THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from those who knew you are touching and reflect their admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Although Thad as we called him was 6 yrs older, I remember him well. He was handsome and kind. Our neighborhood was close knit. When he went missing the whole neighborhood was sad . I salute you Captain Thaddeus Edward Williams, Jr, thank you for your service.
"Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. it flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it."
– Unknown

Dear Cap Thaddeus Williams, Thank you for your service as a Fixed Wing Aviation Unit Commander - Pilot. I researched you on your 57th anniversary, sad. Glad you were identified in 1998. Welcome Home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. You are remembered. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I was on duty the night of January 9, 1966. As a U.S. Army intelligence analyst, I had been assigned to the 20th ASTA Detachment to handle classified security matters, but on this particular day and evening had been assigned to general operations. Captain Williams came in and greeted me about 11:00 PM, picked up some papers and departed for the Phu Bai airport . Phu Bai was a former U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps base south of Hue, in central Vietnam.
About midnight he called me on the radio advising that they were airborne.
At 4:00 AM, I attempted to call Captain Willliams, as it was established protocol and I received no answer. I attempted several times to call him and again no answer. At that point I contacted the radio tower at the Phu Bai airfield and inquired if they had heard from the aircraft that Lieutenant Willliams was operating. They replied no.
I then contacted Lieutenant Kenneth Long.
While I was not as close to Captain Williams as others in the detachment were, my heart ached. Here was an pilot that had a smile on his face, was professional as well as being very kind. He and I were near the same age.
While I thank God for his mercy and grace and my being able to return home from Vietnam, I have never forgotten Captain Williams and look forward to that day we can meet again.

I never met you, but I’m carrying your name with me thanks to your brother Eldridge. Thank you for your service & I’ll meet you some day in the after life.