THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear Cap Arthur Stockburger, Thank you for your service as an HMH Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The 47th anniversary of the last battle of the war just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Art is fondly remembered in our family because he is the one that introduced Verlan to Barbara. Our group of teachers invited others to dinner on Sundays and one week Art brought Verlan. We've been married 57 years and remember those days fondly. We often think of Mary, Artie and Sharon and trust that they are doing well. He left very big shoes to fill. A wonderful example of a life well lived. THANKS for your service and sacrifice. Verlan is visiting the Memorial on May 5, 2018 with the Honor Flight.

On August 27, 1968, a U.S. Marine Corps UH-1E helicopter gunship (#151880) from Marine Medium Light Helicopter Squadron 167 (HML 167) was on a firefly mission when it received enemy fire and crashed, killing three crewmen. Firefly was a nickname for the Heliborne Illumination System that was used in helicopters to illuminate the ground at night using a searchlight system. The searchlight aircraft would be escorted by a gunship which would engage targets. The gunship in this mission took fire about seven miles south of Danang, RVN, reportedly began streaming fuel and exploded in flight. The co-pilot CPT Arthur L. Stockburger, crew chief PFC James D. Wagstaff, and gunner CPL John B. Becker, were killed in the ensuing crash. The pilot, CPT John H. Key survived and was rescued. He suffered major injuries in the incident. Key died in Texas on June 20, 2009, at the age of 68. [Taken from popasmoke.com]

Dear Captain Arthur Lee Stockburger, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter