THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Stan was my roomate in USAF Pilot Training at Reese AFB, TX, CLASS 58N, graduating 28 May 1958. We met up again in May 1961 at Hurlburt AFB, Fl. in a top secret project called 'Jungle Jim', JFK's reactivation of the famous WWII 1st Air Commando Group. We were given WWII aircraft and sent to Vietnam ostensibly to (train) Vietnamese in fighting the anti-government Viet Cong guerillas. In fact, we were the USAF Special Operations Air Commando unit working with the Army Green Berets to set up their camps, resupply them and defend them when they came under attack. Stan deployed in November 1961 and was lost Feb. 2, 1962 on a psywar leaflet drop near a Green Beret Special Forces camp. RIP Stan.

First Lieutenant Stanley Gerald Hartson, Served with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 314th Air Division, 13th Air Force.

Dear Lt Stanley Hartson,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. Your 83rd birthday is soon, happy birthday. It is Holy Week. 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.

Lt. Hartson,

A day doesn't go by that you and the others KIA 2/11/62 are in my thoughts and prayers. I served with MAAG-VN. I stood on the tarmac with others at Bien Hoa Air Base to pay our respects at a memorial service. There were 8 flag draped caskets lined up. One of them could have been for me. It haunts me to this day. Never forget.