THE WALL OF FACES

On January 16, 1966, a U.S. Navy RA-5C Vigilante (#149312) from Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron Nine (RVAH-9), Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14), was attempting a night controlled landing aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger (CVA-61) when it crashed into the sea with the loss of both crewmen. The flight was reportedly on approach three-quarters of a mile out when pilot LCDR Charles D. Schoonover called “No ball,” meaning he was unable to see the carrier’s landing lights. The carrier landing signal officer (LSO) responded with “You’re too low,” and the Vigilante then climbed and came into the correct glidepath. As the aircraft closed in, the jet was approximately ten feet above the glideslope and was too high and fast over the landing ramp. The LSO transmitted “Bolter, bolter, bolter!” when it was clear that the plane would be unable to catch the arresting cable on the deck. Schoonover added power as the Vigilante briefly touched down on the deck in a shower of sparks. The jet continued off the flight deck in a normal attitude but failed to climb. The LSO radioed “Eject!” twice before the aircraft entered the water in a nose-high attitude. A helicopter arriving on the scene shortly after reported that both canopies on the Vigilante appeared to still be in place as the aircraft floated on the surface. The jet remained on the water for approximately five minutes with no ejection or attempted egress observed. It then slipped beneath the waves and disappeared, sinking in 114 feet of water. Helicopters and the destroyer USS Carpenter (DD-825) searched for the two crewmen with negative results. Neither Schoonover nor crewmate ENS Hal T. Hollingsworth were seen again. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear ENS Hal T Hollingsworth, 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

I am originally from Idaho Falls, ID and have been wearing an MIA memorial bracelet for ENS Hollingsworth everyday since 1989. I am in the DC area for the first time and will be visiting the wall tomorrow. I have seen his name on the moving wall memorial but want to see it on the big memorial.
I attempted to reach his family in the 90's but never received a response. I took that to mean the family wants to be left in peace. If anyone knows the family please let them know that Hal is not forgotten.
I was planning on leaving the bracelet on the wall but now I think I will continue to wear it.
Shipmate, thank you for your service, you and your POW/MIA brethern are NOT forgotten.

I was an AE2 in RVAH9, Hal's squadron, at the time of his death. I remember word coming to the avionics shop of the plane going down. I ran with others to the hanger bay and watched helplessly as plane with him and LCDR Schoonover sank into the South China Sea. I will never forget that night. God bless you Ensign Hollingsworth.

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