THE WALL OF FACES

Corporal Donald Wayne Akins, Served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM-161), Marine Aircraft Group 39 (MAG-39), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing ( 1st MAW ).Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear CPL Donald Wayne Akins, 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

You have never left my thoughts in all these years. You still have a piece if my heart no one has been able to fill after all these years...I still love and miss you Donnie

On June 2, 1969, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter CH-46D (tail number 153970) from Marine Medium Medium Helicopter Squadron 161 (HMM 161) was on a medical evacuation mission east of Khe Sanh when the aircraft received enemy fire, causing it to crash and burn. Two crew members, crew chief CPL Donald W. Akins and medic HM2 Michael H. Cavanagh, and two passengers, CPL Michael Montijo and PFC Savas E. Trevino, suffered fatal injuries in the crash. The aircraft commander, George Kontrabecki, survived and was rescued. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Semper Fi, Marine.