THE WALL OF FACES

I would like to thank everyone who has posted and thought to remembrance for my brother Richard D Brewer. It means so much to me and his family that you would think of him and take the time to posted on his page. There is not a day that goes by that he is not thought of by his family.

A special thanks goes to Jack Hugele who served with my brother. Thank you for the information you shared. I always love hearing about my brother and those who knew him. Thank you for risking your life to go and safe Rick. I know that someday we will all meet again.

You may contact me via my email. [email protected]

I served as Blue platoon leader for A Troop 1/9 with 1st LT and Scout pilot Rick Brewer. Rick and I were good joking buddies but we had a special bond in that he and I were the only two married guys in the unit that I knew of. Rick howerver had the extra special distinction of having 2 sons. For many years now I've wondered how Mrs. Brewer and the boys have dealt with their loss and the kind of men his boys have become.On May 1 1970 we surprised the world and especially NVA by invading Cambodia. Cobra and Scout pilots like Rick said it was like shooting fish in a barrel on that first day. At breakfast the morning of May 2, I ate at the same table with Rick and a few other troopers. I distinctly remember Rick knocking on wood hoping that this day would be a fruitful as May Day. Since the mission of the Blue platoon was to go in after downed birds, we scrambled upon hearing that Rick's helicopter was shot down in Cambodia. Upon being inserted we realized that the aircraft was burning and that Rick and his crew did not survive We immediately came under enemy fire but moved to secure the crash site. We stayed under fire for most of the afternoon as moved to secure the bodies of the crew and had them flown back to Tay Ninh. After a long and difficult day and during our extraction, the last Huey which I was on took some rounds near the engine when we were at a hover which severed some of hydrolic controls so we set back down and had to bring back the troops that had been extracted so that the disabled Huey could by slung back to the base. This made a long and difficult day even longer. Rick's loss stunned me greatly. He was held in high regard by all that served with him, always upbeat, joking and happy. Scouts were considered half crazy to fly the missions they flew but certainly among the bravest in the face of danger. I'm sorry it's taken 44 May Day's to post my thoughts about the loss my dear friend and fellow Apache Trooper.

Apache Blue 1970

Dear 1LT Richard Dennis Brewer, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Richard is buried at Trinity Mem Gardens Cemetery, Big Spring, Howard Co, TX. DFC BSM AM/9 OLC PH

The holder of a Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 9 OLC, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal. Served as an enlisted man for three years, OCS graduate and Helicopter Pilot Training. Buried in Trinity Memorial Park, Big Spring, Texas.