THE WALL OF FACES

The U.S Air Force Martin B-57B Canberra was an American-built, twin-engine tactical bomber and reconnaissance aircraft. The deployment of combat capable B-57Bs to Vietnam began in August 1964. Canberras were primarily used for dive bombing and strafing, with the early models mounting eight .50 caliber machine guns, four per wing. Later models mounted four 20mm cannons, two per wing, for strafing. These weapons, combined with their bomb loads and four hours of flight time, made them excellent ground support aircraft as well as exceptional truck killers along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. In October 1966, B-57Bs of the13th Bomb Squadron were transferred to Phan Rang Air Base where they supported ground operations in the Iron Triangle, a stronghold of Viet Cong insurgency in Binh Duong Province. On April 22, 1967, a B-57B Canberra (#53-3859) from the13th Bomb Squadron (“Grim Reapers”) was flying a close air support mission when it was hit by hostile small arms fire in the port (left) wing, causing it to crash approximately 15 miles southwest of Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Long An Province, RVN. The crewmen ejected from the disabled Canberra and the navigator was rescued; however, pilot MAJ James E. Oxley did not survive. His body was recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, wikipedia.org, and “B-57 Canberra Units of The Vietnam War” by Bell & Laurier]

We can tell Memorial Day is coming with the wreaths that hang on front doors, and the small red, white, and blue American flags that line the grass covered graves of the Veterans’ cemeteries all acrosse America. One of those graves is yours, and we honor your life and your memory on this Memorial day.

May we never forget your example and the true cost of our freedoms. You with those who love you paid that cost, and America will be forever indebted.

With respect, always.

This year, as every year for many, my wife finishes the wreaths she makes for every Memorial Day and our American flag is raised in remembrance, as we observe this somber national holiday. You and our loved ones whose names also are inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial are in our hearts. My family and I will never forget the cost of our freedoms, and the men and women who have and continue to step forward to keep America safe.
With respect, always.
Curt Carter

Dear Maj. James Oxley, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun, and it is the end of winter. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear Major James Edward Oxley, sir.

This year, as every year, our American Flag looks majestic as it snaps to attention in the breeze, as if to return the salute of all those who have served and who are serving. Two Red, White, and Blue Memorial Day wreats, one to the left and one to the right, remain there during this very special Memorial Day holiday.

Remembering you, those you served with who didn't make it home from the Vietnam War, and all who died defending this country.

With respect, sir.

Curt Carter