THE WALL OF FACES

Bayles was my first love in High School. Such a nice boy who was very well liked by his classmates.

Dear Lt William Cawthorne,
Thank you for your service as a Rotary Wing Aviation Unit Commander. It is so 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 30, 1964, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1B (tail number 62-01879) from the 52nd Aviation Battalion was one of two gunships providing protection for unarmed Marine H-34 helicopters which were resupplying ground troops near a little grass-hut village called Phoun San, about thirty-five miles south and west of Da Nang, Vietnam, an area they referred to as “Indian country.” As they entered the LZ aircraft 879 was flying low recon over the area when it came under enemy fire. The pilot, 2LT William B. Cawthorne, sitting right seat, was hit through the right shoulder and chest and unable to recover the helicopter, which crashed. The left seat pilot, CAPT Rodney Turner, suffered severe leg injuries. The crew chief, PFC Freddy D. Dodson, was pinned under the left side skid. The gunner, PFC Peino Salinas, although injured, tried to lift the burning helicopter off PFC Dodson’s legs but was unable and suffered burns on his hands as a result of his efforts. A swift moving fire consumed the aircraft and PFC Salinas was forced to retreat. He and CAPT Turner would survive their injuries, but both 2LT Cawthorne and PFC Dodson were killed. CAPT Cawthorne was able to exit the helicopter and assisted the other crewmen in getting out, but once outside, he sat down, collapsed, and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the United States Marine Corps, Medical Dispensary at Da Nang. The evacuation of CAPT Cawthorne and the two surviving crew members was accomplished within minutes after the crash, by a Marine Corps helicopter. Operations on CAPT Turner’s left leg shortened it by two inches. PFC Salinas was returned to full duty three days after the crash. PFC Dodson’s remain were recovered and brought back to Da Nang. Soon afterward, the Marines held a memorial service in their chapel for their fallen Army comrades. [Taken from vhpa.org and Vietnam Helicopter Crew Member Stories Volume II, by H.D. Graham]

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant (Infantry) William Bayles Cawthorne (ASN: 0-5315457), United States Army, for gallantry in action while engaged in military operations on 30 June 1964, in the Republic of Vietnam. Acting as an Aircraft Commander of a UH-1st Battalion aircraft of the 52d Aviation Battalion, Lieutenant Cawthorne displayed fortitude, perseverance, and professional skill while providing armed escort for helicopters participating in a re-supply mission in support of the ground forces of the Republic of Vietnam. When the helicopters became the target of sporadic small arms fire, he skillfully maneuvered his aircraft close to the terrain to cover the departure of the cargo helicopters from the landing zone. Although he sustained a critical bullet wound as his aircraft crashed into rugged terrain, he succeeded in freeing himself from the demolished aircraft. Despite his own mortal wounds, he continued his courageous efforts by successfully evacuating the injured pilot moments before the aircraft was engulfed in flames. His bravery, determination, and unselfish actions assisted the Vietnamese forces in accomplishing their objectives and saved the life of a fellow soldier at the sacrifice of his own. Lieutenant Cawthorne's conspicuous gallantry is in the highest traditions of the United States Army and reflects credit upon himself and the military service.
General Orders: Department of the Army, General Orders No. 40 (December 11, 1964)

Action Date: June 30, 1964

Service: Army

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Battalion: 52d Aviation Battalion

Dear 2LT William Bayles Cawthorne, 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