THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Klamath Falls (December 1, 1967 – January 8, 1968) was a 1st Brigade, 101st Airborne Division and 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment search and destroy operation in Binh Thuan, Binh Tuy, and Lam Dong Provinces, RVN. On December 14th, a UH-1H (#66-16211) from the 240th Assault Helicopter Company (Greyhounds) flying in support of Klamath Falls experienced a transmission failure in the Boa Loc Pass in Binh Thuan Province, RVN, causing the aircraft to crash and burn. There were no survivors. The lost crew included aircraft commander 1LT Haron L. Brown II, pilot WO1 William K. Clawson, crew chief SP5 Matthew P. Amaral III, and gunner SP4 Ronny K. Kindred. Reportedly, this aircraft was “Red X’ed” (grounded) the evening before by Amaral and another crew chief at Bearcat Base Camp after they detected a rubber seal failure on the input-output quill connecting the helicopter engine and transmission. The two crew chiefs determined sand had gotten behind the rubber seal causing the input-output oil reservoir to leak. They believed the leakage was serious enough to place the aircraft on a non-flyable status. Paperwork was turned into the flight tower, and they retired for the night. However, sometime before morning, the flightline Sergeant took the helicopter off Red-X status and put it back into service as a flyable helicopter. Around noon the following day, word got back to the base camp that a helicopter was lost. An inquiry into the accident was conducted with unreported results. A memorial service for the four lost crewmen was performed by the base chaplain at Bearcat in the days following the loss. [Taken from vhpa.org and information provided by Roger D. McLean (June 2022)]

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

My name is Tim Hastings a brother of SSGT Steven M Hastings, Crew Chief of Mad Dog 36 which went missing 8/1/68. I am presently the POW/MIA Outreach Coordinator for “Run For The Wall” 2019 Midway Route. It my Honor and duty to put together Bio’s for the riders to carry with them from Ontario, CA to the Vietnam Memorial Wall. Since my brother was a member of the 240th AHC I am making sure that every man from the 240th AHC that lost his life in Vietnam or is still MIA, has his Bio carried to the Memorial Wall in 2019. While preparing these Bio’s I am very emotional because some of these men may have been forgotten by their communities but I will never forget them. As long as we remember them and say their names they will always be with us and never forgotten. Thank You for your service.

Dear WO William Clawson,
Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot. Your 50 anniversary is soon, sigh. December has begun, along with all the preparations. 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.

Dear WO William K Clawson, 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