THE WALL OF FACES

Dear WO Joseph Reichlin, Thank you for your service as a Helicopter Pilot. I researched you on your 76th birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Purple Heart Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I think about you almost every day and dream about what friends we could have been through the years. RIP my friend.

May 10, 1968 the day you gave your life to protect those you had sworn to protect. After 53 years, I am still so proud of you. It hasn't been easy living without you and I miss you always. But I know you would expect me to go on. Mom and Dad are with you now and I'm left to carry on but never alone. Your friends and your Bishop Fallon brothers have never forgotten. Fellow pilots and soldiers are also in your circle of friends. Thank you for your almost 23 years of life - you were my best friend and forever my hero. Love always, DiAnn

Dear WO Joseph Albert Reichlin 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, Sir

Curt Carter

On May 10, 1968, WO1 Joseph A. Reichlin Jr. was piloting U.S. Army helicopter UH-1B tail number 64-13916, a “Frog” gunship from the 282nd Assault Helicopter Company. While in flight the aircraft came under hostile small arms fire (AK-47). A single round entered the cockpit area through the windshield, striking WO1 Reichlin in the head. The helicopter was able to continue flight and landed safely. The attack, however, resulted in a fatal injury to WO1 Reichlin. [Taken from vhpa.org]