THE WALL OF FACES

At 12:05 PM on May 18, 1969, a U.S. Marines Lockheed KC-130F (#149814) tanker from Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152) departed Da Nang Air Base on a routine operational tanker mission in support of Third Marine Amphibious Forces. During the mission, two McDonnell Douglas F-4B Phantom II aircraft from Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) were being refueled approximately eight miles north of Phu Bai, RVN, along the South Vietnam coastline. At the same time, a separate F-4B (#151001) from VMFA-542 was heading in a generally westbound direction toward the Hue Phu Bai military area. The two aircraft approached each other nearly head on with a closing rate of approximately 700 knots true air speed. The VMFA-542 F-4 impacted in the vicinity of the number four engine and the right refueling pod on the KC-130, killing the pilot and Radar Intercept Officer instantly. The KC-130’s right wing was sheared from the aircraft and the tanker fell into the sea. The VMFA-314 F-4 (#151450) refueling from the right para-drogue was sprayed with fuel and ingested an undetermined amount of debris into both engines. The jet flipped uncontrollably to an inverted position while the drogue and a portion of the hose remained attached. Its engines could not sustain power and the aircraft was abandoned by the crew. Both men safely ejected into the sea and were recovered by a rescue helicopter from the USS Oriskany (CVA-34). The second refueling F-4 (#152270) plugged into the left refueling drogue sustained limited damage in the form of two small holes in the port aileron and a ½-inch hole in the right wingtip. The pilot observed the spinning tanker, and when it was apparent he could render no further assistance, he returned to Chu Lai Air Base and landed without further incident. All six men aboard the KC-130 were killed in the accident. The lost personnel included (from the KC-130) pilot MAJ Jimmy D. Sells, co-pilot MAJ John C. Williamson, MGYSGT Carroll F. Hersey, MSGT Edmond C. Polenski, SGT Robert A. Bonebright, and CPL James A. Cox; and (from the VMFA-542 F-4) CAPT John L. Nalls and CAPT Charles W. Pigott. The remains of all the lost personnel were recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, aviation-safety.net, and “3 Planes Lost in Collision.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, May 20, 1969]

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.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

DEAR SERGEANT BONERIGHT,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A MARINE. I DO NOT KNOW YOUR MOS, BUT SEMPER FI. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. IT WAS JUST EASTER - GOD'S BLESSINGS ON YOU.

Dear SGT Robert Allen Bonebright, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

A Marine KC-130 with Bob aboard was refueling two F-4B jets just south of the DMZ. As the three aircraft flew in formation, with the Phantoms plugged in and taking fuel, a third F-4B collided with the C-130's right wing near the #3 engine. The collision destroyed the F-4B, sheared the wing from the C-130, and damaged one F-4B refueling from the right side. The F-4B on the left escaped without damage. The F-4B on the right crashed, but the two crewmen were rescued.

All six men aboard the C-130, including Bob, and the two crewmen aboard the F-4B that crashed into them were killed in the accident.

Rest in peace with the warriors.