THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your brother Ray is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Never Forget.

Semper Fortis

Dear PO1C Melvin Krech, Thank you for your service as an Aviation Machinist's Mate (Jet Engine Mechanic) 1st Class on the USS ENTERPRISE. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Tomorrow is Valentine’s Day. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On April 1, 1966, two USS Enterprise personnel were lost in an A-3B Skywarrior (#142665) in the Gulf of Tonkin about 45 miles off the southwest shore of the Chinese island of Hai Nan Tao. The pilot of the aircraft was CDR William R. Grayson, ADJ1 Melvin T. Krech was the designated navigator, and LTJG William F. Kohlrusch was the electronics flight officer. At 0800 hours that day, the aircraft was catapult launched for an operational flight when it experienced a nose gear collapse and crashed near the ship. The rescue helicopter was on the scene within moments of the crash, but sighted only Kohlrusch and he was the only one retrieved from the crash site. He died minutes after he was rescued. Krech and Grayson were listed Killed, Body Not Recovered. Navy officials believed at that time, due to the circumstances surrounding the loss of Grayson and Krech, that both were dead, and recovery of their remains would probably be impossible. Following their loss, both Grayson and Krech were posthumously awarded Air Medals; Grayson's with two Gold Stars in lieu of third award, and Krech's with three Gold Stars in lieu of fourth award. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and pownetwork.org]

Petty Officer First Class Melvin Thomas Krech, Served with Heavy Attack Squadron 4 (VAH-4), Carrier Air Wing 9 (CVW-9), USS Enterprise, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet.