THE WALL OF FACES

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.

SP4 Royce L. Addington was a CH-47 helicopter mechanic serving with the 243rd Assault Support Helicopter Company, nicknamed “Freight Train.” Working in a rear echelon capacity as a mechanic did not preclude handling weapons as part of SP4 Addington’s daily routine since many clerks, cooks, and others with administrative and supply duties participated in providing security on the perimeters of where they were based. On the morning of November 12, 1970, Addington has just finished his turn at overnight guard duty. The Sergeant of the guard arrived in a vehicle to relieve him of duty. Evidently, the weapon Addington was carrying, a M60 machine gun, was not properly cleared, and a round remained in the chamber. On the way back to the company area the vehicle hit a bump and the weapon discharged, striking Addington and mortally wounding him. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Terry Warren (March 2018)]

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

My sisters and I went to school with you, my sister Kathy was the same age. I want to thank you for the ultimate sacrifice....as a veteran of the U.S. Air Force I feel the loss of any service member deeply. Royce you are a true American Hero