THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Captain Merle Brown,
Thank you for serving as a Chaplin with the Army. Thank you for those you comforted by your presence and devotion to the Lord. 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.

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered !!!! All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Merle. :-(

SP4 Wayne W. Baggett was a flight-qualified UH-1 helicopter repairer serving with the 17th Assault Helicopter Company. On April 11, 1971, the 1-20 Infantry Headquarters located at LZ Liz observed an Easter Sunday service with the battalion chaplain, CAPT Merle D. Brown. A hot meal was provided, brought in by a resupply helicopter earlier in the day. At 1600 hours, Alpha Company's resupply ship, Dolphin 21 (ship #191), returned to 3rd Platoon to pick up the empty cans and personnel. SP4 Baggett was the crew chief on this flight. While departing the 3rd Platoon field location, Dolphin 21 was hit by either one rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) or an M-79 round. The aircrew attempted to fly the aircraft out of the LZ; however, it was hit by a second RPG or M-79 round which caused the aircraft to crash into the LZ and burn. The LZ then came under a heavy volume of small arms fire, M-79, RPG, B-40 rocket, and machine gun fire from the northeast, east, and south of the perimeter at a distance of 75-100 meters. SP4 Baggett and CAPT Brown were fatally injured in the incident. Nine other U.S. personnel were killed as they attempted to secure the downed helicopter. They included SSGT Jean P. Humbert, SGT James L. Armstrong, SP4 Jon M. Melin, SP4 Jack P. Begley, PFC Douglas A. Varner, PFC Joseph E. Schoolmeesters, PFC Edward P Pilkington, PFC Richard M. Warren, and PFC Joe R. Silva. Another ten were wounded. [Taken from 174ahc.org]

Merle is buried at Concord Cemetery, Hooker, PA.

Dear Captain Merle Dewayne Brown, 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