THE WALL OF FACES

On August 8, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C (tail number 66-00692) from the 173rd Assault Helicopter Company “Robin Hoods” was participating in an eight-ship lift of troops during a combat assault supporting Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) troops advised by an American Special Forces team. Approximately four miles west of Bu Dop Airfield in Phuoc Long Province, RVN, the aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and crashed in a swampy field with the loss of three crewmen. The aircraft commander survived and was rescued. The lost crew included pilot 1LT Jol N. Smith, crew chief SP4 Sammy P. Rodriguez, and gunner SP4 William E. Barritt. After receiving a Mayday call, one of the lift ships returned and put down near the burning wreckage of 692. Barritt was able to exit the aircraft himself and, although critically injured, was attempting to remove Rodriguez when assisted by the crew of the rescue aircraft. Smith and the other pilot were still pinned in the flaming wreck. The rescue helicopter picked up and hovered close to 692 to keep the flames away from the cockpit. Another helicopter, Robin Hood 3, the Command & Control aircraft for the mission, also landed. A captain, CPT William W. Walker, exited the second rescue helicopter and came over to hold up one of the main blades of the wreck which now began to droop because of the heat, allowing the rescuers to continue the extraction of the pilots. The downed helicopter was raging so hot that the rescue party had to lie down in swampy water to cool off intermittently while trying to remove the downed crew. A moment later, the rocket pod on the downed aircraft exploded, killing CPT Walker. The blast caused the hovering rescue helicopter to almost lose control. It set down and loaded Barritt and Rodriguez and took them to the Medical landing pad at Quan Loi. The second and a third rescue ship brought out the remaining dead and injured. Rodriguez, with 50% burns over his body, succumbed to his injuries later that day along with Smith who was unable to be extracted before the explosion. Barritt died at a field hospital in Long Binh on August 14, 1970, after suffering burns to 35% of his body. CPT Williams was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Service Cross. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

46 Years Dai-Oui still in our thoughts and prayers A-331

Dear Captain William Wayman Walker, 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

Distinguished Service Cross

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 9, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross (Posthumously) to Captain (Infantry) William Wayman Walker, United States Army (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations involving conflict with an armed hostile force in the Republic of Vietnam, while serving with Detachment B-33, Company A, 5th Special Forces (Airborne), 1st Special Forces, in Southeast Asia. Captain Walker distinguished himself on 8 August 1970, by his actions at the scene of an allied helicopter gunship crash deep in enemy controlled territory. While Captain Walker and his companions approached their area of operations for an impending mission, he observed a nearby gunship crash into a marshy area after being hit by enemy fire. Immediately, Captain Walker's aircraft landed a short distance from the flaming wreckage and the captain ran to aid the injured crew. Soaking himself in the surrounding marsh water so that he could bear the intense heat, he worked feverishly until he freed one injured crewman and carried him to safety. Then, fully aware of the danger from the aircrafts burning ammunition and rockets, he returned in an attempt to free the other casualties. While desperately attempting to remove the pilot, one of the aircraft's rockets exploded and mortally wounded Captain Walker. Captain Walker's extraordinary heroism and devotion to duty, at the cost of his life, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
General Orders: Headquarters, U.S. Army, Vietnam, General Orders No. 4465 (September 21, 1970)

Action Date: 8-Aug-70

Service: Army

Rank: Captain

Company: Detachment B-33, Company A

Regiment: 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne)

Division: 1st Special Forces