THE WALL OF FACES

Over 20 years ago my daughter purchased a memorial bracelet with John R Painter Jr.name on it as a remembrance. It may be red cheap metal but I have worn this every year since. Memorial Day Weekend and Veterans Day this bracelet is always on my left wrist . May he never be forgotten.brose

LT John R. Painter Jr. was a pilot assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130, Detachment 3. On June 18, 1971, he launched in his EKA-3B Skywarrior aircraft on an operational flight. The other crew onboard the aircraft that day consisted of LTJG Raymond V. DeBlasio and ADJ2 Barry A. Bidwell. The A-3 Skywarrior is a three-place light bomber, reconnaissance plane, electronic warfare craft or aerial tanker, depending upon its outfitting. The Skywarrior flown by Painter aircraft was outfitted to serve as the tanker aircraft, prepared to render valuable assistance to other aircraft returning to the ship with very little fuel. This was an extremely important job, as some types of fighter aircraft launched with a minimum amount of fuel in order to accomodate a heavier bomb load, and sometimes arrived backat ship low on fuel. Upon launch, Painter's aircraft had some mechanical failure and crashed into the Gulf of Tonkin. No remains were recovered for the crew. They were listed as Reported Dead/Body Not Recovered and as a Non-Battle casualty. The three-man crew were listed as killed, body not recovered. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

If I should die, and leave tou 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 tembling hand to do something to comfort other eharts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.

Dear LT John Robert Painter Jr, sir,

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you 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. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.

Curt Carter