THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Cap Derald Swift, Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. The 56th anniversary of the start of your tour just passed. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Flag Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

CAPT Derald D. Swift was a U.S. Air Force pilot assigned to the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force. On December 7, 1966, CAPT Swift was the pilot of a USAF F-5C Tiger (#63-8429) flying a combat mission south of Tay Ninh, RVN, when his jet was damaged by enemy small arms fire. Swift attempted to return to base but was forced to bail out about 10 miles from Bien Hoa Airbase. After ejecting from his disabled Tiger aircraft, his parachute malfunctioned, and Swift died on impact. His body was recovered. Note: CAPT Swift’s F-5 is the middle aircraft in the image. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Roy Spencer (December 2012) at thewall-usa.com]

Captain Derald Dean Swift, Served with the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force.

Derald Swift, Lambda Chi Alpha, is remembered as a good man, a decent human being and a fraternity brother.

Dear Captain Derald Dean Swift, 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