THE WALL OF FACES

I was driving an Air Force refueling rig that day and was stopped at the end of the runway waiting for clearance to cross from the tower. I saw your helicopter fly by in front of me, and as you cleared the runway I looked back toward the tower for clearance to cross. When they signaled me to cross I started to go and then looked out toward the right to see where you were, I noticed you were flying low. Then I saw the helicopter wobble in the air and start to nose dive down then it recovered and turned back and headed toward me. I thought there was some kind of mechanical problem. At this point I was only about half way across the runway with the front of my fuel rig, as you were coming toward me, I looked to the tower, no signal from them, by now the wind was getting stronger and dust was flying in my cab the canvas roof was flapping like crazy. I stopped the truck covered my eyes and laid face down on the front seat. When the wind stopped and I could open my eyes I looked in my mirror and saw you landing behind me. When I got to the other side of the field to refuel a C123 I ask if anyone saw what happened? They said no! While I was refueling I looked across the field and saw an ambulance by the helicopter. When I got back to the refueling tent I found out that the pilot was shot by a sniper and the co-pilot brought it back in. I didn't know you or the crew at that time but our sympathy went out his family and crew from our tent. Now I can send my sympathy to the family of Robert Thruston! And thank you to Philip Shelton for safely bringing it back in! I had checked both sides of the field and as far as I know I was the only one who saw what happened that day!

Dear WO Robert Reade Thruston III, 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

This ship and crew had been TDY to Ban Me Thuot prior to this mission. I was the CE on this ship. We had flown to Nha Trang. We had an ARVN General and an ARVN Captain as passengers plus two US Army LTCs. The mission was to recon the area around the base. We had just taken off. I'd estimate we were about 2 miles from the airbase and still at a low altitude. A single 45 caliber round came through the windshield and hit WO1 Thruston in the head and killed him immediately. It removed part of his head and his flight helmet. WO1 Phillip C. Shelton took control of aircraft and landed back at Nha Trang. Recounted by CE E5 Robert K. Paik. [Taken from vhpa.org]

Bob was killed flying a recon just west of Nha Trang that morning. I was left seat. He was right.

Bob,
You had a generous heart and the best spirit. You came back in my memories and we are still great friends. I still have a photo of the car you helped me buy that we drove from Ft Wolters to Ft Rucker.
See you again one of these days. You were a good pilot.