THE WALL OF FACES

Taken from the Pacific Stars& Stripes, May 21, 1969.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Dennis Allen is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

On May 18, 1969, a United States Air Force Fairchild C-123K Provider from the 310th Special Operations Squadron was conducting an airlift mission of artillery ammunition when it was hit by 12.7 mm ground fire. With the wing burning, the crew headed for nearby Bien Hoa Air Base for an emergency landing. About 6 miles out, while crewmen valiantly attempted to jettison some of the 10,000 pounds of Class A explosives, time ran out and the wing folded, sending the Provider into the ground. Six airmen were lost in the crash. They included aircraft commander 1LT Neil W. Hayden, co-pilot 1LT Douglas M. Evans, flight engineers MSG Duane L. Hartenhoff and TSG Kermit B. Roberts, and loadmasters SGT Milton J. Bush and SSG Carl J. Wanner. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, aviation-safety.net, and information provided by Dennis L. Allen (March 2000) at vvmf.org]

Dear Sgt Milton Bush,
Thank you for your service. I do not know your MOS, only that you were Air Force like my dad. 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.

Dear SGT Milton Jackson Bush, 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, Sir

Curt Carter