THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your friend Ray Larocque is touching. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

On September 4, 1969, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 68-15475) from the 177th Assault Helicopter Company crashed in Bien Hoa Province, RVN, after losing a blade from its tail rotor. Five crewmen and two passengers were killed in the incident. The lost crew included pilots CPT Michael R. Reitz and 1LT John E. Klingen, crew chief SP4 Richard A. Stanley, gunner SP4 Reginald P. Begnoche, and observer 1LT Layne H. Connevey. The two lost passengers were 1LT Kenneth T. Cummings and 1LT George L. Kleiber Jr. This aircraft was the Command & Control helicopter operating with three slicks (troop transport helicopters) and two helicopter gunships with the 151st LRRP teams. The aircraft had just completed its second mission for the day and refueled at Red Catcher pad after flying for approximately one hour. After taking off from the Red Catcher pad, the aircraft entered downwind for landing at the 151st LRRP pad (located 1 mile to the east of Red Catcher). While flying at approximately 200 to 300 feet of altitude, a tail rotor blade separated from the tail rotor hub. The pilot notified the control tower that he had just lost his tail rotor. The aircraft turned right, going into a yaw, and then spun around 3 to 4 revolutions. As the aircraft was spinning, the main rotor blades appeared to slow down and mast bumping was encountered. About the third 360 degree turn, the mast snapped and the main rotor blades fell backwards, severing the tail boom. The aircraft stopped spinning and fell straight to the ground in an upright position. Upon contact with the ground the aircraft burst into flames, completely destroying itself by fire and killing all aboard. [Taken from vhpa.org]

You will NEVER be forgotten. No one really knows how much you and I went through together for over 50 years. Whether good or bad, we never let each other get too far away. You will be sorely missed and I can never fix the hole left in my heart by your passing. Love you! SLOW SALUTE BROTHER

DEAR SPEC 4 BEGNOCHE,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A FLIGHT QUALIFIED AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE APPRENTICE. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS OVER, AND IT IS A NEW YEAR, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Dear SP4 Reginald Peter Begnoche, 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, Sir

Curt Carter