THE WALL OF FACES

Lieutenant Robert William Harris, Served with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 (VAW-121), Carrier Air Wing 10 (CVW-10), USS Intrepid, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.

Bob and I were roommates and best friends at NAS Pensacola during flight training. I received a letter from Bob's parents informing me of the accident aboard the Intrepid. So many good men lost over there.RIP dear friend.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

Dear Lt Robert Harris,
Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot) on the U.S.S. INTREPID. It is Lent, which is a time of preparation. The war was years ago, but we all need to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Near dusk on September 23, 1968, the carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11) was conducting flight operations while underway in the Gulf of Tonkin. A Douglas A-4E Skyhawk (#152091) launched from the carrier suffered a generator failure and was forced to return. In the last few seconds before landing, the aircraft banked left, dropped its nose, and hit the Landing Signal Officers (LSO) platform, then tumbled into the sea. A cloud of steam rose where the Skyhawk hit the water. The pilot, LCDR David F. Callahan Jr., did not attempt an ejection, and was killed after his jet sank in 38 fathoms of water. The phone talker on the LSO, ABEAN Bobby L. Spencer, was grievously injured when the body of the Skyhawk hit the platform. He died shortly after in the ship’s operating room ten decks below. Another pilot, LT Robert W. Harris, was also killed while observing on the platform. Twenty-four hours later, at dusk on the 24th, a small memorial ceremony was held. Three wreaths were thrown into the South China Sea to honor the three who died in the crash. A prayer was said and “Taps” was played. Flight Operations resumed five minutes afterwards. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and the book “Who Are Those Guys?” by Thomas Mangan]