THE WALL OF FACES

Captain Louis John Speidel was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. He served as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander and was assigned to B TRP, 2ND SQDN, 17TH CAVALRY, 101ST ABN DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/detreq2.php

Well done, be though at peace. You are NOT forgotten.

Dear Cap Louis Speidel, Thank you for your service as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander - Helicopter Pilot and for graduating from West Point. Your 76th birthday is soon, happy birthday, but you were hit on your birthday, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Easter, and Passover . Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

I lost track of John after high school, we were both in Milford High School class of '64. We also rode the same school bus after the high school was moved to Day Heights in '62. I knew his wife Ellen(Early)too. John going to West Point was not a surprise to me as John was a "brainiac" ! However the rest of his army resume , Airborne Ranger and helicopter pilot and war hero were totally flabbergasting to my idea of where John would do his military service. With his brain power I thought he would serve behind a desk where his intelligence could best be utilized. As it turns out I served in the same unit as John, the 101st Airborne division, but I was there in '69. As fate would have it we were both wounded in the A Shau valley, although my wounds were superficial and only required a few stiches. As a memorial to three of my fellow classmates, Cliff Lefler USAF , Rodney Huddleston USMC and John Speidel USA , all were KIA in Viet Nam, I had replica dog tags made that list their name, rank, branch of service and the panel number and line where they are listed on the Viet Nam veterans memorial. I put them on a chain and added one of my army dog tags with instructions to my son to put that around my neck when I am in my coffin. I'll see you son John ......... I HOPE !