THE WALL OF FACES

Kontum City is located about 19 miles north of Pleiku City, in the Central Highlands in Kontum Province, RVN. During the first three months of 1972, a large build-up of enemy forces was detected in the valley area southwest of Dak To and northwest of Kontum City. A battle raged for months in and around the city and military base of Kontum. On May 17, 1972, a USAF Lockheed C-130E Hercules (#63-7798) from the 21st Tactical Airlift Squadron, 374th Tactical Airlift Wing, 7th Air Force, was operating on a resupply mission to Kontum Airfield. As the aircraft departed the airfield, it was struck by an enemy 122 mm rocket while climbing away and crashed. Three crewmen were killed in the crash, pilot CAPT Richard H. Hagman, navigator CAPT John W. Adams, and flight engineer TSGT David L. Wagner. Co-pilot 1LT Clarence P. Lewis was rescued and evacuated to the U.S. Army Hospital at Camp Zama in Japan, where he succumbed to his injuries May 21, 1972. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear Captain Richard Harold Hagman, 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

Photo was taken from the historic book “THE FACES BEHIND THE NAMES - The Vietnam War” with the permission of author Don Ward. Thank you Mr. Ward.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in peace and honor Dick.

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy 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.

Richard is buried at First Lutheran Cemetery, Rush City, Chicago County,MN. DFC AM PH