THE WALL OF FACES

Shortly after midnight on July 15, 1967, Da Nang Air Base in Quang Nam Province, RVN, came under a heavy rocket attack. The attack started at 12:25 AM and an estimated 50 rounds of 122mm rockets were fired at the installation. Nine USAF personnel were killed during the barrage and 128 others were wounded, 40 of them requiring hospitalization. Another 35 U.S. Army personnel on the base were also wounded. Counter-battery fire was initiated immediately, supported by AC-47 “Spooky” gunships. By 2:00 AM, artillery and air strikes were hitting possible enemy escape routes. The bombardment, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, started numerous fires and resulted in extensive structural damage to U.S. Navy, Marine and Air Force facilities. There was heavy damage to the bomb storage area and moderate damage to the airfield. In addition, eight aircraft were destroyed and 45 aircraft were damaged during the attack. The lost USAF personnel included A1C John S. Berg, A2C Charles F. Boss, A1C James F. Brooks, SSGT David A. Fasnacht, A2C Charles R. Humble, A1C Ronald F. Poole, A2C James H. Price, A2C Jerald K. Sumida, and A2C Charles D. Ward. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and U.S. Naval Forces, Vietnam Monthly Historical Summary, July 1967]

Dwight was our next door neighbor. I remember he always had time to talk to us kids. He was kind and had a great singing voice. He was in the choir at Gregory- Portland, Texas. I was in high school years after his passing and remember our choir director, Mrs Melba Sebesta talking about Dwight. She said he was the best Christian she ever had known. I think that says a lot for such a man. God bless his memory and his family.

I just learned this week that there is a Vietnam Memorial being dedicated in Portland, Texas on Oct. 15, 2016 and my uncle Charles Dwight Ward and 7 other soldiers will be memorialized.

I just learned this week that there is a Vietnam Memorial being dedicated in Portland, Texas on Oct. 15, 2016 and my uncle Charles Dwight Ward and 7 other soldiers will be memorialized.

A2C Charles Dwight Ward Most that visit you here do not know that you were a United States Air Force – Crash Rescue Fire Protection Specialist – “Firefighter” and you died in the line of duty with four of our brothers that faithful summer day at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. You and To A1C John S. Berg, A2C Charles R. Humble, A1C Ronald F. Poole and A2C Charles F. Boss showed the upmost duty to bravery while attempting fire suppression and rescue on an F-4 Fighter-Bomber when its 500 pound bomb exploded taking your lives. Firefighters do not get medals or recognition and rarely a thank you. Each of you deserved to be awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor for your actions that put you in harm’s way that 15th day of July in 1967. Thank you for your service and bravery, may God always bless your family and may they find closure and peace, in knowing you put the lives of others ahead of your own, may your memory forever live on. January 7, 2011 - Clinton Mitchell Rice United States Air Force – Crash Rescue Fire Protection Specialist 1961-1965.