THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your wife Mary Ann is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever.

On August 18, 1969, a U.S. Army helicopter OH-6A (tail number 67-16592) from the 173rd Flight Platoon, Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 173rd Airborne Brigade, was conducting flight operations in the An Loa Valley across from FSB Tape in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. During the mission, the aircraft was shot down by enemy .51 caliber machinegun fire. Pilot 1LT William J. Bassignani and crew chief SP4 Rigoberto Gomez-Diaz suffered fatal injuries in the incident. Both men were recovered. Gomez-Diaz was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vhpa.org, and casperplatoon.com]

First Lieutenant William John Bassignani, Served with the 173rd Flight Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

On behalf of all the paratroopers who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.