THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Your Shipmate's of the USS FORRESTAL Association will Never Forget You!

Dear PO3C Richard Sietz, Thank you for your service as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class with the USS FORRSTAL. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Valentine’s Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

ABH3 Richard Martin Sietz is buried in Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church Cemetery in Bonneauville, PA.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Going through high school together was a great experience and our undefeated FFA class basketball team was another great memory. I'll never forget being home on leave while my ship, the USS Oriskany, was being repaired as a result of a fire on board during flight operations in Vietnam, you came up to me at a country music show and told me that you had enlisted. Your wife bounced down the isle behind you and I could see that she was due to have your child in a short time. I shared my experience and told you to be careful. However, in keeping with your character, instead of heading for safety at a time of crisis, you ran toward the fire on the USS Forestall in order to try to save lives around you. As it turns out, I was standing helplessly on the deck of the USS Oriskany (your sister ship) watching the horrible event, wishing that there were some way I could help you. I went below deck to the squadron ready room and watched the first casualty report come in to see your name was the fourth name on the list. I was heart broken.
It' been well over 50 years since your death, but there isn't a military related holiday that goes by that I don't think of you. I miss you my friend.