THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Robert B. Mann was a UH-1 helicopter mechanic serving with the 119th Assault Helicopter Company. On July 11, 1966, his unit was involved in a troop lift. The combat assault, which was delayed by weather, carried troops extracted from LZ 27A and put them close to the Cambodian border. PFC Mann, the crew chief on one of the lift ships, was mortally wounded by sniper fire in the landing zone and died before reaching medical aid. Mann had previously been submitted for the Soldier’s Medal for saving the lives of the crew and passengers of a disabled helicopter only two months before. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Private first Class Robert Bernard Mann, Served with the 119th Assault Helicopter Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion, 17th Aviation Group. 1st Aviation Brigade.

I was the assigned crew chief on the helicopter that was Bob's final flight. Having been grounded for medical reasons, Bob had been assigned my flights. On the day I was released for flying duty, I arrived at the helicopter with my gear. Bob was already on board and told me to take the rest of the day off as our flight schedules were so heavy that there probably would not be any future time off. Bob was in my helicopter seated at my position. I will always regret not being there in his place; perhaps we would both be reminiscing. I tell his story to high school students as part of our Vietnam Veterans chapter educational outreach program. Bob was hard worker and good friend with a ready smile who has been and always will be remembered.

DUTY HONOR COUNTRY


I imagine my friend PFC Robert Bernard Mann sitting on his grandfather’s lap as he whisper, Duty, Honor, Country. The codes of Duty, Honor, Country on which General Douglas MacArthur’s farewell speech deliver to the Corps of Cadets at West Point . A sense of obligation that has been passed down for over two hundred years for the American soldier.

The moral compass was a moral for many American’s as the flag draped coffins arrive from Vietnam . A different character of Americans who had other priorities and fled to Canada to avoid: DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY. Today these American’s who ridicule the Vietnam War are now voting to send other American son’s to War.

PFC Robert Bernard Mann from Salem , New Hampshire did not have to go to Vietnam , but he did. He did not have to volunteer to be a Crew Chief, but he did. He is a heroic American who went far beyond the average American. As the son of the state of New Hampshire and someone who I call my brother, forge by DUTY, HONOR,COUNTRY. On Wall Panel 9, Line 17 the National Archives did not record his Soldier’s Medal and his Air Medal this injustice should be corrected.

Dear PFC Robert Bernard Mann, 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