THE WALL OF FACES

Today marks the 46th Anniversary of these seven brave soldiers paying the ultimate sacrifice. I am the sister of SP4 Gary Holian. Feel free to contact me Jody Holian Knack at [email protected].
Rest in peace

Hello Larry,
As the anniversary OF THE DATE YOU LEFT THIS EARTH APPROACHES, August 12, 1971...I remember you along with all of your comrades including my brother Spec4 Eric S.Kelly who died with you that day. Gary Holian also died with you and his sisters Jody and Lori and I have formed a friendship and we are always trying to find the children, relatives/siblings of those who were killed that day .If any of your family would like to contact us my email is [email protected] am making my very first visit to the Wall this year on labor day weekend. Panel number 3W Row 129 will be more than just a photo soon.

On August 12, 1971, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 67-17791) from D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment "Air Cavalry," was returning from a mission flying at altitude along the DMZ in Quang Tri Province, RVN, when the aircraft flew through the projectile trajectory line of an enemy 122mm rocket and was hit, causing the helicopter to explode in mid-air, killing all three crewmen and the four passengers aboard. The lost crew included pilots WO1 Lawrence L. Kelly and 1LT John C. Thompson Jr., and gunner SP4 Eric S. Kelly. The lost passengers were SP4 Gary L. Holian, PFC Larry McCoy, SP4 Gail L. Strickland, and SSGT James Wright. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Dear PFC Larry McCoy, 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

Larry is buried at Mount Helm Cemetery Number One, Rankin County, MS. BSM PH