THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in or hearts forever....

You are still remembered and appreciated here in 2020!

Dear WO James Carter,
Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot. I am glad you were found. Welcome home. Today is actually Columbus Day, and we remember those of you who served. 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On June 13, 1968, a U.S. Army UH-1D (#66-01016), a Dolphin slick, was dispatched from Duc Pho to fly command and control for the 4th Battalion, 3d Infantry, 11th Light Infantry Brigade. WO1 James D. Carter was the aircraft commander on the Dolphin. WO1 Jerry H. Johnson was the pilot, and SP4 Gary A. Milton and PFC Allen R. Weamer were the door gunners. The aircraft landed at LZ Dottie to pick up LTC Frank A. Barker Jr., CAPT Earl R. Michles, and 1LT Michael L. Phillips, 4/3 Infantry. The aircraft departed at 0730 hours to fly a visual reconnaissance in the area where a unit from 4/3 Infantry had reported light contact. Dolphin 016 was avoiding machine gun fire on climb out when it collided with a USAF O-2A (#67-21415) airplane piloted by MAJ David G. Brenner while flying at about 1000 feet AGL (above ground level). Both aircraft crashed. At 0745 hours, the 174th Assault Helicopter Company operations center at Duc Pho received a report that WO1 Carter's aircraft was involved in a mid-air collision with the forward observer airplane. The UH-1D burst into flames on impact, the O-2 also crashing nearby. Another helicopter crew in the area observed WO1 Carter's aircraft impact with the ground and stated they did not see anyone escape from the crash. An element from A Company, 4/3 Infantry was airlifted to both crash sites. They could find no survivors at either crash site. A 174th maintenance aircraft (Witchdoctor) arrived at the UH-1D crash site and assisted in the removal of five bodies from the surrounding area. The remains of the O-2 pilot, MAJ Brenner, were recovered. One additional body (believed to be WO1 Carter) was still in the wreckage and could not be recovered due to the extensive damage to and burning of the helicopter. The maintenance crew reported no survivors in the area and that helicopter 016 was completely destroyed. On subsequent searches on 13th, 14th, and 15th of June 1968, only portions of bodies were recovered and evacuated. Of these, none could be identified as the remains of WO1 Carter. The Chu Lai Graves Registration shipped a total of six remains involved with the incident to the Da Nang US Army mortuary (there were seven crew and passengers aboard the helicopter). WO1 Carter is carried in the status of dead, body not recovered. [Taken from 174ahc.org]

Dear WO James Devrin Carter, 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