THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

In July 1966, the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron was moved to Phan Rang Air Base, RVN, where it was assigned to the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. Shortly after, the 366th Wing moved on paper to Da Nang Air Base, and the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing became the squadron's new headquarters. Missions included air support of ground forces, interdiction, visual and armed reconnaissance, strike assessment photography, escort, close and direct air support, and rapid reaction alert. The 615th continued combat operations until inactivating in 1971 as the United States withdrew its forces from South Vietnam. On April 28, 1971, three months before pulling out, a 615th North American F-100D Super Sabre (#55-3550) was returning to Phan Rang after a demanding night attack on a Viet Cong strongpoint when, crossing the coast just 20 miles from home, ground fire hit the jet. Pilot 1LT Benjamin G. Lang was killed in the subsequent crash. His body was recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “F-100 Super Sabre Units of The Vietnam War” by Davies and Menard]

Dear Lt Benjamin Lang, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. Your 76th birthday was 2 days ago, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. For many of us, we have begun Lent. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Ben....Honoring you on your birthday...God Bless