THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Cap. Kirk Riley, Thank you for your service as an HMH Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The 20th anniversary of 9/11 is soon, and still very sad. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I remember Capt Riley - he was my Capt when I was a Corporal assigned to HMM-364. I was in Okinawa at the time of his crash. I should have been the gunner on that flight.

On December 3, 1965, a flight of six UH-34D's from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM 364) were carrying a full complement of ARVN troops whose destination was an outpost known as Hiep Duc, just west of Tam Ky. The entire area was noted for being a very “hot spot.” CAPT Kirk I. Riley and his crew were the lead aircraft, #148762. The following is a personal account by Ken Gross of the loss of Riley’s aircraft: “We tried to go in as high as possible, though we were limited by somewhat low ceilings, which may have placed us approximately 2000 feet above ground level. The flight was in normal cruise when the Viet Cong fired on us with time delay fused mortars. Unfortunately, CAPT Riley's aircraft received a direct hit in the belly, where the fuel tanks were located, and they never stood a chance. CAPT Riley tried desperately to get the aircraft on the ground, but it was burning so fiercely he appeared to lose control and the aircraft rolled inverted and crashed. No one survived.” The lost crew included Aircraft Commander Riley, co-pilot 1LT Stanley G. Johnson, crew chief CPL Robert H. White, and gunner CPL Warren L. Dempsey. In addition to the four crewmembers, there were nine ARVN troops aboard the aircraft. Neither the bodies nor the aircraft were recovered. (Narrative by Kenneth L. Gross, Maj. USMCR, Ret.) [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and popasmoke.com]

Dear Captain Kirk Irwin Riley, 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

Kirk is buried at Saint Pauls Episcopal Cathedral,Peoria, Peoria County,.IL.