THE WALL OF FACES

This aircraft from D Troop, 3/4 Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division “Centaurs” was on a visual reconnaissance mission. At approximately 0630 hours the light scout team, consisting of AH-1G (67-15669) and an observation helicopter, departed Cu Chi base camp on their visual reconnaissance mission. The team proceeded west to Fire Support Base Jackson located at XT 425168. As they passed south of FSB Jackson, the AH-1G commander observed some small fires southwest of their location. The AH-1G aircraft commander instructed his observation helicopter pilot to continue in a westerly direction while he proceeded to determine the significance of the small fires. At this time, the AH-1G was at approximately 600 feet. He turned toward the southwest and proceeded toward the area which contained the fires. As he arrived over the area, he made a non-firing dive to approximately 300 feet. During the dive he started a left hand turn to bring him back to the area his observation helicopter had moved. It is assumed he had ascertained that the fires were of no tactical value and was going to rejoin his wingman. As he started his turn back to the north, witnesses describe an explosion and what appeared to be the observation helicopter falling away to the west. This object was, in fact, the main rotor head and rotor blades which separated from the aircraft. Immediately prior to this event, the tail rotor separated from the aircraft causing the nose to pitch sharply downward and to the right from the loss of anti-torque control and center of gravity. At the instant the tail rotor separated from the aircraft, it is suspected the pilot over compensated for the aircraft yaw and loss of center of gravity with a violent cyclic maneuver. This violent maneuver induced severe mast bumping, which, in turn, caused the main rotor head to separate from the mast. It is also possible that the pilot immediately reduced collective when the tail rotor failure occurred, causing the rotor head to lose its load forces. This, in turn would induce severe mast bumping and loss of the rotor head. As a consequence of the loss of the rotor head, the aircraft plummeted to the ground where its fuel and ordinance caused an explosion and fire which destroyed the aircraft. Both crew members, CAPT Robert A. Clements and WO1 Alexander C. Brown, suffered fatal injuries in the crash.

Dear Captain Robert Andrew Clements, 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

We still remember and think about you.

If I should die, and leave you here awhile, be not like others, sore undone, who keep long vigils by the silent dust, and weep...for MY sake, turn again to life, and smile...Nerving thy heart, and trembling hand to do something to comfort other hearts than thine...Complete these dear, unfinished tasks of mine...and I, perchance, may therein comfort you.

Robert is buried at Mt Carmel Cemetery in Paducah, KY. DFC BSM-OLC AM-7OLC