THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR AVIATION MACHINISTS BARRY BIDWELL,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN AVIATION MACHINIST (JET ENGINES) FROM THE U. S. S. ORISKANY. YOU ARE STILL MIA.
PLEASE COME HOME.
IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS

I would like to find a relative to return the bracelet I wore many years ago. I was so happy to find this website and find a face to put to the name on the bracelet. If anyone has information, please help.

I would like to have contact information of his relatives so I could return the bracelet I wore Many years ago in his honor. I was thrilled to and for find this website and be able to see the face of the man I was honoring who gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country and for us. If anyone can help, please do.

Dear ADJ2 Barry Alan Bidwell, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

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 Jr. 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]