THE WALL OF FACES

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 Edward.

On March 1, 1969, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D (tail number 65-10020) from the 174th Assault Helicopter Company was operating in in Quang Ngai Province, about 5 miles southwest of Mo Duc. The aircraft, piloted by WO1 Edward L. Harris and WO1 Ray R. Davis, was flying 1/20 Infantry Battalion Command and Control. At the time of the accident, the aircraft was being used to exchange personnel on an observation post (o.p.). The aircraft had been into the location on one previous personnel drop-off and was returning with the remainder of personnel and equipment. On the first drop off at the o.p. the approach was made to the southeast which put the aircraft into the wind, and no apparent problems were reported. On the second lift onto the o.p., the approach was started to the northwest, which put the aircraft downwind. The approach was apparently overshot by whoever had control of the aircraft at the time. The pilot in control of the aircraft apparently tried to make a pedal turn to get back on the o.p. At this time it is assumed that the aircraft lost power and began losing altitude. Approximately 50 meters down the hill the main rotor struck the ground. Slightly further down the main fuselage made impact and started to break apart. A fire erupted in the main portion of the aircraft which completely consumed the helicopter. The crash killed the entire crew of the helicopter, consisting of the aircraft commander WO1 Davis, pilot WO1 Harris, crew chief SP4 Donn P. Zarina, and gunner PFC David E. Schulze. The crash also took the lives of five passengers, including SGT Rodney M. Goode, SP4 Jimmy R. Gross, CPL David E. Lovegren, SP4 Thomas L. Gaines, and CPL James A. Craft. Two passengers survived the wreck and were removed by medevac shortly afterwards for medical treatment. During the recovery operation, CPL Lovegren's body was being hoisted onboard the extraction helicopter when the lifting device dropped his remains about 1,000 meters from the extraction point. An effort was made to relocate and recover Lovegren's body, but hostile forces were in the loss area, and CPL Lovegren could not be recovered. CPL David E. Lovegren is listed with honor among the missing because his body has never been returned to his homeland for burial. [Taken from vhpa.org and pownetwork.org]

Dear WO Edward Lewis Harris, 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

Edward Lewis Harris's graduation picture

My Father Edward Lewis Harris and his two Children Greggory Aurther Harris and April Dawn Harris