THE WALL OF FACES

On January 5, 1966, a U.S. Army helicopter CH-54A Skycrane (tail number 64-14204) from the 478th Aviation Company crashed while after completing an ammo resupply for an artillery unit. The aircraft was returning to An Khe. Since this was one of the first times they had flown with sling gear that included a net with a canvas bottom, the crew tried an experiment. They let out all 100 feet of cable while the sling equipment dangling from the hook. Either the cable or the sling gear tangled in the tail rotor and whipped into the main rotor blades. One main blade came off and went through the cabin. The aircraft disintegrated and crashed. There were no survivors. The lost crewmen included pilots CW3 Alton L. Gajan and CW2 Robert C. Lane, crew chief SP5 Joseph E. Hetzer Jr., and crewmen SP4 Lionel J. Bryan Jr., and SP5 Carver J. English Jr. This was the first CH-54A loss and fatalities in Vietnam. Since the 478th Aviation Company only had four aircraft, this loss significantly impacted their operations. (Information by Bob Marsh) [Taken from vhpa.org]

Joseph is buried at Grandview Cemetery, North Bersailles,PA>

Dear SP5 Joseph Edward Hetzer 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

Specialist Hetzer looking directly at the camera( hands on pockets), taken in south vietnam, at Ban Me Thout around july - Aug 1963 (Photo Credit: Manuel Leon) Rest in peace with the warriors.

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