THE WALL OF FACES

On August 29, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (#67-17699) from Troop C, 2nd Squadron (Airmobile) “Condors”, 17th Cavalry attempted an insertion of an Army Ranger team 28 kilometers (16.8 miles) northeast of A Shau Valley in Thua Thien Province, RVN. As the aircraft settled into the landing zone, it was hit repeatedly in the forward cabin section by 12.7mm anti-aircraft machinegun and rocket-propelled grenade fire. Both pilots were mortally wounded, and the aircraft crashed. While the remaining air crew and Ranger team were securing the aircraft, they continued to receive small arms and mortar fire. A total of four U.S. were killed and four others wounded. The lost personnel included (from C-2/17) pilot WO Mark W. Minear and co-pilot 1LT John F. Shiefer; and (from L/75th Rangers) PFC Harry T. Henthorn and SP4 Lawrence E. Scheib Jr. Troop D and the Aero Rifle Platoon of Troop C, 2nd Squadron (Airmobile), 17th Cavalry and Company A, 3rd Battalion (Airmobile), 506th Infantry were inserted to reinforce the besieged flight members. Artillery, aerial rocket artillery, and tactical air strikes supported the contact. A later search of the contact area revealed no enemy casualties. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report – Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 101st Airborne Division, period ending 31 October 1970” at archive.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Because of your ultimate sacrifice and heroism, my father was able to come back from Vietnam. I take my kids now to visit you every Memorial Day to thank you and make sure you are never forgotten.

Dear WO Mark Minear, Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is the end of this week, Happy Halloween. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.