THE WALL OF FACES

I wish I had the chance to get to know you. You have been in my heart and thoughts everyday as I have grown up. I know you look down upon my family and one day we will meet on the other side.

Dear Captain Michael John Blanscet, 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

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and tremblin g hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

CPT Blanscet served with Battery E, 82nd Artillery (Aviation), 1st Cavalry Division as an OH-6A Helicopter Pilot.
On 17 May 1970 he was flying a Scout mission as the “Low Bird” on a “Hunter-Killer” Team. He was flying low level at about 100 to 150 feet above the trees and went into a right hand turn. The aircraft lost airspeed in the turn, started spinning to the right after completing a 180 degree turn and crashed into the trees. CPT Blanscet had sensed something wrong a few minutes before the incident. He had instructed the door gunner to remove the inspection panel the next time the aircraft landed to check the tail rotor drive-shaft.
CPT Blanscet died twenty days later from injuries sustained in the crash.

Michael is buried at Ft Leavenworth Nat Cem.