ROBERT WINSLOW BELCHER
ROBERT W BELCHER
49E/19
REMEMBRANCES
Thinkging of you this Memorial Day, 2013
Bobby, I was thinking of you today after seeing your name on a picture of the Memorial Wall in Winthrop. I'm sad because the world is a much poorer place without you and your good natured smile and humor. You are still missed. -Bob Wasserman
Summary of Mid-Air Collision
On April 11, 1968, two U.S. Marine Corps helicopters operating in the Quang Tri Province (I Corps) collided in mid-air, resulting in the deaths of 12 marines. The two aircraft, returning to Dong Ha while on a medivac mission, crashed just east of Camp Carol while letting down through overcast skies. One helicopter, a UH-1E tail number 154968, was from Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6). Its crew included aircraft commander 1LT Ronald E. Riede, pilot CAPT Bruce F. McMillan, crew chief CPL Paul J. Allen, and gunner LCPL Michael G. DeMarco. The other aircraft, a UH-34D tail number 145804 from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 163 (HMM 163), was crewed by aircraft commander CAPT Eugene R. Gannon, pilot 2LT John P. Holden II, crew chief CPL Frederick D. Graten, and gunner CPL John A. Nixon. There were also four passengers on board 804: CPL Robert W. Belcher, PFC Dennis R. Davidson, PFC Richard E. Erwin, and PFC Charles R. Finley. All personnel on both aircraft perished in the crash. [Taken from vhpa.org]
Remembering an American Hero
Dear CPL Robert Winslow Belcher, sir,
As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you 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. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.
With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.
Curt Carter
