THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

Dear WO Paul Lo Forti, Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot. Your 76th birthday is in 5 days, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another spring, but like none other. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On November 23, 1968, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C (tail number 66-15142) from the 71st Assault Helicopter Company was conducting a test flight when it crashed into the ocean 2 miles north of Chu Lai Airfield in Quang Tin Province, RVN. Both the pilot, WO Paul R. Lo Forti, and technician, SP5 Donald F. Cornell, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The flight was a test for the main rotor track. It was the fourth such flight performed by WO Lo Forti in this aircraft during the night of November 22nd-23rd. On this flight, Lo Forti took off to the northwest on Runway 32. He climbed on the runway heading to an altitude of about 150 feet. Approximately 500 yards from the end of the runway, he made a right turn to crosswind, maintaining 150 feet. He continued this course and altitude for approximately ½ mile. Lo Forti then started a descending right turn from which he did not recover. The turn, if completed, would have positioned the aircraft on a right downwind. The aircraft struck the water and disappeared. The remains of both crewmen were recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Dear WO Paul Rosario Lo Forti, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter