THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Typhoon Hester of October 1971 was regarded as one of the most destructive storms to strike Vietnam since 1944. Developing as a tropical depression on October 18th near Palau in the western Pacific, Hester gradually intensified as it moved westward towards the Philippines where it was responsible for six deaths and millions in damage. Once over the South China Sea, Hester further strengthened and ultimately attained peak winds of 105 mph. On October 23rd, the storm made landfall directly over the U.S. military installation at Chu Lai in Quang Tin Province, RVN. Hester damaged or destroyed 75 percent of the structures on the base. Sustained winds and gusts were estimated to reach 80 mph and 100 mph respectively. Four hangars collapsed with total aircraft losses amounting to 36 destroyed and 87 damaged. Losses from the destroyed helicopters exceeded $3.6 million (1971 USD). Dozens of barracks were damaged and communications were hampered. Several Americans died in the wake of Hester’s wrath. This included TSGT Carl D. Tomlin Jr., an aerial photographer serving with the 600th Photo Squadron, 7th Air Force. On October 31, 1971, Tomlin expired in Khanh Hoa Province, RVN, from congestive heart failure after contracting pneumonia following extended outdoor duty in the wake of Hester during the week before his death. He was 28 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, wikipedia.org, and “Melvindale Man Dies in Vietnam.” The Lincoln Parker (Lincoln Park, MI), November 3, 1971]

Taken from The Lincoln Parker (Lincoln Park, MI), November 3, 1971.

Dear Tsgt Carl Tomlin, Thank you for your service with the 600th Photo Squadron. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Agent Orange Awareness Month. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear TSGT Carl Delbert Tomlin Jr, 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