THE WALL OF FACES

Never Forget

Semper Fortis

Dear Lt John Parker, Thank you for your service as Unrestricted Line Officer - Pilot on the USS CORAL SEA. Your 51st anniversary was this month, sad. You are still MIA. Please come home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Lent, and it’s spring. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Be at peace.

LT John J. Parker was a U.S. Navy pilot serving with Attack Squadron 86 (VA-86), Attack Carrier Air Wing 15 (CVW-15) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CV-43). At approximately 4:45 AM on March 4, 1970, the Coral Sea was conducting flight operations in the South China Sea off the coast of Vietnam when LT Parker launched off the carrier in an A-7A Corsair (#153136). Following takeoff, Parker’s jet was observed to impact the water approximately two miles ahead of the ship where it sank in 250 feet of water. A search for Parker commenced immediately utilizing a rescue helicopter and the destroyer USS Fechteler (DD-870). Search and rescue personnel were unable to locate Parker and ceased efforts after 3½ hours, at which time the missing pilot was presumed dead. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Tallahasseean Lost In China Sea Crash.” Tallahassee Democrat (Tallahassee, FL), March 6, 1970]

MY POW-MIA FLAG IS DISPLAYED 24-7 IN REMEMBRANCE OF ALL THE LOST WARRIORS.THE WAR MAY BE FORGOTTEN BUT THE WARRIOR WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED!!!!

Dear LT John Jackson Parker, 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