THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Alan is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Petty Officer Second Class Robert Lee Paynter was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor , with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as a Boatswain's Mate Second Class and was assigned to the 71ST RVN RAID, NAVAL ADV GROUP.
See https://navy.togetherweserved.com/

Dear PO2C Robert Paynter, Thank you for your service as a Boatswain's Mate 2nd Class. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Easter Friday. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Bob was a good friend of mine in High School and I want to Honor him and Salute him on his Heroism , you left us to soon Bob we all think about you everyday .

On January 7, 1971, at 1900 hours, Armored Troop Carrier 1258, on convoy operations with the 33rd Regiment CP units in Kien Giang Province, RVN, came under B-40 rocket and AK-47 fire from both banks, and then was struck by command denoted mine and sank. The boat, which normally carries troops, was transiting a canal in the U Minh Forest with a load of ammunition when the attack occurred. Two USN advisors, LT William C. Vasey, Senior Advisor and Commanding Officer to RAID 73, and BM2 Robert L. Paynter of RAID 71, along with ten VNN sailors, were killed. The boat was hit with what was estimated to be a 500 pound bomb that exploded on the centerline of the coxswain flat. ATC 1258 was lifted completely out of the water and flipped stern over bow. The aft section of the craft was inverted in 12 feet of water with the well deck section jack-knifed bottom to bottom and resting on the skids of the aft section. The flight deck, where LT Vasey had been standing, was blown 30 yards downstream, the entire boat was declared unsalvageab1e. LT Vasey, who was 26 years old, had 62 days left in the Navy when he was KIA. His plans were to go home to Doylestown, PA and marry his longtime sweetheart, Valerie Hassinger. LT Vasey and BM2 Paynter were both recommended for the Bronze Star award. [Taken from navy.togetherweserved.com]