THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Sp4 Stephen Ponty, Thank you for your service as Huey, UH-1 Helicopter Repairer. Your 72nd birthday just passed. Happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Memorial Day just passed when our nation remembers your sacrifice. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SP4 Stephen Chester Ponty Jr, 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

On December 28, 1968, a Crusader 'Smokey' UH-1C smoke ship from 1th 187th AHC was shot down while on a run putting down a smoke screen so the Command and Control aircraft could land in and take off from the LZ safely. Two of the smoke ship's crew, SP4 Stephen C. Ponty Jr. and WO1 Gerald D. Markland were killed and Aircraft Commander WO Roger Howell, Crusader '25,' and SP5 Marshall were wounded. Another Rat Pack ship was shot down at the same time resulting in the pilot and aircraft commander receiving slight wounds. [Taken from 187ahc.net]

Steve is buried at St James Cemetery in Jamesburg, NJ. DFC AM/12 OLC PH