THE WALL OF FACES

In 1967, the U.S. Air Force’s 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron began operating the Cessna O-2A Skymaster as a replacement for the O-1 Bird Dog in the role of forward air control. The O-2A was a modified civilian Cessna 337 with an engine at each end of the fuselage. It carried more ordnance than the O-1, had more power, and was capable of longer loiter times. On November 20, 1969, instructor pilot Lt Col Walter A. Renelt and pilot 2d Lt John R. Baldridge Jr. were the crew of an O-2A (#67-21301), call sign Lopez 1, conducting a visual reconnaissance mission over Laos. At about 4:25 PM, the pilot of the FAC aircraft heard a radio transmission from Baldridge indicating that their Skymaster had been hit by groundfire and one of their engines had failed. The FAC diverted to their area within three minutes and observed the O-2A aircraft had crashed and was burning near Route 9666, 24 kilometers (14.8 miles) west of Ngok Tavak Airfield. Searches for survivors were conducted; however, the FAC reported he had not seen any signs of life around the crash site. The following day, an attempt was made to insert U.S. Air Force pararescuemen, but the helicopters were driven off by enemy fire including .50 caliber machine gun fire. Subsequent searches were made by photo reconnaissance aircraft, but no further attempts were made to insert personnel because of the tactical situation on the ground. An electronic search was maintained for emergency beeper or radio signals, but none were heard, and all search efforts were concluded November 28th. The FAC who overflew the crash site initially reported that the wing and tail boom of the Skymaster were separated from the fuselage by approximately 100 feet, and that part of the fuselage had burned. He stated the aircraft apparently impacted vertically at high speed. Neither pilot carried a parachute, and it was determined that the chances of crew survival were non-existent. The remains of either crewman have not been recovered. Both were promoted during the time they have been missing, Renelt to Colonel, and Baldridge to Capitan. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org and pleikuab.com]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It remains my fervent hope you will be returned home after the passage of so many years.

Never forget.

HOOAH

Col please know that I have been wearing your MIA bracelet since 1992. I bought the bracelet from my chapter of the Air Force Sergeants Assoc. I wear it every day. I try to understand, but never forget. Hope we can bring you home soon. Make God take care you until then.

Dear Col Walter Renelt, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. You are still MIA, Please come HOME. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another hot summer day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Be at peace.