THE WALL OF FACES

On August 19, 1968, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D (tail number 66-00937) from D Troop, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, was tasked with conducting a low-level “sniffer mission” in Dinh Tuong Province, RVN. During the operation, the aircraft’s tail rotor drive shaft sheared ten miles northwest of Cai Lay causing the helicopter to crash. Two crewmen and two passengers operating the Airborne Personnel Detector (APD) were killed. The lost personnel were crew chief SP4 Bruce C. Brogoitti, gunner SP4 Donald D. Hawkins, and passengers SFC Ralph W. Milbourne and SP5 Victor D. Trujillo from Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 9th Infantry Division. The sniffer missions used the APD equipment to detect scents unique to human beings and locate enemy soldiers in hidden positions. On this mission, the sniffer aircraft was following a Command-and-Control helicopter. When they were approximately twenty-three miles northwest of Dong Tam, the two aircraft entered a left turn. The tail rotor drive shaft on the sniffer helicopter unexpectedly sheared, causing the crippled aircraft to spin to the right as it lost altitude. It impacted the ground in a level attitude, burst into flames, and rolled on its left side. The cause of the accident was attributed to a ball peen hammer left under the drive shaft cowling which rubbed against the drive shaft resulting in its failure. The pilot and co-pilot survived with injuries. Posthumous promotions were awarded to the crewmen and one of the APD technicians. Brogoitti and Hawkins were elevated to Sergeant, and Trujillo was made Staff Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and vhpa.org]

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

I remember Bruce when we both were living in Naples, Italy, and went to the Forest Sherman School across from the Naval Hospital. I did not know about his death in Vietnam until I researched students at that American school. He was a great guy, and I remember that smile and his gutsy personality.

Remembering Bruce today, big brother, son, husband

Dear Sgt Brogoitti,
Thank you for your service as a Huey, UH-1 Helicopter Repairer. Independence Day just passed, and it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.