THE WALL OF FACES

On September 3, 1966, a USAF F-4C Phantom II (#64-0771) from the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron was on an Instrument Landing System (ILS) approach in bad weather to Cam Ranh Air Base in Khanh Hoa Province, RVN, when the aircraft disappeared from the controllers' radar scopes. The jet had been flying in formation with other aircraft, but broke formation due to weather. 0771 never arrived at Cam Ranh AB. It was later learned that the aircraft had crashed into a mountaintop south of the air base, killing both crewmen. The lost crew were CAPT Clifford S. Heathcote Jr. and CAPT William P. Simmons. A board of inquiry was convened and was never able to say for sure what happened to 0771 or to rule out any possibility cause of the crash. [Taken from virtualwall.org and 12tfw.org]

Dear Captain Clifford S Heathcote Jr, 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 you have any additional information about this hero or are a relative, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] or 1-800-648-8387.

Clifford is buried at Evergreen Cemetery, Elizabeth,NJ. DFC AM-4OLC PH

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep lo ng vigils by the silent dust, 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.