THE WALL OF FACES

I served in the 129th AHC with Martin Vanden Eykel II. I did not know him real well as he was in the Cobra Gun Platoon and I was a Second Platoon Slick pilot. I had just over seven months in Vietnam when this incident happened. I remember the hugh search we conducted trying to find any sign of the aircraft or crew (it proved to be fruitless but we did discover several other aircraft that were listed as missing during our search).

I want the world to know that Martin and the other brave crew members who vanished with him will never be forgotten by those who served with them. I wish to thank them for giving the ultimate sacrifice one might give for his country.

For Nancy Hartig who wore his pow/mia bracelet. If you go to the VHPA Vietnam Helicoper Pilots Association web site, click on KIA by Name find Martins name, then click on the helicopter # listed with his name, you will find a full explaination of what the United States Government now believes to have happened to Martin and his crew.

I recently looked through an old jewelry case, when my parents moved and found his MIA bracelet in my case. I remember when it broke in two, i feared that I would find his name on this wall. Well, today, i found it. Even though, it has been many years, I am forty eight, it still saddens me to see his name on the wall or on this page.I had always hoped it wouldn't be.
My love and thoughts will always be with you and your family.

Wearing his bracelet as a teenager, it never occurred to me until years later that because his name included *II* it meant he left behind a wife and children. It was powerful to see his name on the moving wall as it visited locally several Memorial weekends ago. His was the only name I could identify on the monument and although I'm sure it pales in comparison to some of the personal experiences others have had while visiting the wall, it had a profound impact on me, for which I am grateful. I will look for his name when I visit Washington DC.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Martin II and his loved ones for making supreme sacrifices in the service to our country and in defending freedom throughout the world. You will not be forgotten.

DuPage County, Illinois "Wall of Fallen Heroes"

I served US Army 65-68. Wore MIA bracelet early 70's. Found it again recently. Was not in Viet Nam. But can't shake the fact that I didn't go, but my brothers did and I knew many who didn't come back.