THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Dear Captain Ralph Caspole,
Thank you for your service as a Light Attack (Jet) Pilots (Bulldogs.) 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.

Ralph and I worked together in S4 at VMA 211. A great officer, pilot and friend.

During the afternoon of June 3, 1966, a Marine Attack Squadron 223 (VMA-223) plane was shot down and the pilot killed while attacking VC troops in the open approximately 75 miles south of Chu Lai in II Corps. CAPT Ralph W. Caspole, flying the lead position in a two-plane section, had expended his Mark-77 napalm bombs and was strafing with 20mm fire when his jet burst into fire as he was pulling out of a run. The A-4 crashed near the target area and the wingman plus two other Skyhawks of VMA-223, which were diverted to provide rescue cover, orbited the area while helicopters searched for the downed pilot. The rescue operations were terminated after it was apparent the pilot had not survived the crash. [Taken from archive.org]

Semper Fi Captain.