Canberra’s 20mm cannon suddenly discharged, striking a technician working on a plane across the revetment. A1C Michael D. Gunnels was hit in the right arm, shoulder, and chest. Critically injured, he was taken to the base hospital where he expired 90 minutes later. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Patrick A. Falsetti (July 2022)]

Michael's death frequently haunts me. I was Michael's commanding officer at the time and I was the one who had the duty and privilege of communicating with his mother at that terrible time. It was without a doubt the most difficult duty I have ever had to perform. This was a time before cell phones and computers and our back and forth communications through the mail lasted a least a few months. I believe that somewhere I still have those letters. While we had a few people wounded during my tour, Michael was the only person I lost. He was a fine young man and like all of the men and women whos names appear on The Wall was cut down in the prime of his life. I have visited The Wall a few times just to pay my respects and it is difficult for me to see not only Michael's name but all of the names inscribed there. It is, and has been, my hope that his Mom and family have finally found peace with this tragedy. I will remember his name forever. May God be with you Michael.

Michael, you are not forgotten.
Bob Britton

Michael, you are not forgotten.
Bob Britton