THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Mary Ryder Rhode is touching and reflects her enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Remembered in my prayers every single night. Pesky little brother while I was dating your sister, yet so lovable. You are not forgotten.

Blessing your soul and spirit with grace, love and peace every night in my prayers. You are not forgotten.

On December 14, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 69-15137) from Aviation Platoon, 326th Medical Battalion, 101st Airborne Division, was conducting a night medical evacuation in Thua Thien Province, RVN, when it struck a mountain in bad weather. Five crewmen were killed in the incident. They included aircraft commander WO1 Paul R. Brass, pilot WO1 Randall G. Freeman, medics SSG Steve F. Johnson and SP4 Jeffery D. Kuersten, and crew chief SP4 John W. Murphy. The aircraft reportedly was headed to the pick-up location when at approximately 4:32 PM it diverted to Camp Evans to refuel. Later, the helicopter was returning to perform the evacuation when it crashed into Coc Muen Mountain (Hill 1298), eleven miles northwest of the hamlet of A Luoi. A 2nd Brigade aircraft monitored their last transmission at 5:00 PM: “This is Dustoff 922 on guard.” Nothing more was heard from the crew. They were placed in a Missing in Action status until December 21, 1970, when their remains were recovered and identified. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Dear Sp4 John Murphy, Thank you for your service as a Huey, UH-1 Helicopter Repairer. Your 50th anniversary just passed, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 6th Day of Christmas, Merry Christmas. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.