THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Jerry Schemel, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 3rd week of Advent, Christmas is soon. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

On behalf of those who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.

On July 27, 1966, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D tail number 64-13571 from A Company, 82nd Aviation Battalion, was participating in a troop lift of members of C Company, 4/503rd, when the aircraft suffered a mechanical failure and crashed. The helicopter was the #8 aircraft in the middle of a formation when it suddenly went nose up and inverted in a loop over the top of the flight. It was almost back to level when it exploded on impact into trees. Eyewitnesses claimed to have seen what looked like two people exit the aircraft just before impact. First responders on the ground were kept 30-50 meters away from the flaming wreckage by the heat and the rounds exploding in the jungle. Trees and brush were reportedly shredded by M60 ammo boxes cooking off. Mortar and M-79 rounds were also detonating. Four crewmen and six passengers were killed in the crash. The lost crewmen included aircraft commander WO1 Rutherford J. Welsh, pilot WO1 Joseph C. Sampson Jr., crew chief SP5 Harold W. Reinbott Jr., and gunner PFC James W. Collins. The lost passengers were SSGT Joseph F. Hunt, PFC Joe D. Kegley, PFC Melvin W. McDowell, PFC Carlos D. Moore, PFC Jerry L. Schemel, and PFC James L. McCrystal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

You were my first boyfriend that gave me a ring, we called it going steady in those days. The memories are countless. The dances at the Walled Lake Casino where your band played, and we were on stage with Stevie Wonder. I became friends with your wife Tina after your passing and I mourned with her and by her side. You were such a talented saxophone player. We shared so many wonderful and fun times together. Thank you Jerry for the gifts you gave to all us. We will always love you and keep your memory alive within.