THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

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

Dear ADR2 Cecil Chapman,
Thank you for your service as an Aviation Machinist's Mate (Reciprocating Engine Mechanic) 2nd Class. 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.

On March 10, 1967, a U.S. Navy VC-47J (#99844) from Tan Son Nhut Air Base Detachment, Naval Support Activity (NAVSUPACT) Saigon, USNAVFORV, crashed into a hillside near Phan Rang because of a wing failure while on an administrative Navy flight between Cam Ranh Air Base and Tan Son Nhut Air Base in Saigon, RVN. There were no survivors. The crew included pilot LCDR Robert G. Kerr Sr., co-pilot LCDR Leo C. Hester Sr., and crewmen ADR1 Cecil L Chapman, and AE3 Francis R. Ferron Jr. There are varying accounts as to the number of passengers that were on this flight with as many as 21 quoted on some websites. However, a reliable Vietnam War casualty database (coffeltdatabase.org) suggests there were 10 passengers and their website provides the following names: LT James M. Albright, LCDR Donald G. Brown, LT John C. Crawford, JO1 William C. Eckes, SP4 John H. Flynn, SFC Byron D. Hamlett, CAPT James J. L. Johnson, 2LT Roger W. Rabey, and CAPT Jacob F. Stepan. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and various other web-based sources]

Dear ADR2 Cecil Leroy Chapman, 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, for those who love you, and for the Sgt's son.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter (son of Sgt. Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne, February 4, 1966, South Vietnam)