THE WALL OF FACES

Uncle David,

You gave everything and all, I thank you for answering the call to duty! You and Uncle John inspired me to join the military. I'm sad I never had the opportunity to meet you but love hearing your stories from our families and friends. Inspiration sometimes comes from people you never have a chance to meet. I love you and thank you for your service!! I teach my children of the great sacrifice you were willing and made for your country, you and uncle John are a true example American hero's who put their life on the line for their country. I salute you sir!

Love your nephew

David is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, block 8, across from the Soldier's Circle section, 5th row in from the west end, 5th column in from the south (Banks family plot). David is buried next to his brother John who was also killed in action in Vietnam.

The 29th Troop Carrier Squadron deployed from Forbes AFB, Kansas, to Clark Air Base, Republic of the Philippines, in response to the build-up in Southeast Asia. As with other PACAF transport squadrons, the 29th TCS went onto the rotation list for duty in South Vietnam. On 29 March 1966 C-130B tail number 61-0953 was deploying to RVN when it undershot the runway during a night landing at Pleiku Air Base. The crash killed three of the five crewmen aboard:
• Lt Col Lee B. Tate, St Louis, MO, pilot;
• 1st Lt John L. Banks, Duluth, MN, copilot; and
• A1C Ronald C. Logan, St Joseph, MO, flight engineer.

On 16 April 1969 Private David L. Banks, serving with H&S Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines was wounded by an accidental discharge while standing a bridge watch at Dai Loc, southwest of Danang. He was evacuated to the hospital ship USS SANCTUARY where he died on 21 April 1969.

John and David Banks are buried with their mother in the Greenwood Cemetery, Superior, Wisconsin.

Dear PFC David Lenox Banks, 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

David is buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Superior,WI.