THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Vickie is touching and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Lcpl Rodney Shank, Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Electrical Systems Tech. Your 53rd anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another 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.

On February 7, 1969, a U.S. Marines CH-46D helicopter (#153334) [YK-14] from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM 364) was conducting a medevac mission when it was brought down by enemy ground fire. Six Marine personnel were killed in the crash. One of the gunners, CPL Gregory J. Tomaro, survived the crash. The medevac was shot down in Arizona Territory, near Hue City, Quang Nam Province, RVN. The aircraft launched from Marble Mountain Air Facility on a low overcast day with intermittent rain. The wounded Marines it intended to evacuate were near the village of An Hoa. The pilot was forced to make a low approach to the landing zone and was subjected to intense enemy fire. The aircraft went out of control and crashed very hard in a rice paddy with about 10" of water in it. The lost crew included aircraft commander CPT Ernest E. Bartolina Jr., co-pilot 1LT Russell E. Moke, crew chief CPL Charles W. Willard Jr., gunner LCPL Rodney G. Shank, and corpsman HM2 Walter R. Tyrrell. A passenger, HN Gary N. Young, was also killed. HN Young was reportedly on the flight as part of his training by HM2 Tyrrell in helicopter medevac operations. [Taken from popasmoke.com]

No words will express how this tribute to you, Ronnie, has touched my heart. When your niece, Carol, contacted me a few days ago, it stirred so much up for me. I'm remembering our history together ... how dear you were to me and my family... our very special dates... the last time you came home ... so many memories. ... visits with your Dad... Bob's family ... my goodness. Who knows where it all would have lead.
My prayer is that someday we'll all be together in paradise. Mom is there and I'll be you've had fun reconnecting!
Again, thanks to Carol, I hope I'll be forever reconnected with your family, now that she has so graciously reached out to me.
Vickie

Dear LCPL Rodney George Shank, 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