HAROLD MCCASLIN JR
HAROLD MCCASLIN JR
1W/59
REMEMBRANCES
Remembering An American Hero
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, Sir
Curt Carter
His last words to me
He was leaving for his second tour in nam, but his first as a helicopter pilot.
His first had been right out of high school in the infantry and I was in grade school thought of it like a elvis presley movie. This time I was 14 and didn't understand why he wanted to
go back to that horible place with people shooting at him. I ask why, why did he have to go. He turn to me and said that if he didn't go who would.That stoped the argument and me in my tracks. My brother was my hero, the best thing sliced bread. Because he was burned in the crash the casket was closed, and I remember watching the news and sitting a inch from the tv when they released the POW's in hope that he really wasn't dead and that the army made a mistake.I remember sitting next to my father as he cried every time we recieved a new medal in the mail.I was very thankful that the chaplain from fitzsimmon was there while the regular chaplain was on R&R, he brought back the tape of the service that was held at his unit and I was so touched by his comrades. Only after I myself joined the military did I fully understand why my brother spoke those words to me.Now after all these years I just wish the pain and tears would stop,if even for awhile.
His last words to me
He was leaving for his second tour in nam, but his first as a helicopter pilot.
His first had been right out of high school in the infantry and I was in grade school thought of it like a elvis presley movie. This time I was 14 and didn't understand why he wanted to
go back to that horible place with people shooting at him. I ask why, why did he have to go. He turn to me and said that if he didn't go who would.That stoped the argument and me in my tracks. My brother was my hero, the best thing sliced bread. Because he was burned in the crash the casket was closed, and I remember watching the news and sitting a inch from the tv when they released the POW's in hope that he really wasn't dead and that the army made a mistake.I remember sitting next to my father as he cried every time we recieved a new medal in the mail.I was very thankful that the chaplain from fitzsimmon was there while the regular chaplain was on R&R, he brought back the tape of the service that was held at his unit and I was so touched by his comrades. Only after I myself joined the military did I fully understand why my brother spoke those words to me.Now after all these years I just wish the pain and tears would stop,if even for awhile.
A fine Cav Trooper
I was Harold’s Platoon Leader and flying the lead gunship the day Harold died. Harold was a bright, enthusiastic, and talented aviator whose life was way too short. Captain Jack Jordan was flying C&C (Command & Control) and made the most incredible and heroic effort to get Larry and Harold out of the downed aircraft. Unfortunately, there was nothing he and his brave crew could do for Harold as he died on impact. I enjoyed flying with Harold, miss him and still pray for him. Harold, we will meet again on “Fiddlers Green”