THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

To the family and friends of John F. Shea,
I had the honor to read John’s name at the 40th anniversary of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on November 7, 2022. My uncle, Donald Edward Koelper, was among the list of 30 names I read in front of the memorial. I never met my uncle. He was killed two weeks after I was born on February 16, 1964 in the bombing of the Capital Kinh Doh Theater in Saigon. Every family’s story is unique but we are all united in our grief. I would love to hear more about your loved one. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dear PFC John Shea, Thank you for your service with the 560 Military Police Company. 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.

Private First Class John Francis Shea, Served with the 560th Military Police Company, United States Army Support Command Vietnam, Military Assistance Command Vietnam (MACV), United States Army Vietnam.

On March 9, 1964, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1B (tail number 62-01961) from the 114th Assault Helicopter Company crashed into the Mekong River in the vicinity of Sadec, Dong Thap Province, while on an escort mission for visiting VIP’s. The VIP’s included Defense Secretary Robert McNamara and General Maxwell Taylor. The crew chief SP5 Wyley Wright Jr. and gunner PFC John F. Shea were drowned in the incident. The pilot I.E. Greeley and co-pilot C. Daniel were rescued. After later analysis of the crash, it was determined that the pilot was kind of “hot-rodding” the helicopter, made too steep of a turn, pulled too many G’s and the aircraft got away from him. SP5 Wright and PFC Shea were tied in by their “monkey straps” so they could stand out on the helicopter’s skids. They were unable to get un-strapped when the aircraft went down and they drowned in the river. PFC Shea, an MP with the 560th Military Police Company, had volunteered to be a door gunner with the 114th AHC. [Taken from 560mp.tripod.com]