THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Spec 4 Braman,
Thank you for your service as a OH-13/OH-23 (Chinook) Helicopter Repairer. Independence Day is approaching, and it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On 2 January 1963, the 93rd Transportation Company was tasked for an air assault by troops of the ARVN, 7th Infantry Division. All ten CH-21 helicopters were used in the lift. On the fourth lift, the landing zone near Ap Bac was ambushed by an entrenched and reinforced VC battalion. The first 4 CH-21s were able to take off again. The #5 helicopter was shot down, and the #6 CH-21 attempted to pick up the crew of the downed CH-21, but was shot down itself. The landing zone was judged untenable due to enemy fire, and the remainder of the flight departed for the staging area at Tan Hiep. An hour later, ground troops in the area reported that VC firing had subsided and evacuation of the downed crews was possible. A CH-21 was dispatched to recover the downed crews and wounded, but the tempo of enemy fire increased and the pilot was wounded. The copilot immediately lifted off, leaving all behind. Eight hours later, the downed aircrews were picked up by ARVN armored personnel carriers and moved to an area where they could be evacuated by helicopter. By day's end, nine Americans had been wounded and one killed in action. Of the ten helicopters on the mission, all had been hit by enemy fire, four were shot down and only three could fly back to base. SP4 Donald L. Braman, gunner in the #6 CH-21 was killed. He received a posthumous Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions to recover the downed #5 aircrew. The 93rd Trans Co eventually became the 121st Assault Helicopter Company. [Taken from transchool.lee.army.mil]

Although I will never get the chance to meet you in this life, I'm so grateful for you. I am thankful that I recently got to connect with your youngest sister (my great aunt) to learn about you and my family. Sometimes, I wish I would have had the chance to know you growing up. But I know we'll meet again<3 Rest in paradise...until we meet again.

Dear SP4 Donald Leon Braman, 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

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