THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your friend and fellow soldier Skip Limandri are touching. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

Warrant Officer John P. Bartone was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as an Attack Helicopter Pilot and was assigned to A BTRY, 2ND BN (ARA), 20TH ARTILLERY, 1ST CAV DIV.
See https://army.togetherweserved.com/army/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ROHPage&personType=Fallen

On July 15, 1970 a U.S. Army helicopter AH-1G Cobra (tail number 67-15729) from A Battery, 2nd Battalion, 20th Artillery (Aerial Rocket Artillery), 1st Cavalry Division, was enroute to Phuoc Vinh Base Camp after being given an “end of mission” status during a combat mission. The aircraft was cruising at 2000 feet with another aircraft in the attack section, when the Cobra began billowing black and gray smoke. The crew made a Mayday call and turned towards an open area near a river. The crew transmitted that they believed they could reach the open the area. Short of the clear area, the Cobra suffered a complete engine failure and the crew began an autorotation maneuver. The helicopter struck a tree, turned on its side, and fell to the ground. The aircraft did not burst into flames; however, both crewmen suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The lost personnel were aircraft commander WO1 Jimmy L. Hill and pilot WO1 John P. Bartone. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Thinking of you,Pat, on your birthday. Remembering our childhood friendship.
Thank you for your sacrifice.

Warrant Officer John Patrick Bartone, Served with Battery A, 2nd Battalion (Aerial Rocket Artillery), 20th Artillery Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division, United States Army Vietnam.