THE WALL OF FACES

On November 18, 1965, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 361 (HMM 361) conducted a multi-squadron operation to fly troops into Hiep Duc Providence during Operation Starlight to retake the area which had been captured days before by NVA. During the mission, which encountered significant enemy contact, SGT Benjimin Brooks was the crew chief was aboard a UH-34D helicopter (#148758), YN-13, when he was killed instantly by a single round of 12.7mm anti-aircraft fire from one of the numerous weapons situated around the Hiep Duc District Headquarters. The NVA/VC knew that the Americans would attempt to retake the headquarters, and they placed a considerable number of anti-aircraft weapons around both approaches to the district town. SGT Brooks was the first fatality for HMM-361. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, popasmoke.com, and vvmf.org]

We still remember you and talk about you
God Bless You

Dear Sgt. Brooks,
Thank you for your service as a ACFT Cryptographic Systems Technician, IMA. It is now summer, 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.

I remember Benny as always smiling and friendly. He was always helpful. The day he was killed he had taken this mission for another crew chief. There was a lot of sadness when his life was lost. He is truly missed.

Semper Fi Sergeant.