THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just one week after your 28th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear CWO Dayton Lanier, Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Saying Rotor Helicopter Pilot with the 1st Cavalry. 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.

Born in old North Caroline
Safe between the oak and pine
A Gentle man grew strong and brave
In faultless stokes of time and fate

He swore his oath without contempt
And soldiered firm in each attempt
But glory faded from his eyes
Replaced by longing to survive

Tar Heel born, and filled with pride
He walked the line until he died
For matters few can ever say
That man's sweet life was stripped away

Back on Carolina's shore
Far from sight and sound of war
A wife and daughter torn from grace
Left to fill the endless space

But like the oaks, did she endure
To find new love and children more
And to that man, a Father's toast:
"May our Son share your Holy Ghost"

Dear CWO Dayton Wayne Lanier, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

On May 9, 1968, a U.S. Army helicopter OH-13S (tail number 63-09097) from Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division was on a reconnaissance mission for 1st Cavalry ground troops when it came under enemy and was shot down. Both crewmen, aircraft commander WO1 Dayton W. Lanier and crew chief CPL Chris W. Frankhauser, suffered fatal injuries in the attack. The following is an account for this incident: WO1 Lanier and CPL Frankhauser were flying as part of a two ship scout team which was working its way up the valley in front of some ground forces. The two ships were doing lazy circles to cover each other as they moved up the valley. The second crew witnessed aircraft 097 straighten out of its turn, start a climb, and then spin back down into the trees where there was a dull explosion. There was no radio transmission from 097. The other scout helicopter dove to cover the crash scene, but came under heavy fire. They banked to get away from that area, returning fire, and managed to get out of range of the enemy troops. Gunships were scrambled from the A Shau Valley and the soldiers on the ground were directed to move up to where the ship had gone down. The soldiers reported that the crew would have been killed in the crash rather than in the post-impact fire. It appeared to the other scout crew that the aircraft had come under fire, tried to get out of the area, and that the pilot had probably been hit and lost control of the helicopter. (Information supplied by Frank Vanatta) [Taken from flying-circus.com and vhpa.org]