THE WALL OF FACES

While climbing to 180 feet, a grinding noise was heard and the RPM started to bleed off. The engine quit and the transmission light came on. While making an autorotation into jungle growth, the left skid struck a log and the aircraft rolled on its right side. Later, during a rescue attempt from a similar aircraft, the rotor blades of the rescue aircraft (OH-23G 63-12784) struck observer SMAJ Cyril E. Stirnkorb as he stood on the skid of the downed aircraft, causing fatal injuries. The pilot of 64-15180 was rescued. The suspected causes of the crashes were transmission andor engine failure on 64-15180 and engine failure on the rescue aircraft. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Cyril is buried at St Mary's Cemetery in Cincinnati, OH.

I rembember talking with you on our training missions in S.Germany. You were an inspiration for me. I remember too that you had a big family. You were a great soldier and an honor to the US Army. Rest in Peace Top.

I never had the chance to meet the late Cyril Edward Stirnkorb, but i know he was a great man by the stregth he gave to his wife, Edith, the stongest person i know and his love that he left to his 2nd Daughter, Barbara Leona, the biggest hearted person i will ever meet. I wish i could have had that chance and yet i feel i have. i know he's watching over me and helping me along the way i know he cheering me on with every step i make. i miss him though i never knew, i love though i never said

Ed was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment (Blackhorse) at the time of his death. 11th Armored Cavalry Veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia are attempting to locate relatives of all of our Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. Please contact us at: [email protected] or through our website: http://www.11thcavnam.com

POST-TO-POST HORSE-TO-HORSE AND ONTO FIDDLERS GREEN ALLONS AND AMEN.