THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sp4 Daniel Chamblee,
Thank you for your service as an Armament Repairman. Your 46th anniversary is soon, sigh. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. 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.

Specialist Four Daniel Lee Chamblee, Served with C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.

SSGT Carter Jefferson Jr. and SP4 Daniel L. Chamblee were a helicopter mechanic and aircraft armament repairman, respectively, from C Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division. On November 20, 1971, they were fatally injured when a rocket from an AH-1 Cobra gunship helicopter inadvertently fired while they were performing routine maintenance checks on the aircraft. The following is a personal account of the incident by Pat Stanley: Having just arrived at the helicopter and pushed back the canopy, they laid their tools and test equipment inside. They stepped down and stood in front of the rocket pod, talking about the scope of the work. What happened next is somewhat still a mystery in that something triggered one of the rockets, and it fired off right through both of them. I was within 30 or so yards of them when it happened, and our medic (infantry platoon) responded to my call for help. There was literally nothing we could do for either of them. In about 2003, myself and the medic did meet and talk personally with Daniel Chamblee's mother to relay firsthand accounts and to provide "closure" to her in the death of her son. (Narrative by Pat Stanley, SFC USAR) [Other info taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Every Year on this date, I remember. Now, even 43 years later, I remember. Never would I have thought that in that moment, within seconds, you would be gone. Rest In Peace _ I was there, and I remember.

Daniel is buried at Fairview Memorial Gardens, Stockbridge, Henry County, GA.