THE WALL OF FACES

On August 19, 1969, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D (tail number 66-16303) from the 71st Assault Helicopter Company was flying Command and Control (C&C) in the Song Chang Valley 35 miles from Da Nang. The powerful 2nd North Vietnamese Army Division had infiltrated the area over time on a mission to annihilate nearby Hiep Duc. When they were prematurely discovered by U.S. troops, they revamped their battle plan to just kill as many GIs as possible to take advantage of mounting anti-war sentiment in the U.S. The C&C ship was carrying LTC Eli P. Howard Jr., the commanding officer of 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, SP4 Richard A. Doria, and CSM Franklin D. Rowell plus an Associated Press correspondent, Oliver Noonan. Its crew included aircraft commander WO1 Gerald L. Silverstein, pilot WO1 John D. Plummer, crew chief PFC Stewart J. Lavigne, and gunner PFC Stephen L. Martino. While moving over the valley, the helicopter was taking heavy small-arms fire, but the pilot managed to fly safely to the east by hugging the Nui Lon ridge line. LTC Howard made several attempts to land with nearby Bravo Company, but he was forced to abort because of intense fire. The chopper then banked steeply toward Hill 101 probably to recon an enemy anti-aircraft position. Communist fire struck the chopper dead on, throwing LTC Howard and CSM Rowell out the open doors. The fuel tanks exploded, creating a midair fireball. Some of the craft stayed intact as fuselage fragments rained down on the ridge line. There were no survivors. [Taken from vhpa.org and fayobserver.com]

Dear CPL Stephen Lee Martino, 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

Stephen is buried at Mt Herman Cemetery, Jay,OK. DFC AM-6GS ARCOM PH

We are celebrating Veteran's Day this week at our school & I would like to thank you so much for serving our country. You all are very inspiring & we will never forget about you guys. God Bless.

You share my last name, and it is only fair to leave some respet for you. My grandfather being a veteran from Korea and Vietnam has told me stories about it. You have served this country with your life a i truley respect that Thank you for keeping this country safe for generations to come.