THE WALL OF FACES

Dear AN Roger Dale Childers, 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

Crew members included CPT Charles S. Abel (KIA), WO1 Edwin R. Higgins (KIA), SP4 Kenneth R. Bertsch (KIA), and AN Roger D. Childers (KIA). Airman Childers was Navy personnel, training as a gunner with the 68th. The 'Top Tigers' were called upon to supply a platoon and a heavy fire team to support a classified operation. Was 1 of 2 gunships escorting 5 slicks with troops. Landing zone was missed because of weather. The flight attempted return to base when they became separated in heavy rain. Flight 088 seen slowing and entering trees with the aircraft settled thru tree. Conditions of low ceiling, heavy rain, ground fog, and poor visibility contributed to the accident. Aircraft and crew were initially reported as missing in action. [Taken from vhpa.org]

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Never told you this, but thanks for the help getting my butt thru training @Camp Pendelton.



Your spirit is with me today and will remain with me forever.



Your Friend Jim Chapman

Roger is buried at Ridgelawn Memorial Park , Huntington,WV>