THE WALL OF FACES

Hello - I wore Steven Hastings' bracelet during high school in the 70s. I've read the history of his disappearance and I'd very much like to send the bracelet to a close family member. My deepest sympathy. Thank you.

I grew up listening to stores about him but we never met.

On August 1, 1968, WO William Fernan, aircraft commander, 1LT Peter J. Marshall, pilot, SP5 Steven M. Hastings, crew chief, and SP4 Donald R. Fowler, gunner, were the crew of a U.S. Army UH-1C helicopter (#66-15154), call sign Mad Dog 36, from the 240th Assault Helicopter Company, in a flight of two helicopters on a combat mission in Phuoc Long Province, RVN. The two gunships had been scrambled at 7:15 PM to go to the aid of a 12-man reconnaissance team under fire from a much larger enemy force. Due to inclement weather and poor visibility, the mission was aborted. During the return flight, the two helicopters became separated while attempting to return to the Song Be Air Strip via FM homing device. One aircraft crashed into the trees, and its crewmembers were extracted the following morning. Radio contact was lost with Fernan’s helicopter after his last transmission at 8:25 PM in which he indicated that they were diverting to Bien Hoa Airbase. Search efforts began the next morning and lasted three days. No trace of the missing aircraft or its crew were found. Three years later, on August 6, 1971, the wreckage of Fernan’s helicopter was discovered by Montagnard woodcutters about seventy-five miles north of Saigon. Fifteen days later, a recovery effort was conducted and found the helicopter had not burned. During the mission, several skeletal portions that matched the physical characteristics of Fernan were found along with other items belonging to him. Five flight helmets in good condition were also located. One of the helmets had tape on it with the printed name “1LT P.J. Russell.” On September 19-20, 1971, a second recovery effort was launched. The crashed helicopter was moved away from the impact point revealing a portion of a skull and other remains. They were identified as being more of those belonging to Fernan. During an extensive search in and around the crash site, no evidence of the other three crewmembers were located, although several first aid packets were found opened and used. The seat belts for the right front pilot position were still buckled in the area of the aircraft which took the brunt of the crash and would have been occupied by Fernan or Russell. The whereabouts of the other three crewmen is unknown. Russell was promoted to Captain during the time he has been missing; Fowler was promoted to Specialist Six and Hastings to Staff Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

I had the privilege of wearing Stevens. Bracelet for 10 years! I got it when I was quite young, and just found it in an old jewelry box!!

I had Steven M Hastings bracelet for many years. I got it many years ago, and wore it for about 10 years. I just found it in my old jewelry box!!