THE WALL OF FACES

LT Charles A. Knochel was a pilot assigned to Attack Squadron 176 (VA-176) onboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CVS-11). On September 22, 1966, he launched in his A-1H Skyraider attack aircraft (#135239) on an armed reconnaissance mission in the southern part of North Vietnam. LT Knochel was leading a two-plane section of aircraft against enemy supply lines. After completing their mission, both aircraft were on their way out of the area and within three miles of the coast when they were hit by a barrage of anti-aircraft fire. Knochel radioed that his aircraft was hit in the right wing and began to gain altitude and head out to sea. Once over the water, the right wing started to burn as the ammunition from his wing guns started to explode. Knochel radioed his wingman that he was going to bail out. All indications were that Knochel was not injured as he descended in his parachute. Rescue helicopters and amphibian aircraft were immediately called in for assistance. Knochel's parachute was swinging a bit as he entered the water, and at a point when the parachute was at a maximum swing, he hit the water as if lying on his back. The wingman saw that Knochel made no effort to release himself from his chute harness or inflate his life preserver, and felt that the impact had knocked him unconscious. Within 12 minutes of the time that Knochel entered the water, the rescue amphibian was on the scene. Upon landing, the chute could no longer be seen and the rescue diver could not locate Knochel. It was believed he drowned, unconscious. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and pownetwork.org]

Dear LT Charles Allen Knochel, 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

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigilsw by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

I never knew my father because I was an infant when he was shot down. It is enough for me to know that he did what his nation asked of him. He did it bravely and he did it gladly.

I am proud of this legacy, and prouder still to be the mother of his two bright, brave grandchildren who resemble him in body and spirit.

We will not forget you CHARLES ALLEN KNOCHEL.