THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR SPEC 5 BELL,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A FLIGHT QUALIFIED UH-1 (HUEY) HELICOPTER REPAIRER. 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.

On July 15, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C “Shark” (tail number 66-00646) from the 174th Assault Helicopter Company was on a mission in Quang Ngai Province (I Corps), RVN, when it experienced a loss of power while flying low-level up a steep ravine. The aircraft struck the ground rolled and exploded. Three crewmen were killed in the crash while the aircraft commander survived and was rescued. The lost crewmen included pilot WO1 Lenton E. Mizer, crew chief SP5 Harrison Bell, and gunner SP5 Fred G. Vandiver. The survivor was LT Joseph R. Brandt. WO1 Mizer, who had been in-country for just 6 weeks, was on the controls of Shark UH-1C when the aircraft lost power and attempted to turn down the ravine to regain RPM. The aircraft continued to lose power and fall. LT Brandt tried to regain control of the aircraft, but it struck the ground, rolled and exploded. [Taken from 174thahc.org]

Dear SP5 Harrison Bell, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

I did not learn of your death until our class (Buras Louisiana 1966) reunion in 1996. We both fought in Vietnam, wish you would have come back too.

I am a volunteer seeking remaining family members of Harrison Bell. Please contact me or go to the website for TOP Vietnam Veterans.