THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your daughter Rhonda is moving and reflects her eternal love for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Tsgt Billy Morris, Thank you for your service with the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is 2nd Week of Advent, and this week means peace. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On October 21, 1968, a USAF Douglas C-47D (#45-0934) transport plane belonging to the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Tan Son Nhut Air Base was flying military personnel from Saigon to Hong Kong for R&R with a stop at Da Nang. While enroute the pilot declared an emergency, stating that the port engine had failed and that the propeller would not feather. He requested and received vectors for an emergency landing at Ban Me Thuot Airfield, but instead hit a mountainside at the 2300-foot level approximately 19 miles southwest of Ban Me Thuot in Darlac Province, RVN. A total of 23 fatalities (some news services reported 24) resulted in the crash, including a listed 11 crewmen and 10 passengers, plus two civilians. A medical helicopter spotted the wreckage three hours after the crash. More helicopters were dispatched to the scene to remove the dead. The lost C-47D crew members included pilot LTC Howard E. Van Vliet, co-pilot LTC Council L. Royal, navigators MAJ Gerald E. Burgener and MAJ Basil L. Ciriello, flight attendant TSGT Donald W. Bruck, flight engineer TSGT John D. Thomas, flight mechanic TSGT Billy R. Morris, and crewmen (unassigned positions) MSGT William P. Bowman, SSGT Eugene W. Hendricks, LTC Robert B. Richardson, and MAJ Gerald D. Ziehe. The passengers included (USAF) TSGT Arthur L. Brewer, LTC Ray E. Codding, SSGT Karl E. Kelley Jr., SSGT Bernard F. Kissell Jr., SGT Russell E. Nihill, LTC Alden W. O’Brien, SGT Ruben E. Reyes, and CAPT Gayland O. Scott; (USA) SP5 Bruce M. Miley and SFC Klaus D. R. Ruhland. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, aviation-safety.net, togetherweserved.com, and “C-47 Crash! 24 Killed.” Chicago Tribune, October 22, 1968]

I think of you every day. I was only eight years old when you died but I remember you very well. We had just spent the last year in Hawaii living on the Air Force Base where you were stationed. We spent every weekend as a family exploring the island. We made special memories It was only two months after we got back to Groves, Tx and you left for Vietnam that we got the news. For many years things were not good. You were Moms everything since she was 17 and she didn't do very well. Healing did finally come. You would be so proud of Bobie and myself. Unfortunately Bobie passed away when he was 45 yrs old due health issues. He was the kindest, gentlest person I've ever known. He had a beautiful daughter Melissa Dee. I am grown and have 3 children and 4 grandchildren who I adore. I have a wonderful husband and look forward to our retirement soon. Daddy I love you so much and wish I could have grown up with you and wonder what my life would have been with you. I go to the cemetery often to visit you, mom and Bobie. Until we meet again I Love you Daddy, your daughter Rhonda Dee Morris Louviere

Dear TSGT Billy Ray Morris, 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