THE WALL OF FACES

Dear LTC Ray Edwin Codding, 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

Lt. Col. Codding served in the Oklahoma National Guard and subsequently enlisted in the Air Corp at Tinker Field, Oklahoma on 26 Feb. 1946 as a Master Sergeant. He served in the U. S. Air Force, rising to the rank of Lt. Colonel, until his death on 21 Oct 1968 at the age of 44. He was flying his airplane in the Military Region of Darlac, South Vietnam, when his plane crashed on land and fortunately his body was recovered. Picture is from his passport when he was serving as enlisted.

I served with Lt Col Codding in the 815th Air Div Command Post. Will always remember his sharing of goodie boxes from home with all his co-workers. What a shame to be killed while waiting to go home. His original flight home was cancelled.

Ray is buried at Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens in Novi,MI.

I went to Vietnam in December 1967 and was assigned to the 834 Air Division. Colonl Codding was one of my bosses at the Headquarers group. I remember him as a kind, caring, anv very well liked individual. We were all in shock when we heard about his untimely death.