THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Captain David Head,
Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer with the 1st Cavalry. I did the research on you the the 49th anniversary of the start of your tour, sad. 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.

1LT Christopher L. Clearwaters was an infantry unit commander serving with A Company, 5th Battalion, 7th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. On February 20, 1971, 1LT Clearwaters’ unit was operating to the east of FSB Snuffy in Phuoc Long Province (III Corps), RVN. Clearwaters’ unit had sporadic contact with the enemy during the day. During one of the engagements, Clearwaters was wounded. A medivac was requested but could not pick up Clearwaters due to a lack of Cobra helicopter gunship cover for the extraction. Another helicopter from the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion, which had been supporting infantry units operating from FSB Snuffy throughout the day, attempted to pick up Clearwaters. The pilot, CPT David N. Head, executed a high overhead approach to the top of the trees where the unit had popped a smoke grenade and used chainsaws to fell trees for the aircraft to hover down into. The enemy had broken contact and no ground fire was received going into the landing zone (LZ). The soldiers loaded Clearwaters onto the bird and CPT Head executed the takeoff from the LZ. After clearing the trees and accelerating from hover to forward flight, approximately 1/8 mile from the LZ the aircraft received fire from three sides, comprised of small arms and heavy machine guns. The aircraft was approximately 40 feet above the trees with high terrain located in front and on both sides. The attack was vicious with many enemy soldiers firing at the aircraft. During the initial assault, CPT Head and the crew chief, SP4 William W. Malone, sustained fatal injuries. The aircraft commander, CW2 John E. Cleary, took over the flight and executed evasive maneuvers. Each direction he turned was met with more enemy fire. At this time the aircraft was struck on the right side near the fuel tank with a B-40 rocket which brought helicopter down and severely wounded gunner SP4 Robert Coronado. The helicopter crashed into the trees and upon impact CW2 Cleary was blown out through what remained of the nose of the aircraft, still strapped in his seat. SP4 Coronado was trapped in the aircraft, but with Cleary’s help, he managed to free himself. Their passenger, Clearwaters, was killed in the crash. A medivac arrived with a Cobra escort and engaged the enemy. Coronado and Cleary were rescued and flown to a military hospital. Coronado died the following day from wounds received in crash. Cleary was badly burned but survived, enduring several months in hospitals upon his return home. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Dear Captain David Neil Head, 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

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent sdust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.