THE WALL OF FACES

MY UNCLE I AM SO PROUD OF YOU

I was Mike's platoon leader in A company 123 Aviation Battalion, Americal Division stationed in Chu Lai South Vietnam at Key Hia airfield. He was in my platoon for his entire time in Vietnam. He was a crew chief and I flew with him as much as I could. I have thought of him almost every day of my life since that fatal flight. I flew a Vietnamese search party to find his aircraft the next day. Mike's monument information is in a frame hanging on the wall at the entrance to my bedroom. It was such a tragic loss for me. I have not really been able to deal with it.

To the love of my life, you have been gone 39 years and I think of you every day and what our life and kids would have been like. I will always love you. He only had two months left before he would have come home.

Dear SP4 Michael James McClane, 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

Michael is buried at Highland Memorial, Mt Carmel,IL. BSM AM-10OLC