THE WALL OF FACES

1LT Ronald K. Kelsey was a pilot serving with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, 7th Air Force, based at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base in northeastern Thailand. On December 12, 1970, Kelsey was the “rear seat” in a U.S. Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II in a flight of two on a low-level mission against communist Pathet Lao Liberation Army soldiers in the “Barrel Roll” sector of northern Laos. On Kelsey’s first pass, they heard a loud bang before dropping any ordnance and pulled up, believing they had been hit by enemy groundfire. The lead flight closed in, carefully inspected Kelsey’s Phantom, and found no holes or fluid leaks. A decision was made that each flight would make one pass, drop all ordnance, and return to base. When Kelsey’s F-4D released its payload, the aircraft entered into a Pilot-Induced Oscillation, fluctuations caused by the pilot trying to control the aircraft. New in theater and still unhappy about possibly taking rounds on their first pass, Kelsey believed they were hit. He ejected from the Phantom, his parachute successfully deploying, and was observed all the way to the ground. His F-4D minus one crewman was escorted back to base by the lead flight, possibly the only time in USAF history that a pilot returned without his co-pilot. The flight leader topped off with fuel from an aerial tanker and returned to the target area. The Raven Forward Air Controller, which had been directing the flight, remained on station talking to Kelsey. The lead Phantom, still carrying its load of ordnance, made multiple passes at very low altitude, dropping napalm and high explosives one at a time to suppress enemy movement. Kelsey radioed his leg was broken as he leaned against a tree armed with a .38 revolver. Other fighter aircraft arrived on scene, so the flight leader, out of ammo but with plenty of fuel, climbed above the fray to continue monitoring the radio. Kelsey could hear the enemy shooting and getting closer. The Pathet Lao brought in extra firepower and were firing at the rescue aircraft. They heard small arms fire over the radio transmissions, then silence. Kelsey's body was recovered later that day with a single gunshot wound to the head; his leg was injured but not broken. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided Gary Quay (November 2023)]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from fellow airman Gary Overbaugh is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

1LT Ronald Keith "Ron" Kelsey is buried in Garden of Meditation Section, lot 1938, Grave 4, of the White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy, MI.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Dear Lt Ronald Kelsey, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. I researched you on the 49th anniversary of the start of your tour. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. We are approaching Thanksgiving. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

First Lieutenant Ronald Keith Kelsey, Served with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, 7th Air Force.