THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Ssgt Carter Jefferson, Thank you for your service as a Huey, UH-1 Helicopter Repairer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It's the end of summer. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

SSGT Carter Jefferson Jr. and SP4 Daniel L. Chamblee were a helicopter mechanic and aircraft armament repairman, respectively, from C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. On November 20, 1971, they were fatally injured when a rocket from an AH-1 Cobra gunship helicopter inadvertently fired while they were performing routine maintenance checks on the aircraft. The following is a personal account of the incident by Pat Stanley: Having just arrived at the helicopter and pushed back the canopy, they laid their tools and test equipment inside. They stepped down and stood in front of the rocket pod, talking about the scope of the work. What happened next is somewhat still a mystery in that something triggered one of the rockets, and it fired off right through both of them. I was within 30 or so yards of them when it happened, and our medic (infantry platoon) responded to my call for help. There was literally nothing we could do for either of them. In about 2003, myself and the medic did meet and talk personally with Daniel Chamblee's mother to relay firsthand accounts and to provide "closure" to her in the death of her son. (Narrative by Pat Stanley, SFC USAR) [Other info taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Every Year, for the past 43 years, I Remember!. I Remember the Date, I Remember You. I Remember the jest, of our last conversation. I remember seeing you and Danny walking up together. A short time later, and in "A Blink Of An Eye", - Y'all were gone. I REMEMBER !!!! GOD Rest Your Soul, and May He continue to BLESS Your Family.

Dear SSGT Carter Jefferson 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

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932