THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your daughter Johnnette are moving and reflect her eternal love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Dear SSgt John Rego, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is the anniversary of the start of the atomic age. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On May 6, 1966, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D (tail number 63-12988) from B Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, was on final approach for an attempted insertion of a search & destroy team during Operation Davy Crockett in the vicinity of Thanh Son, 3 miles southwest of Tam Quan, Binh Dinh Province, RVN, when the aircraft picked up heavy enemy fire and crashed in the landing zone (LZ). During the approach to the LZ, enemy rounds entered the cockpit area, hitting aircraft commander WO1 Darwin H. Engman in the chest and right leg, fatally wounding him. The pilot, WO1 Charles R. Lawhon, survived the attack and crash and was able to exit the helicopter. He was immediately killed by hostile fire, receiving hits in the head and neck. Another crewman, gunner SP4 Stephen E. Thomas, also received fatal head and chest wounds. Two other crewmen survived. Another two passengers were also killed in the incident, members of an aero rifle platoon, SSGT John H. Rego and SGT William E. Soderstrom. After the downed aircraft was secured by elements of 1/9 Cavalry, it was determined a Viet Cong battalion was situated in a nearby village. [Taken from vhpa.org and coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear SSGT John H Rego, 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