THE WALL OF FACES

I met Doug on my second day as a freshman at Ohio State University. We dated until he returned to the Nite Owls for his second tour.
He told me he didn’t believe he would make it home so he wouldn’t make any promises or plans. I asked why he had to go back for a second tour and he replied that it was his duty. I still believe I knew the moment his plane went down.
The agony for his parents was so terrible through all those years of waiting, praying and hoping. I’m sure they both died earlier than they would have had they known his fate. They had no other children.
I’ve gone on with my life, and recently moved back to Ohio to be closer to family and friends.
Doug is the love of my life. I pray I may see him again in heaven.

I lived on a farm adjacent to Doug and his family in Warren County, Ohio until they moved to Darke County, Ohio. When they moved my parents bought part of their farm. He was one week shy of being a year younger than I. I was fourth grade and he third when they moved. The last time I saw him I think was after his college freshmen year. I and two of my brothers attended a memorial service at his church in Arcanum. Just last year I discovered a memorial for Doug beside his parents and paternal grandparents at the Miltonville cemetery in Butler County, Ohio. I am so glad to see all the comments and references about him. After all these years I still remember our time together and pray for you Doug.

11-5-69
This is how I have known of you for over 50 years. I got your name on my POW/MIA bracelet as a young 11 or 12 year old. I wore it faithfully and anxiously poured through the papers hoping for your return home. Sadly, that never happened. I had a rubbing from the Traveling Wall and saw that you had been promoted. Unfortunately in August of 2021, an evil person broke into my home and stole your bracelet and the rubbing when he took all of my jewelry. I posted a remembrance and tribute to you for Memorial Day 2023. Things can be stolen, people can die, but memories are forever. Although I never knew you, my daughter found this sight for me, I now have new memories of you to hold onto until the Lord tarries. May you rest in peace.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who wear/wore your MIA bracelet are moving and reflect their admiration and respect for you. It remains my fervent hope you will be returned home after the passage of so many years.

Doug & I were part of the original Paveway laser guided bomb project at Eglin AFB in 67/68 before becoming 497th Nite Owls at Ubon. He was my son's unofficial God father, a very close friend and key member of the small Nite Owl/Paveway team. Did Doug love to fly? Every flight after takeoff he would slide out of formation, quickly fill his barf bag and be good to go, something he did every flight since ROTC. My family remembers Doug fondly and often.