THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

LT Frank S. Crismon was a U.S. Navy pilot serving with Attack Squadron 216 (VA-216), Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19). On December 30, 1964, during a nighttime training flight over the Gulf of Tonkin, LT Crismon was returning his Douglas A-4C Skyhawk (#149625) to the Hancock when he struck the rear ramp of the carrier. The aircraft exploded on impact. Crismon was fatally injured in the incident. His name was added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in May 1993. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and the book “U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Damaged or Destroyed During the Vietnam War” by Douglas E. Campbell]

Dear LT Frank Crismon,
Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer (Pilot) on the U.S.S. HANCOCK. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

You gave the ultimate sacrifice to keep us protected. God Bless

Dear LT Frank Scot Crismon, 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