THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Welcome Home

U died today in 1967 at a young age of 25. Ensign Patrick Ness, U.S. Naval Reserve, was living in Minneapolis, MN when he entered the service and was a member of Fighter Squadron 142, Carrier Air Wing 14 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64).
On August 23, 1967, he was the radar intercept officer of a McDonnell Douglas Phanton II Fighter (F-4B) on a strike mission against a railroad yard 10 mile east of Hanoi, North Vietnam. During the aircraft's initial strike it was hit by a surface to air missile, burst into flames and crashed.
His remains were recovered on April 10, 1986 and identified on October 14, 1986.
His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Dear Ens. Patrick Ness, Thank you for your service as a Naval Flight Officer on the USS CONSTELLATION. I am glad you were identified in 1986. Welcome home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It’s a New Year, but not necessarily better. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.