THE WALL OF FACES

When we were younger, with a thriving family, we spent two years in Taiwan, where Norman trained Taiwanese pilots to fly the F-104. We moved off base and into the mountains of Bei-Tou so that we could live among the local population.
One afternoon, Norman and I attended an AFB luncheon. It was an elegant affair and we were both dressed up, with Norman wearing his military uniform.
As we traveled a two-lane country road toward our home, Norman cried out, “Oh, those poor guys!”
I didn’t realize, at first, who he was talking about. But he pulled our Ford Station wagon into the entrance of a farm and I saw three men out in the field.
They were struggling to free a giant Water Buffalo who was mired up in thick, red mud, left in the wake of a recent typhoon. They were getting nowhere with their harness and rope.
Norman climbed out then loped across the field toward them. They seemed surprised to see an American, especially one in full military uniform, stopping at their humble farm. And Norman even knew a bit of their language. Together, they figured out a new rescue plan.
He ran back to the car, dragging their rope along. He first backed the Ford into the field until we were close to the group. He then secured the rope to the back bumper. One farmer reattached the opposite end to the buffalo’s harness.
Norm eased the car forward, tires spinning in the drenched earth. The men laughed when the huge animal lumbered up out of mud, free at last.
When he ran over to celebrate with his new friends, I saw that his uniform was covered in mud. The sight filled me with pride because Norman had let go of every other care to help these hardworking farmers.
From that day on, they waved whenever we drove by.
When he was killed as a P.O.W. in 1967, the world lost a remarkable man. I have spent over 52 years missing him and striving to honor both the soldier and the wonderful husband and father we lost.

Marie Schmidt died on 2 December 2023. We post this story for her. Respectfully, Kathy, Karen, Janet and Johanna Schmidt

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Dear Col Norman Schmidt, Thank you for your service as a Supersonic Interceptor Pilot. Dying while in captivity is tragic. But I am glad you were identified in 1974. Welcome Home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Christmas is soon. Merry Christmas. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

My father flew F101 Voodoos with Col. Schmidt with the 62nd FIS at K. I. Sawyer AFB. I played with his sons. He was good father and like all fighter pilots was a cool guy

My father flew F101 Voodoos with Col. Schmidt with the 62nd FIS at K. I. Sawyer AFB. I played with his sons. He was good father and like all fighter pilots was a cool guy