THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Royce L. Addington was a CH-47 helicopter mechanic serving with the 243rd Assault Support Helicopter Company “Freight Train,” a component of the 1st Aviation Brigade. Addington’s unit was based at the Dong Ba Thin Heliport, five kilometers (3.1 miles) northwest of Cam Ranh Bay Air Base in Khanh Hoa Province, RVN. On the early morning of November 12, 1970, Addington finished a turn at overnight guard duty in one of the base watch towers. The Sergeant of the Guard came by in a M35 series 2½-ton 6×6 cargo truck, picking up the perimeter guards and replacing them with a new shift. Addington had checked out an M60 machine gun for guard duty the night before, and set it between his legs with the muzzle pointed towards his stomach while he sat in the back of the cargo truck. On the drive over to their company area, the truck hit a bump, causing the M60 to discharge. The bullet entered his abdomen, inflicting devastating injuries and damage along its path, including to his liver, diaphragm, and right lung; he died almost immediately. Army investigators determined that as the tired Addington came off guard duty, he failed to clear the weapon. He was 21 years old. [Sourced from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Terry Warren (March 2018)]

Image courtesy of Redbird Research LLC, Saint Charles, MO.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths there were tragic to die as you did is especially so. Rest in eternal peace.

Specialist Four Royce Lee Addington, Served with the 243rd Assault Support Helicopter Company, 10th Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

DEAR SPEC 4 ADDINGTON,
YOUR SERVICE TO OUR NATION IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. THANK YOU.
REST IN PEACE.