THE WALL OF FACES

On May 26, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 69-15139) from the 326th Medical Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, was conducting a rescue and recovery mission in Thua Thien Province, RVN, for medical evacuation for elements of C Company, 2nd Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry, which had made contact with the enemy resulting in two wounded in action. While at hover at approximately 40 feet, the evacuation aircraft was lowering a jungle penetrator to the troops below when the helicopter sustained a hit from a rocket-propelled grenade round in the fuel cell. The aircraft crashed and burned with loss of all crewmen. The lost crew members included aircraft commander CW2 Edward T. O’Brien, pilot WO1 Bruce E. Graham, medic SGT William E. Hawkins, and crew chief SGT David K. Johnson. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vhpa.org, and Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, period ending July 31, 1970]

I did not know William Edward Hawkins, but like so many of our young men at that time (Vietnam).....he went in service to his country, even giving his life in doing so. There are not words good enough to express the gratitude I feel over his service. I know his family have missed him terribly all these years since. God bless them and this young many who gave his life for us.

Dear SGT William Edward Hawkins, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

I knew your mother and your sisters. Your mother married my maternal uncle, Ray Coburn, Sr. I got to spend a lot of time with your mother. She and my mother became quite close friends. When my uncle Ray was manager of the VFW in Madisonville in the late 1960s and early 1970s, my mom Echo Reynolds and your mom Mary Coburn, would make a "moonshine" run to neighboring Christian County to pick up the booze for the club (Hopkins was a dry county then)!! Wow! Our mothers were bootleggers!!!!
I am sorry I never got to meet you. I had already enlisted in the Air Force and left Hopkins County when you came to Madisonville. Dear Billy, may you rest in peace, love and tranquility forever.

William is buried at Augusta Memorial Park, Waynesboro, Augusta County,KY. BSM AM-16OLC PH-OLC