THE WALL OF FACES

I did not know Lt. Lawson as well as I did Lt Plassmeyer and I was on R & R when he was lost. I was an enlisted man and worked in the flight equipment shop so I did work on his flight gear. All I can remember is he was a very nice young man and treated the enlisted men with respect. September of 1970 was a very sad heart breaking month for our squadron.
Semper Fi Lt Lawson Rest In Peace.

I was an enlisted man who served with Lt. Lawson in Chu Lai & Danang. I was assigned to MABS 13 in Chu Lai in April 1969 & left there in March 1970. I returned in August 1970 and was assigned to VMA 311 in Danang. Officers & enlisted men don't fraternize but I remember Lt. Lawson to be a very outgoing guy & easy to talk to. The squadron was commanded by Lt. Col. J. T. Hagan. I am now 66 years old & almost forgot about Lt. Lawson until I read the remembrance just prior to mine. I recall that most if not all the young pilots were quite personable. Lt. Lawson was one of many who should have come home to live a long life. So glad he is not forgotten. .

From “A History of Marine Attack Squadron 311” - September 1970 was a poor month for VMA-311. Two pilots and their aircraft were lost due to enemy action. The first loss occurred on September 1st, 32 miles west of Phu Bai, when a section of two A-4s were scrambled to support units of the 1st ARVN Division. An airborne forward air controller observed the lead pilot, 1LT John D. Lawson, roll in for the first 10-degree napalm delivery. No ordnance was dropped and as the plane pulled out it burst into flames and crashed into the hills near the target. On September 11th 1LT Bernard H. Plassmeyer was killed while attacking a target 30 miles southwest of Phu Bai. Scrambled at night to support the 101st Airborne Division, two A-4s arrived over the target and commenced their runs. The flight leader finished his pass and watched as 1LT Plassmeyer went into his dive. "As the lieutenant was passing approximately 1,500 feet the leader saw some 'sparks' and then a long trail of flame impact in the target area." [Taken from archive.org]

Semper Fi, Lt.

Dear 1LT John David Lawson, sir,

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you 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. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.

Curt Carter