THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Gary Thede is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

My cousin,
How I wish we could have met. My Mom remembers the day you passed so well. You were due to come home when tragedy struck. RIP Larry. God bless you and thank you for your service. Much respect, always. Penny

I have remembered Larry continuously for over 50 years. I am from his home town of Sebewaing and was a good friend (along with a big group) who all got separated by the war. I was present in Danang on my 2nd tour with the Navy Seabees, and was actually working at the airbase when Larry was killed. I was notified by letter and the hometown newspaper of his death, which shook me to the core. If I'd have known we were serving so close together (on the other side of the world) I surely would have visited him. That has been my biggest regret ever since. Rest in peace my Friend.

Sergeant Larry Neil Bakke, Served with the 366th Supply Squadron, 366th Combat Support Group, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force.

On June 7, 1969, Viet Cong gunners launched 36 rockets and mortars into Da Nang and nearby military posts. Four American airmen were killed at Da Nang Air Base after eight 122mm rockets were fired into the facility. All four were from the 366th Supply Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. They included SGT Larry N. Bakke, TSGT Kenneth L. Ford, A1C George D. Kinnett, and SGT Clifford J. Lefler. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “4 Airmen Killed at Da Nang.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, June 8, 1969]