THE WALL OF FACES

I'm 51 yrs old. I recall growing up that my parents had a Vietnam war bracelet. My Dad served there 69-71. My Mom wore the bracelet for a long time and I remember wearing it myself as a kid for a while. We were a military family honoring those lost. My Mom died this past year and my Dad is in assisted living with senility. My brothers and I, wives and kids cleaned out their house today and I found the bracelet for Lt. Col. Donald Paxton. It brought me joy to see it again! I'm uploading a pic of it. I will keep it sacred in my home. God bless you and thank your for your sacrifice Lt. Col. Donald Paxton.

In mid-February, 1969, U.S. Defense policy for response on U.S. operations in Laos was, "The preferable response to questions about air operations in Laos is 'no comment'." We "weren't" in Laos. The B-57 Canberra was one of the aircraft used by the U.S. Air Force to bomb the Ho Chi Minh Trail. The Canberra first came to the Vietnam theater at the time of the Gulf of Tonkin incident in 1964. It proved too vulnerable and difficult to repair for working targets over North Vietnam, but proved effective in the armed reconnaissance Trail operations of Operation Steel Tiger. The Canberra was sometimes used in conjunction with other, more sophisticated aircraft, such as the C-130, and was especially effective on night missions. LTC Donald E. Paxton and MAJ Charles Macko were in Laos. Paxton was the pilot and Macko the co-pilot of a B57 bomber sent on a mission over Savannakhet Province, Laos, on February 22, 1969. During the mission, the aircraft was shot down and both men were declared Missing In Action. Charles Macko and Donald E. Paxton were both promoted to the rank of Colonel during the period they were maintained missing. In 2000, the remains of these two airmen were positively identified by the Department of Defense and repatriated. [Narrative taken from pownetwork.org; image from wikipedia.org]

I will never forget, 40 years after receiving that bracelet in 8th grade, your name, rank and the date you went missing. It's amazing that after 31 years you were found nod brought home to rest. You will be part of my life forever. Thank you for your sacrifice. We will meet some day.

Dear Colonel Donald Elmer Paxton, 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