THE WALL OF FACES

Lt. Commander Thomas Stegman was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. He served as a Pilot and was assigned to VA-35, CVW-9, USS ENTERPRISE, TF 77, 7TH FLEET.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/ds/StegmanTx01a.htm

Dear Lcdr Thomas Stegman, Thank you for your service as a Naval Flight Officer on the USS ENTERPRISE. Your 79th anniversary of your status as MIA is in 2 days, but you are still MIA. Please come home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was the 47th anniversary of the official end of the war and it's Mother's Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Be at peace.

On the remembrance of your 83rd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

POW-MIA...Never Forget

Semper Fortis

CDR Henry A. Coons was a member of Attack Squadron 35, Carrier Air Wing 9 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS ENTERPRISE (CVAN-65). On February 28, 1968, he was flying in a Grumman Attack Aircraft Intruder (A-6A) over North Vietnam when his aircraft was hit by a surface-to-air (SAM) missile and crashed. He was flying a mission in advance to an attack-bombing mission. CDR Coon’s role was to do the electronic counter-measure work ahead of the bombers. He had accomplished his mission and was headed home when his aircraft was hit by the SAM. CDR Coon made it to the ocean where he ditched. Search and rescue crews found CDR Coon's plane, his co-pilot's LCDR Thomas Stegman’s body, and even CDR Coon's helmet. However, they never found CDR Coon. His remains were not recovered. [Taken from pownetwork.org and honorstates.org]

I never met Tom, but honor his service to our country.