THE WALL OF FACES

"LCDR Bart Wade, was one of those unselfish A-6 aircrew heroes of the Vietnam war, who couldn't
stay away from the action until it was finished. Volunteering to come back to Vietnam and fly in
combat again, he joined VA-75 in 1972 and was declared missing in action on the night of 21
December '72, along with his pilot LCDR Bob Graustein, after a night low level bombing mission on
Kien An Airfield, near Haiphong, North Vietnam."

"An God said who shall we send.I answered I am here,send me."

Isaiah 6:8

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Barton Scott Wade, for your courageous and valiant service, years of faithfully contributing, and most holy sacrifice, given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Commander Wade, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

My name is Will D. Lopez ([email protected]). I served in the U.S. Navy onboard Attack Squadron 115, The Arabs, where LCDR Wade was a co-pilot and the Maintenance Officer. He was my boss, my idol, the person I trusted and believed. I was onboard the U.S.S. Midway, the first time he had the eject and was saddened by his loss. I visited the Wall in Washington D.C. when it was originally opened and cried as I made my way to LCDR Wade. I thought him the greatest officer I have ever met, yes, he was my boss and I respected him, but he was also a true leader and a friend. I was an enlisted man, but always felt that I could talk to him about anything, and he always listened. He was always well prepared and had a great rapport with his pilot Lt. McMahon.

I left the U.S. Navy in 1972 and I can honestly say that there is not a day that I don't think about LCDR Wade, Black Bart as he was affectionaly called by his fellow officers.

The Navy lost a great man, and I am glad I have this opportunity to express my feelings about Mr. Wade, as I called him while working for me. He was great to me and I was at his service for him.


Will D. Lopez, AZ2, U.S. Navy

I set up the inertial for his last flight. A day doesn't go by that I don't think about him and LCDR Graustein. May God bless them both.