THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Dear WO Richard Yanchuk, Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Only had the privilege of flying with you one time, Christmas Day 1968. I was with 101st HHB Div Arty. You where a good pilot and soldier. May you rest in peace. God bless.

WO1 Richard P. Yanchuk Jr. was a helicopter pilot serving with A Battery, 377th Artillery, 101st Airborne Division. On January 14, 1969, WO1 Yanchuk was the pilot of a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D (tail number 66-16172) conducting a logistical flight over Thua Thien Province, RVN. The aircraft had departed LZ Sally at 2:10 PM enroute to LZ Sandy. While cruising at low-level, the aircraft suddenly yawed to the right. The aircraft commander, sensing a tail rotor failure, backed off the throttle in an attempt to regain directional control. The helicopter then descended and impacted the ground. The crash caused the main rotor blade to dip into the right front cabin, striking the Yanchuk in head and fatally injuring him. The crew chief was thrown out of the aircraft and the helicopter rolled over until it was nearly inverted, pinning him underneath. The wreckage did not burn and Yanchuk was the only casualty as the other crewmen and passenger on board suffered only minor injuries. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Thank you and your family, for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Never forgotten from a fellow Veteran, Godspeed.
My wife knew of you through your sister,(Barbara) at Canoga Park H.S. Rest peacfully.