THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who knew you are touching and reflect their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Cap. Robert O’Brien, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Presidents’, and Valentine’s Days are soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

As Bobby’s cousin, I have left photos, his medals to include placing one of his Purple Hearts within the foundation of the Vietnam memorial located on Armistice Blvd by Slater Park in Pawtucket RI

On March 21, 1968, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1H (tail number 66-16926) from Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, a Command and Control aircraft for 2nd Battalion, 8th Cavalry, was shot down five miles northwest of Nui Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh Province, RVN, resulting in the deaths of three crewmen and three passengers. The aircraft reportedly was at 1,600 feet when it received small arms fire, started to burn, then exploded as it was landing where it was consumed by fire. The fourth crewperson, aircraft commander WO1 Louis M. Cuvillier III, survived and was rescued. He suffered 1st and 2nd degree burns to his face and shoulder. The gunner on the helicopter, PFC Christopher L. Dellapina, sustained 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree burns to 99% of his body. He was also rescued and evacuated to the burn center at the 106th General Hospital in Japan. However, he succumbed to his injuries on March 30, 1968. The other lost crewmen were pilot WO1 David E. Herschbach and crew chief SP5 Earl M. Matthews. The lost passengers were CPT George E. Menninger, CPT Robert E. O’Brien, and 1LT Leonard L. Preston Jr. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Captain Robert Edward O'Brien, Served with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 8th Calvary Regiment, 1st Calvary Division.