THE WALL OF FACES

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

On the early morning of January 26, 1969, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter CH-46D (tail number 153997) from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM 364) was conducting a medical evacuation when it crashed into Ba Na Mountain west of Da Nang, RVN. Six Marines and one Navy corpsman were killed in the incident. The aircraft was requested at approximately 3:00 AM to retrieve a patient located on Charlie Ridge, a crest in the mountainous region west of Da Nang. While enroute, the helicopter flew straight into the mountain close to the 3,000-foot level. A combination of pitch black and early morning haze with no landmarks were the conditions in which the crew was flying their mission. A chase plane in the flight reported seeing an explosion as the helicopter impacted the mountain. The lost personnel included aircraft commander 1LT John F. Meyer, co-pilot 1LT David W. Sterling, gunners LCPL David P. Dolan and LCPL James E. Hannibal, and corpsman HN Richard M. Lubin. Also lost was PFC Charles L. Peddy, listed as the crew chief on the flight, and LCPL Michael J. Schickel, listed as a third gunner. The chase aircraft, piloted by 1LT Don Robbins, attempted to lower crewman LCPL Curtis P. Knox to the crash site to check for survivors; however, when the jungle penetrator cable was fully extended Knox was still 50 feet above the ground. Robbins abandoned the attempt, only to find that the hoist retract was inoperable and Knox could not be hoisted aboard. He dangled below the CH-46D while Robbins flew six miles to the nearest secure landing zone where he gently lowered the aircraft until Knox was safely on the ground. An examination of this incident several decades later by former squadron members led them to surmise that the accident may have occurred as the result of an electronic error with the Da Nang Tactical Air Navigation (TACAN), the navigation system used by military aircraft prior to GPS. They believed that pilot Meyer was probably flying using instruments and depending on the Danang TACAN for navigational purposes. Other aircrews had experienced Danang TACAN errors of 40 degrees or so in the vicinity of Ba Na Mountain, and post-crash reconstructions of the flight route indicated that a 40-degree lock-off would place the aircraft exactly at the point of impact on Ba Na. [Taken from popasmoke.com, vvmf.org, and vhpa.org]

Dear Lcpl Michael Schickel, Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Electrical Systems Tech. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 4th and last 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.

Michael was a friend of mine in home room at Boca Ciega HS and we graduated together in 1966. Years ago I saw Michael's name on the wall in Washington DC and got a copy of a his name off the Viet Nam Memorial. I think of Michael often and how he gave his life for our country. No greater love does a man have then to lay down his life for another. I think of Michael often and how he never saw his 21st birthday whereas I will be age 73 tomorrow 6/1/2021. And to think that it has been more than 1/2 a century since Michael gave his life four our country. God bless you Michael Schickel.

Dear LCPL Michael Joseph Schickel, 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