THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Dear Grandpa Charlie,

I know you don't know me, but I just wanted you to know that I am so honored to call you my hero. You have given your life for my country and have inspired me to keep helping my country in any way I can. My dad, your son, misses you and is honored to have you as a father. I love you and I hope you read this, so you can know how much we love you!

Love,
Your grand daughter L. P.

At 12:05 PM on May 18, 1969, a U.S. Marines Lockheed KC-130F (#149814) tanker from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) departed Da Nang Air Base on a routine operational tanker mission in support of Third Marine Amphibious Forces. During the mission, two McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) were being refueled approximately eight miles north of Phu Bai, RVN, along the South Vietnam coastline. At the same time, a separate F-4B (#151001) from VMFA-542 was heading in a generally westbound direction toward the Hue Phu Bai military area. The two aircraft approached each other nearly head on with a closing rate of approximately 700 knots true air speed. The VMFA-542 F-4 impacted in the vicinity of the number four engine and the right refueling pod on the KC-130, killing the pilot and Radar Intercept Officer instantly. The KC-130’s right wing was sheared from the aircraft and the tanker fell into the sea. The VMFA-314 F-4 (#151450) refueling from the right para-drogue was sprayed with fuel and ingested an undetermined amount of debris into both engines. The jet flipped uncontrollably to an inverted position while the drogue and a portion of the hose remained attached. Its engines could not sustain power and the aircraft was abandoned by the crew. Both men safely ejected into the sea and were recovered by a rescue helicopter from the USS Oriskany (CVA-34). The second refueling F-4 (#152270) plugged into the left refueling drogue sustained limited damage in the form of two small holes in the port aileron and a ½-inch hole in the right wingtip. The pilot observed the spinning tanker, and when it was apparent he could render no further assistance, he returned to Chu Lai Air Base and landed without further incident. All six men aboard the KC-130 were killed in the accident. The lost personnel included (from the KC-130) pilot MAJ Jimmy D. Sells, co-pilot MAJ John C. Williamson, MGYSGT Carroll F. Hersey, MSGT Edmond C. Polenski, SGT Robert A. Bonebright, and CPL James A. Cox; and (from the VMFA-542 F-4) CAPT John L. Nalls and CAPT Charles W. Pigott. The remains of all the lost personnel were recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, aviation-safety.net, and “3 Planes Lost in Collision.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, May 20, 1969]

Dear Cap. Charles Pigott, Thank you for your service as a VMFA Pilot. I researched you on the 52nd anniversary of the start of your tour, and your 53rd anniversary is in 2 days, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was the 46th anniversary of the last day of battle of the Vietnam War, and Armed Forces Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear Captain Charles William Pigott, 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