THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Ken Dorrity is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

I have thought about you many times over the past many years, our night time cruising in your car looking for girls. Joking that we both graduated from G H S, you from Guymon in Ok. Me from Gallup NM. I was in Nam in 67-68 back just in time to be a pall bearer for your funeral. It was an honor. You have been missed you pal Ken

Dear Sp4 Harry Mather, Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Maintenance Apprentice. Your 52nd anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On July 23, 1968, a U.S. Army helicopter CH-47A Chinook (tail number 66-19011) from the 242nd Assault Support Helicopter Company “Muleskinners” broke up in flight and crashed during a short final to Cu Chi Base Airfield in Hau Nghia Province, RVN, killing five crewmen and two passengers. The lost personnel were aircraft commander WO1 Randy R. Wernig, pilot CW2 Thomas W. Duer, crew chief SP5 Donald W. Seidel, gunner SP4 Harry M. Mather, and flight engineer SP5 Danny E. Deese; also, passengers CPT David G. Mitchell and PVT Richard L. Rousseau. The aircraft reportedly was engaged in a single-ship resupply mission and had refueled approximately 20 minutes prior to the crash. A tape recording from the Cu Chi tower monitor revealed no unusual transmissions nor were there any distress or unusual communications heard by other aircraft monitoring the tower frequency. The pilot did not acknowledge his final clearance from Cu Chi tower; however, just prior to impact, the transmission "roger" came over the FM frequency in a calm tone. It is believed that the pilot was rogering Cu Chi tower but had mistakenly transmitted over FM. Several witnesses reported a loud "pop and clapping noise" while the aircraft was at approximately 150-200 feet of altitude. A pilot in an aircraft behind the Chinook stated that the front rotors were turning slightly less than normal, and the aft rotors appeared to be close to a stop. Shortly thereafter, the aft pylon was seen to separate from the main part of the fuselage. A small bright flame was seen on the fuselage at the place of separation. Small parts were observed flying from the aircraft prior to impact. Flame quickly engulfed the fuselage after impact. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Dear SP4 Harry Michael Mather, 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