THE WALL OF FACES

Major Thomas Laird Brattain, Served with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

On November 28, 1968, a U.S. Air Force F-4D Phantom II (#66-7646) from the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron was involved in a landing accident at Da Nang Air base in Quang Nam Province, RVN. Both crewmen, MAJ Thomas L. Brattain and 1LT Kenneth R. Crist, suffered fatal injuries in the incident. They had been part of a flight of two Phantoms conducting a combat visual strike mission. Having completed their mission, it was returning to home base when it diverted to an urgent additional mission to assist friendly troops under fire. During the second mission, MAJ Brattain’s aircraft reached a low-fuel status and turned towards Da Nang Air Base. The landing appeared normal in all respects until the aircraft neared the touchdown point where it began a roll to the right. LT Crist ejected from the Phantom as it hit the runway. The ejection was successful, however Crist was seriously burned during and after separation from the aircraft. He was hospitalized and succumbed to his injuries December 17, 1968. MAJ Brattain was thrown from the aircraft in its final deceleration and died immediately. Crist was posthumously promoted to Captain. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and memwall.usafalibrary.com]

I was 10 years old when we lost Major Brattain. I remember a party with at his home with his wife and children. I also remember then my father, Lt. Col. Robert L Dresslar, mother and me went to visit at Major Brattain's home just after his accident. Thank you for your sacrifice. I will always remember you and your family.

Dear Major Brattain,
Thank you for your service as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot. 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.