THE WALL OF FACES

On December 28, 1969, a U.S. Marine Corps helicopter CH-46A (tail number 153379) from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 364 (HMM-364) was returning from Phu Bai and had filed an IFR flight plan. They were experiencing radio problems and were cleared at 5,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), but read back and flew the flight at 3,000 feet MSL. Da Nang Approach Control made numerous attempts to alert the crew to their mistake and transmitted on all UHF frequencies at their disposal, including Guard, with transmissions such as, "Turn left, you have a mountain at your 12 o'clock, distance 2 miles!" The crew never responded and flew into Hai-Van Pass under instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) and impacted the terrain. All aboard were killed instantly. The crew members included aircraft commander 1LT Charles K. Butler, co-pilot 1LT William P. Higgins, crew chief SSGT Robert R. Swain, and gunner PFC William L. Beadnell. The passengers were PFC James M. Alderman, CTC Robert S. Gates, LCPL James H. Pence, LCPL Leslie L. Shelton, MGYS Edward R. Storm, and SSGT Richard D. Walsh. (Information provided by Walt Wise, 1LT USMCR; Terry D. McDade, SGT USMC; William N. "Pappy" Hill, MGYS USMC Ret.) [Taken from vhpa.org]

Dear PFC James Muriel Alderman, 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

Semper Fi, Marine.

James is buried at Spring Forest Cemetery, Binghamton, NY. NAM

I never met you, but you remain in many people hearts and memories. I'm your brother John Lee Alderman, son