THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lt. Carl Radtke, Thank you for your service as an Administrative Officer - Pilot. Your 79th birthday just passed, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Independence Day week. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Carl Radke and I were in the same flight school class, 68-2. We were also in the Officers Candidate Class, 9-67, at Ft. Sill, OK. We were good friends, Carl and his wife would have me over to his place for dinner (I was a bachelor). We also liked to go shooting our pistols together. The photo below was taken in early summer of 1967 while we were visiting Ft. Wolters, OK, where we would soon be entering flight school. Carl is on the left, Al Castro center, and I am on the right.

First Lieutenant Carl Leonard Radtke, Served with the 191st Assault Helicopter Company, 214th Aviation Battalion, 12th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade.

On March 2, 1969, an enemy night mortar attack was launched against the airbase for the 191st Assault Helicopter Company in Kien Hoa Province (IV Corps). Numerous incoming rounds were directed toward the airfield. During a lull in the attack, several soldiers ventured out of their bunker to survey the damage, and then congregated in flight operations building after taking a look around. One of the next rounds was a direct hit on the building. Several 191st AHC members were killed, including their commanding officer, MAJ John A. Petric. Other suffering fatal wounds were 1LT Carl L. Radtke, 1LT Dennis S. Coker, SP5 Robert L. Heinmiller, and SP4 George R. Lovellette, [Taken from vhpa.org]

Dear 1LT Carl Leonard Radtke, 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