THE WALL OF FACES

On the remembrance of your 79th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

POW-MIA...Never Forget

HOOAH

I was given Capt West's MIA bracelet on the campus of Notre Dame in the early 1970s. I was 7 years old roaming the halls as Dad taught a class. Every time I make it to DC I visit the wall and make a rubbing. One time in the late 1990s as I was finishing my rubbing, a lady asked if I knew him. It was his widow. We talked. She filled me in on his story. I offered my bracelet to her and she declined.

I was assigned to Cam Rahn from 1968 to 1969 as the squadron aircraft maintenance officer and was his roommate until he transferred back to the states for upgrade in the F4 front seat.
I remember him for his fine character, mild manners and love of life. He was the type of person who would have been a success in any task he pursued.
Lt Col David Lang (retired)

I wish my dad could have too. I'm sorry they took you from us.

John’s wife, Donna Solle, was a Red Cross “Donut Dolly” in Vietnam with me in 1968-69. I met John at Cam Ranh AFB when he was an F-4 pilot with the 558th. Such a handsome, kind, and energetic gentleman. I wore his MIA bracelet then and also now because of my friendships with Donna and John. Such an terrible tragedy— and Donna also left this World far too soon. Rest In Peace together. You will never be forgotten.