THE WALL OF FACES

I was with you the night you gave all. Together we were de-arming aircraft on the night of October 24th. I remember you told me to go below because there was only one left. I hardly got to the catwalk when all hell broke loose. I have lived with the guilt of walking away, I always thought maybe things would have been different. I did not know you had a wife and children until years later. RIP Ordie, I think of you daily.

Petty Officer Second Class Clayton Mitchell Blankenship, Served with Attack Squadron 56 (VA-56), Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5), USS Midway, Task Force 77 (TF-77), 7th Fleet. Montani Semper Liberi !

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your wife Katy is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

AO2 Clayton Mitch Blankenship is buried at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens in Prosperity, WV.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Non sibi sed patriae.

I am the daughter of Major Leroy I. Blankenship, KIA 1 Apr 69. Family history says that all Blankenships in the United States are descended from one common ancestor who immigrated from England to Virginia as an indentured servant in the early 1600's. As such, all 15 men on the Wall with the surname Blankenship are distant cousins. If you knew Clayton Mitchell or are related to him, you are welcome to contact me.