THE WALL OF FACES

Today marks 50 years since Ghostriders 079 was shot down. Your brothers we will not forget. RIP Chris.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten. Happy Heavenly Birthday.

Chris...Honoring you on your birthday..God bless

On May 9, 1970, a U.S. Army helicopter UH-1D (tail number 65-10079) “Ghostrider” from the 189th Assault Helicopter Company was shot down near LZ Gypsy in Pleiku Province, RVN, eight miles west of Pleiku City, with a camera crew from the 221st Signal Company on board. The shootdown occurred as the cameramen were covering the Cambodian incursion underway at that time. There were no survivors. A total of nine personnel were lost in the incident. The four crewmen included aircraft commander WO1 John D. McCluskey, pilot 1LT Colin P. Hurd, crew chief SP4 Johnny L. Fulton, and gunner PFC David J. Corpus. The five passengers comprised SP5 Christopher J. Childs III, SP5 Douglas J. Itri, SP4 Ronald S. Lowe, PFC Raymond L. Paradis, and SP4 Larry C. Young. An U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopter operating in the area set down and personnel aboard recovered the remains from the crash site and took them to 71st Evacuation Hospital in Pleiku. [Taken from vhpa.org and 221stsignal.com]

Dear Sp5 Christopher Childs,
Thank you for your service as a Still Photographic Specialist. Thanksgiving is coming. 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.