THE WALL OF FACES

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:
... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Photo of James

James McAleer III was the co-pilot for Verlyn Gwen Meyer the night of their deaths. The other two crew members were Patrick Edward Ward and David Ferry, door gunners. The story of what happened that night can be found on Captain Meyer's site. It's quite a story.

I have spent a great deal of time trying to find all of the crew members, their pictures and obituaries and families. So far, I have found three. I hope to find the fourth.

Warrant Officer James Kenneth McAleer III, 22, son of James K. Jr. and Audrey McAleer of Steele, North Dakota, died recently when his helicopter crashed and burned in South Vietnam. He will be buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Steele, after services at St. Francis DeSales Church.

McAleer was reported missing August 22, when his helicopter was shot down by enemy small arms fire.

He was born in 1946 in Pittsburgh, Pa. and attended school in Pennsylvania and the State School of Forestry in Bottineau, North Dakota. In September, 1966, he enlisted in the Army.

After assignment to the 101st Airborne in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky, he was sent to Vietnam where he served with the 92nd Assault Helicopter Co.

James is survived by his parents; five brothers and sisters, Sheila of Fargo and Allan, Diane, Rodger and Maureen all at home and grandparents, Mrs. and Mrs. Al Lagendahl.

+ + + + + +

God rest your soul, James.

Attached photo courtesy of 92nd AHC Web Site.