THE WALL OF FACES

In 1967, the U.S. Air Force’s 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron began operating the Cessna O-2A Skymaster as a replacement for the O-1 Bird Dog in the role of forward air control. The O-2A was a modified civilian Cessna 337 with an engine at each end of the fuselage. It carried more ordnance than the O-1, had more power, and was capable of longer loiter times. On November 20, 1969, instructor pilot Lt Col Walter A. Renelt and pilot 2d Lt John R. Baldridge Jr. were the crew of an O-2A (#67-21301), call sign Lopez 1, conducting a visual reconnaissance mission over Laos. At about 4:25 PM, the pilot of the FAC aircraft heard a radio transmission from Baldridge indicating that their Skymaster had been hit by groundfire and one of their engines had failed. The FAC diverted to their area within three minutes and observed the O-2A aircraft had crashed and was burning near Route 9666, 24 kilometers (14.8 miles) west of Ngok Tavak Airfield. Searches for survivors were conducted; however, the FAC reported he had not seen any signs of life around the crash site. The following day, an attempt was made to insert U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, but the helicopters were driven off by enemy fire including .50 caliber machine gun fire. Subsequent searches were made by photo reconnaissance aircraft, but no further attempts were made to insert personnel because of the tactical situation on the ground. An electronic search was maintained for emergency beeper or radio signals, but none were heard, and all search efforts were concluded November 28th. The FAC who overflew the crash site initially reported that the wing and tail boom of the Skymaster were separated from the fuselage by approximately 100 feet, and that part of the fuselage had burned. He stated the aircraft apparently impacted vertically at high speed. Neither pilot carried a parachute, and it was determined that the chances of crew survival were non-existent. The remains of either crewman have not been recovered. Both were promoted during the time they have been missing, Renelt to Colonel, and Baldridge to Capitan. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org and pleikuab.com]

to the family of Captain John Robert Baldridge Junior I have been honoring your loved one and still have the silver bracelet of his missing in action dated November 20, 1969. I deeply thank him for his services and know that my heart goes out to all of you, it was 55 years ago when I purchased this bracelet to honor John, I currently live on Long Island, New York and still have the bracelet. May he rest in peace?

I hope this doesn't bring up bad memories for anyone, but if any of the family members would like to have this bracelet, I still have it and would gladly send it to you. I wore it for 2 years after the war ended hoping to hear news of him and then tucked it away in my jewelry box. Please contact me at: [email protected]
Thank you for your son's bravery and sacrifice to keep us free!

Still remember that day i marshalled the two of you out may you rest in piece .

Butch was my upperclassman at Bossier High School in Louisiana and in the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. I can’t think of a finer, more honorable man. I looked up to him as a role model.