THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just eight days before your 24th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

On December 14, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 69-15137) from Aviation Platoon, 326th Medical Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, was conducting a night medical evacuation in Thua Thien Province, RVN, when it struck a mountain in bad weather. Five crewmen were killed in the incident. They included aircraft commander WO1 Paul R. Brass, pilot WO1 Randall G. Freeman, medics SSG Steve F. Johnson and SP4 Jeffery D. Kuersten, and crew chief SP4 John W. Murphy. The aircraft reportedly was headed to the pick-up location when at approximately 4:32 PM it diverted to Camp Evans to refuel. Later, the helicopter was returning to perform the evacuation when it crashed into Coc Muen Mountain (Hill 1298), eleven miles northwest of the hamlet of A Luoi. A 2nd Brigade aircraft monitored their last transmission at 5:00 PM: “This is Dustoff 922 on guard.” Nothing more was heard from the crew. They were placed in a Missing in Action status until December 21, 1970, when their remains were recovered and identified. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Staff Sergeant Steve Freddie Johnson was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as a Medical NCO (Combat Medic) and was assigned to C CO, the 326TH MED BN, 101ST ABN DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/detreq2.php

Dear SSgt Steve Johnson, Thank you for your service as a Medical NCO. Thank you for the lives you saved. 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.