THE WALL OF FACES

Specialist Five James Leland Scroggins was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as a Helicopter Repairer and Air Crewmember. He was assigned to the 18TH AVN CO (CORPS), 164TH AVN GROUP, 1ST AVIATION BDE.
See https://army.togetherweserved.com/

Dear Sp5 James Scroggins, Thank you for your service as a CH-47 Helicopter Repairer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy New Year. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I attended school with Jimmy - we first met about our little town, went to summer bible school together, and attended first grade at Smithboro (IL) Grade School in 1953. In 2011 I visited the Wall in Washington, D.C. and saw his name, along with Art Bollinger, also from Bond County (IL).

SP5 James L. Scroggins was a helicopter mechanic assigned to 18th CAC (Corps Aviation Company). On February 23, 1973, he was the acting flight engineer for a supply mission for the peacekeeping forces following the signing of the cease-fire. His CH-47C Chinook (tail number 67-18529) helicopter was a backup unit pressed into service from Can Tho base when the original Chinook was pulled out of service due to a hydraulic leak. SP5 Scroggins’ copter took a SAM missile hit and crash-landed in flames. He was thrown into the fire and rescued by one of the pilots, but later died in Okinawa due to complications from his injuries. He was one of the last soldiers killed in Vietnam, and reportedly the last Illinois soldier killed. [Taken from vhpa.org and thewall-usa.com]

Dear SP5 James Leland Scroggins, 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