THE WALL OF FACES

CW2 William Pishner Jr. was a U.S. Army helicopter pilot serving with the 128th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade. On March 10, 1970, CW2 Pishner died in the 11th Aviation Dispensary at Phu Loi Base Camp in Binh Duong Province, RVN, after collapsing during an evening meal at the officer’s mess club. Earlier that day, Pishner suffered a chest injury which is believed to have contributed to his death. During a lift mission, Pishner’s gunship provided cover for ten ships carrying troops. As they overflew a North Vietnamese Army (NVA) regiment, the enemy laced the formation with gunfire. Pishner’s team fired on enemy positions and quieted the NVA down long enough to insert a blocking force. While attacking the enemy, Pishner’s ship received groundfire to the engine and he landed hard in a wooded area. His inertia reel (shoulder harness) failed to lock, and his chest slammed down onto the cyclic control. Pishner along with his co-pilot and their door gunners were picked up by one of the lift ships and flown to a refueling port where they caught a flight back to base. Later that evening, Pishner was examined by medical staff who diagnosed him with a bruised sternum and released him from the hospital. He went to the officer's mess and ordered a steak. As he ate his meal, he collapsed. Other diners with him performed CPR but could not get a pulse. Blood flowed out of his nose and mouth with every chest compression. What doctors failed to diagnose was that Pishner had sustained a ruptured dissecting aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium (a tear in the aorta leading to blood accumulating in the pericardial sac). The unit Flight Surgeon arrived, and Pishner was transported to 11th Aviation Battalion dispensary where he expired 30 minutes later. He was 22 years old. Pishner was survived by his wife and mother and stepfather. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Jeff Clater at vhpa.org]

Image courtesy of Redbird Research LLC, Saint Charles, MO.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Clayne Frazer is touching and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear CWO William Pishner, Thank you for your service as an Utility/Observation Helicopter Pilot. Your 74th birthday just passed, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Memorial Day is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.