THE WALL OF FACES

On April 18, 1967, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1C (tail number 66-15048) from A Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, was conducting a reconnaissance by fire near An Loc in Binh Dinh Province, RVN, when the helicopter was hit by enemy ground fire and crashed with the loss of all aboard. Reportedly, the helicopter was in a flight of several aircraft and the door gunner, SP4 Vernice Hollingsworth, was using his M60 machine gun’s tracers to show the location of enemy anti-aircraft placements. The flight was in close formation, side by side, when a single round was observed to come up and hit Hollingsworth’s helicopter in the nose area. A radio transmission suddenly came over the intercom reporting a fire as flames were observed raging within the aircraft’s cabin area. The stricken helicopter rolled a couple of times, then rocked back and forth before nosing into the jungle below. The flight circled over the crash site, but no survivors were sighted. The lost crew included pilots MAJ Thomas D. Mendenhall and CPT Patrick L. Haley, crew chief SP4 Ronald D. Bruce, and gunner Hollingsworth. Also lost was 1LT Robert J. Crabbe, a 1st Cavalry Division artillery officer. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vhpa.org, and information provided by Craig Matlock in the book “Headhunters: Stories from the 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, in Vietnam 1965-1971” by Matthew Brennan]

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear Spec 4 Ronald Bruce,
I hope your photo is put here because this wall of faces needs yours. Thank you for your service as a Huey, UH-1 Helicopter Repairer with the 1st Cavalry. 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 Ronald. :-(

Dear SP4 Ronald Dwight Bruce, 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