THE WALL OF FACES

Our time together will never be forgotten. I will remember you always and we will meet again.

DEAR STAFF SERGEANT BAKER,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN INTELLIGENCE ASSISTANT. SEMPER FI. HALLOWEEN IS APPROACHING, AND ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS' DAYS - THE DAYS WE HONOR THOSE WHO LEFT US. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.

On February 18, 1971, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter CH-53D (tail number 156667) from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 463 (HMH-463) crashed with the loss of all nine personnel aboard. The aircraft was returning to Marble Mountain, approximately 5.5 miles NE of Hue, when it experienced a mechanical failure and crashed at Doi Dian, Thua Thien Province (I Corps). A reported flight control failure caused the helicopter to explode in mid-air. The lost crew members included pilot MAJ Wayne R. Hyatt, co-pilot 1LT Strather F. Wood, and crewmen SGT William C. Odom Jr., SGT Allen K. McElfresh, and CPL Larry R. Hatter. The passengers consisted of SSGT Richard T. Baker, SGT Richard A. Lillie, SGT Gregory A. Sloat, and SFC James A. Long. [Taken from vhpa.org and the book U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Damaged or Destroyed by Douglas E. Campbell]

Semper Fi, Staff Sergeant.

Dear SSGT Richard Thomas 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter