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

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake,turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

I was in va-75 during the 1967-1968 deployment. I knew Lt. Nelson very well, as he was a good friend to me as he was to many. I will never forget the day that we sent him out and he never returned. That day will haunt me till I die. Lt. Nelson was the best pilot I have ever known. I miss him.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Richard Crawford Nelson, for your courageous and valiant service, many years of faithfully contributing, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Commander Nelson, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

I was with VA-75 for the 1967/68 deployment, in the line division as the plane captain for A-6A bureau number 152921, Side number 510. Then LT's Nelson and Mitchell were among the most respected officers in the squadron. They always had time, or made time to visit and chat with the "troops," and explain what the current day's or night's mission was about.
They were always kidding around, and would climb in the wrong side of the Jet as if LT Mitchell was going to be the pilot and LT Nelson the BN.
They came on deck to man up one day and their assigned jet wasn't loaded and ready. They asked me if mine was, and when I said yes they just looked at each other and said "Ok we'll fly this one." The Maintenance Chief was mad as hell, but they were already airborne when he found out.
(A-6A 152921 is retired and in area 4, row 1 at Davis Monthon AFB )