THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SFC Ronald Andrew Olesen, 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

Ronald Andrew Olesen was born on December 17, 1941, in Gettysburg, South Dakota, to Oge and Eleanor (Ramser) Olesen. Oge worked as a farmer and Eleanor was a house wife. He had two brothers, Roger and Kenneth. Ronald grew up and went to grade school in Presho, South Dakota. Ronald graduated from Riggs High School in Pierre in 1959. He married Dagmar Schultz in July of 1961 in Germany. Dagmar and he had three daughters, Heinke, Diana, and Michele. Ronald joined the service in December 23, 1959, shortly after high school. He was sent to Germany soon after joining the service. In December of 1969, he was stationed in Vietnam. Ronald’s rank was U.S. Army Specialist Fourth Class. He was in the HHC, First Battalion, 21st Artillery, First Cavalry Division. He was in the service for a total of 128 months. He was in Vietnam for 8 of those 128 months. Specialist Fourth Class Ronald Andrew Olesen died in South Vietnam in July 22, 1970, when “he was a passenger on a military aircraft which crashed into a river.” It is believed that Ronald was the forward observer. The details are as follows, according to www.flyarmy.org. Aircraft 67-17551 had just departed FSB Granite to the south. While climbing, at about 700 feet, the engine quit. The aircraft commander made a May Day call and entered autorotation and landed in the river. Upon striking the river the aircraft rolled to the right and submerged quickly coming to rest on its right side. The aircraft commander, the door gunner, and one passenger were killed as a result of the crash. One passenger suffered back injuries from an undetermined cause. Rest in peace with the warriors.

ALWAYS REMEMBERED

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul....and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From all your "Band of Nam Brothers"

Ronald, Although we never met, I just want you to know you are not forgotten. You gave the ultimate sacrifice, your life for what you believed in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you for protecting the freedoms we enjoy today.