THE WALL OF FACES

CPT De Rex Williams, You are remembered. Pilot of O-1E 56-2589.

Capt Williams is buried at Oaklawn Cemetery, Plant City, FL.

CAPT Derex Williams Jr. was a Covey Forward Air Controller assigned to the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Da Nang. He and a Marine Observer were flying a Visual Reconnaissance mission in Cessna O-1E Bird Dog (#56-2589) near Khe Sanh as darkness came. They were flying at about 50 feet when the engine was hit by small arms fire. CAPT Williams attempted a crash landing but he was killed and his observer survived. He had 14 years of service and had served only 28 days in combat. His body was recovered. CAPT Williams was from Plant City, Florida. He was 34 and married when he died. [Taken from fac-assoc.org]

Dear Captain Derex Williams Jr, 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

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.