THE WALL OF FACES

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Dear CN Melvin Johnson, Thank you for your service as a Constructionman Builder (Light) Construction. Your 52nd anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On October 8, 1967, a United States Air Force Lockheed C-130B Hercules (#61-2649) transport aircraft from the 773rd Tactical Airlift Squadron, 463rd Tactical Airlift Wing, 7th Air Force, crashed into a cloud-covered mountain about 15 miles to the southeast of Phu Bai in marginal weather. The wreckage was found two days later about 150 feet below the summit of Dong Nhut Mountain. There were no survivors. Total losses were 23 personnel, including 5 crew members and 18 passengers. The Hercules aircraft had taken off from Phu Bai Airfield near Hue for a short flight to Da Nang. The weather was poor with low clouds and ground fog, and 10 minutes after taking off, the aircraft flew into the 1850 foot high mountain. The wreckage was discovered two days later and the recovery mission was conducted by E Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines. The lost USAF crew included pilot (instructor) MAJ Robert W. Anderson, co-pilot LTC Christopher Braybrooke, navigator CAPT Scott M. Burkett, flight engineer A1C Terry M. Rehm, and loadmaster A2C Ronald P. Ruyff. The lost passengers were: (USMC) CPL William H. Arnold, SGT Francisco H. Gonzalez, PFC Bernie C. Kridler III, LCPL Dan E. Warner, and SGT Donald A. Wilkinson; (USAF) TSGT Cloyce O. Burkett Jr.;(USA) SP4 Richard G. Ferruggia, SP4 Terrance H. Larson, 1LT John S. Martin, SP4 Robert D. Nelson, SP4 Joseph P. Rowley, SP4 John D. Saville Jr., SP5 William L. Stewart Jr., and SP4 Ronald A. Vilardo; (USN) CEW3 John H. Gilliland III, CEP3 George A. Guy, CN Melvin E. Johnson, and HM1 Bobby D. Stevenson. Because it was not possible at the time to make individual identifications, a group burial was made at Arlington National Cemetery. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, 46thars.tripod.com, and aviation-safety.net]

Dear CN Melvin Edward Johnson, 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