THE WALL OF FACES

Every time I hear Taps being played I remember when you were brought home and I cry every time. You will always be missed. Aunt Nancy

Paul was my neighbor. It was a shock when his mom told me he never made it home. He was to come home the next day. I still think of him and his mom.

Sp5 Melvin J. Stockdale was a professional soldier, outstanding crew-chief, excellent mechanic, mentor and friend. He loved his family, Country and Bell helicopter #63-08750.

SFC Patrick Marshall of Co C 227 related the following: "Stock" as his friends called him volunteered to go to Vietnam in hopes of promotion before he retired. A mortar platoon had been left on a mountain top without food or water for several days, locked in the clouds and bad weather.

Hot food and water was loaded aboard 750 and they tried to hover up the side of the mountain just close enough to see the trees and far enough away not to hit them. A tree was growing horizontally out from the mountain and they flew into it.

The mortar team could hear them coming, heard them hit the tree, heard their screams as they died but could not see anything for the clouds.

Melvin Stockdale was killed along with his gunner and both aviators. A passenger R.Harris? survived. All because some commander failed to supply enough rations if air support could not reach them.

The C.O. of Charlie Co tried to get Melvin a promotion. Division turned it down!

TWS Admin: US Navy WWII 3-Jan-43 USS Natoma Bay CVE-62 Four Battle Stars USN Presidential Unit Citation. USS Natoma Bay hit by a "Kamikazi". S/1C Stockdale served aboard several "Attack Transports" as well as the USS Massachusetts BB-56. Continued to serve aboard an AO (oiler) to 1950.

Comments/Citation
Vietnam Wall Panel coords 04E 115

Knew Stockdale from C Company 11th Air Assault Div, where I was assigned in June 1964. The "gun company" had no open slots. So after attending an AMTAP course by Bell Helicopter was able to assist the crew chiefs. I was detailed to help Stock on UH-1D 750. He was quiet and very private. As we went about our work, soon learned that Melvin was a Navy vet of WWII having served on a carrier. Noticeable was his attention to detail and the MACV patch on his right shoulder. He had served in Vietnam. December 1965 at Ankhe now with D Co 227 Stockdale paid me a visit on the flight line. Turns out that 750 had been shot down in November with a .51 hit to the engine, Stock and crew were pulled out OK. The helicopter was as well, re-engined and ready to go back to action. Melvin asked for a "stripped barrel" for his M-60. Gave him one in trade for a new ground mount barrel. Stock would have it no other way. Wished him luck and down the line he went cradling it like a baby. That was the last time I would see him alive.

Rest in Peace my friend POUVOIR
Sp4 Len Bauer 131 AWC / D 227

We were classmates, Chicopee High School Class of 1965. Looking back, I can still see a quiet but smiling, curly haired boy. I often remember you, Paul, and think of the loss your family suffered.