THE WALL OF FACES

Staff Sergeant Richard Bruce Canning, Served with the 173rd Flight Platoon, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 173rd Airborne Brigade, United States Army Vietnam.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

SP5 Richard B. Canning was a light helicopter mechanic assigned to 173rd Flight “Casper” Platoon, Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 173rd Airborne Brigade. Canning also served as a crew chief and observer/gunner on one of the 173rd’s scout OH-6A “Loach” helicopters. On October 4, 1969, Canning was crewing in an OH-6A (#66-14385) during a reconnaissance mission over Quang Ngai Province, RVN. The Casper aircraft were assisting a sweep by U.S. ground troops of a village two miles southwest of Tam Quan. Canning’s Loach and another OH-6A flew low over the far end of the village to watch for enemy combatants attempting to evade the sweeping troops. While conducting the recon, hostile ground fire hit Canning’s aircraft causing it to crash. A Casper UH-1 helicopter carrying the ground troop’s Battalion Commander dropped him off with his men and flew to the downed OH-6A. The Loach was on its side with the pilot providing aid to a critically wounded Canning. While the second OH-6A laid down covering fire, the UH-1 landed and its door gunner helped put Canning inside the aircraft. They flew to a medical facility at LZ English where Canning was admitted and later expired. The crashed Loach was afterward recovered by sling load. Canning was posthumously promoted to Staff Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vhpa.org, casperplatoon.com and information provided by Don McKeough (September 2021)]

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

On behalf of all the paratroopers who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.