16

The Planes We Flew

Thanks to all who came to help honor our fallen heroes and their families.

“POOR IS THE NATION THAT HAS NO HEROES.

SHAMEFUL IS THE NATION WHO HAS THEM AND FORGETS.”

~ From a monument on the Hatchie River Battlefield

DEDICATION CEREMONY 2008 FORWARD AIR CONTROLLERS

MEMORIAL

Memorial Park

Colorado Springs, Colorado

October 3, 2008

2

FAC Recipients of the Medal of Honor

● Captain Steven Logan Bennett (Posthumous)

20th Tactical Air Support Squadron June 29, 1972, Flying OV-10

● Captain Hilliard Almond Wilbanks (Posthumous)

21st Tactical Air Support Squadron February 24, 1967, Flying O-1

● Colonel George E. “Bud” Day

Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron August 26, 1967, F-100F

FAC Recipients of the Air Force Cross (Posthumous)

Maj. John L. Carroll, O-1 Capt. Charles E. Engle, O-1 Maj. William W. McAllister, O-1 Maj. Jerry A. Sellers, O-2 LTC Ronald E. Storz, O-1/POW Capt. Richard L. Whitesides, O-1

Other FAC Recipients of the Air Force Cross

Allan R. Baer, O-1 Paul F. Koeltzow, F-105 John R. Bodie, OV-10 Joseph B. Madden, O-1 William R. Carter, OV-10 Donald L. Marx, O-2 George E. Day, F-100F/POW Phillip V. Maywald, O-2 Karl T. Feuerriegel, O-1 Joseph A. Personett, OV-10 Delbert W. Fleener, O-1 Richard L. Poling, OV-10 Leonard Funderburk, OV-10 Kenneth H. Sellers, O-1 James K. Gibson, O-1 Weston T. Smith, O-2 James C. Harding A-1 Donald D. Stevens, O-1 Ramon A. Horine,k, O-1 Roland H. “Rhip” Worrell III, O-2

Forward Air Controllers: Men who flew willingly to the sound of

battle.

* * * * * * * * * *

If not for the FAC, many more names would be inscribed on the

Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

15

The Words to TAPS

Day is done, gone the sun, From the hills, from the lake, from the sky.

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, May the soldier or sailor, God keep.

On the land or the deep, safe in sleep.

Love, good night, must thou go, When the day, and the night, need thee so?

All is well. Speedeth all to their rest.

Fades the light; And afar Goeth day, and the stars shineth bright,

Fare thee well, day has gone, night is on.

Thanks and praise, for our days, 'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky,

As we go, this we know, God is nigh

TAPS music was written by Union General Daniel A. Butterfield for “Lights Out” in 1862. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891.

14

This Memorial is dedicated to those special Air Force aviators, sup-

port staff, Army Special Forces and Marine Observers who lost their

lives during the War in Southeast Asia from 1961-1975 while flying

or supporting the Forward Air Controller mission. * * * * * * * * * *

“At all times the FAC was the final air authority on whether or not the strike would

continue. He was, in fact, the local air commander for the conduct of air operations,

and his authority was recognized by the ground commander and flight leader

alike.” ~General William M. Momyer, MACV Commander for Air

INSCRIPTIONS ON THE MEMORIAL

It is the lonely mission,

The Forward Air Controller.

His are the eyes above the battle.

He is the link to those below.

While others avoid and strike fast,

He lingers and trolls for contact,

Seeking out the enemy below,

Determining the strike force needed.

His is the job to control the air attack,

He determines the needs of the troops,

And works the airstrike margins.

His judgment is relied upon by all.

Watching a “FAC” roll in hot on target,

All guns blazing at his destruction,

Is to watch a man of courage in action.

This is the daily job of the “FAC”.

~ Major John J. Duffy, DSC

US Army Retired

The Forward Air Controller

3

Sequence of Events Master of Ceremonies - Colonel Howard Pierson, Nail 01

► Patriotic music – AF Academy Stellar Brass Band

► Fly over of vintage FAC aircraft

► (*Please Stand*) National Anthem; Posting of Colors –

Stellar Brass Band/High Frontier Honor Guard

► (*Please Stand*) Invocation by Master of Ceremonies –

Lt. Col. Howard Pierson, USAF Ret.

► Remarks, Introductions, and Thank yous – MC

► Proclamation – Vice Mayor Larry Small

► Introduction of Dedication Speaker – MC

► Memorial Dedication Address – Colonel “Bud” Day,

MOH, AFC

► Introduction of Major Duffy – MC

► Forward Air Controller Requiem – Major John Duffy,

USA Ret.

► (*Please Stand*) Laying of the Wreaths – Colonel Bud

Day and General Ed Eberhart

► (*Please Stand*) Rifle Volley; Taps – Honor Guard /

Stellar Brass Band

► F-16 Missing Man Formation Flyover – CO ANG

► (*Please Stand*) Retiring of the Flag –Honor Guard

4

» Speaker Biographies «

COLONEL GEORGE E. “BUD” DAY, USAF RET.

Colonel George E. Day enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and served thirty months in the South Pacific during World War II.

After the war, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree, followed by law school where he received a Juris Doctor degree. In 1950, he was called to ac-tive duty and served two tours as a fighter-bomber pilot during the Korean War.

In 1966, Colonel Day was assigned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa Air Base South Vietnam. On June 25, 1967, he was assigned as commander of Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron where he became a pioneer of the "Fast FACs"— Forward Air Control-lers over Laos and North Vietnam. On August 26, 1967, he was shot down in North Vietnam. During the ejection Day’s right arm was bro-ken in three places and he also experienced eye and back injuries. Colonel Day was quickly captured by North Vietnamese local militia. On his fifth night of captivity he escaped from his captors. Although stripped of both his boots and flight suit, Day crossed back into South Vietnam, becoming the only U.S. prisoner to escape from North Viet-nam. Within two miles of a U.S. Marine firebase he was captured again. He spent 67 months as a Prisoner of War and was repatriated on March 14, 1973. Bud Day has been awarded more than fifty decora-tions for combat. Most notable are: The Medal of Honor, the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star for Valor (2 OLC), the Purple Heart with three Clusters, the Air Medal (9 OLC), and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Colonel Day retired from active duty in 1977 to resume his practice of law in Florida. At his retirement he had nearly 8,000 total flying hours, and 4,900 hours in single engine jets.

LT. COL. HOWARD PIERSON USAF RET.

Born in New Jersey in 1927, Howard Pierson left high school to join the Navy in WWII. After the War, he attended U of Alabama on a foot-ball scholarship and was commissioned through AFROTC in 1951. After pilot training, he flew combat in the Korean “Police Action”. Returning stateside, he flew B-47s and B-52s in SAC.

13

withstand the advancing enemy onslaught. With full knowledge of the limita-

tions of his unarmed, unarmored, light reconnaissance aircraft, and the great

danger imposed by the enemy's vast firepower, he unhesitatingly assumed a cov-

ering, close support role. Flying through a hail of withering fire at treetop level,

Capt. Wilbanks passed directly over the advancing enemy and inflicted many

casualties by firing his rifle out of the side window of his aircraft. Despite in-

creasingly intense antiaircraft fire, Capt. Wilbanks continued to completely dis-

regard his own safety and made repeated low passes over the enemy to divert

their fire away from the rangers. His daring tactics successfully interrupted the

enemy advance, allowing the rangers to withdraw to safety from their perilous

position. During his final courageous attack to protect the withdrawing forces,

Capt. Wilbanks was mortally wounded and his bullet-riddled aircraft crashed

between the opposing forces. Capt. Wilbanks' magnificent action saved numer-

ous friendly personnel from certain injury or death. His unparalleled concern for

his fellow man and his extraordinary heroism were in the highest traditions of

the military service, and have reflected great credit upon himself and the U.S.

Air Force.

The President of the United States in the name of

The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor to: BENNETT, STEVEN L.

Medal of Honor Citation: Capt. Bennett was the pilot of a light

aircraft flying an artillery adjustment mission along a heavily de-

fended segment of route structure. A large concentration of enemy

troops was massing for an attack on a friendly unit. Capt. Bennett

requested tactical air support but was advised that none was available. He also

requested artillery support but this too was denied due to the close proximity of

friendly troops to the target. Capt. Bennett was determined to aid the endangered

unit and elected to strafe the hostile positions. After 4 such passes, the enemy

force began to retreat. Capt. Bennett continued the attack, but, as he completed

his fifth strafing pass, his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile which

severely damaged the left engine and the left main landing gear. As fire spread

in the left engine, Capt. Bennett realized that recovery at a friendly airfield was

impossible. He instructed his observer to prepare for an ejection, but was in-

formed by the observer that his parachute had been shredded by the force of the

impacting missile. Although Capt. Bennett had a good parachute, he knew that if

he ejected the observer would have no chance of survival. With complete disre-

gard for his own life, Capt. Bennett elected to ditch the aircraft into the Gulf of

Tonkin, even though he realized that a pilot of this type aircraft had never sur-

vived a ditching. The ensuing impact upon the water caused the aircraft to cart-

wheel and severely damaged the front cockpit, making escape for Capt. Bennett

impossible. The observer successfully made his way out of the aircraft and was

rescued. Capt. Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion, extraordinary

heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his life,

were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect

great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.

12

The President of the United States in the name of

The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor to: DAY, GEORGE E.

Medal of Honor Citation: On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was

forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit

by ground fire. His right arm was broken in 3 places, and his left

knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile

forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tor-

tured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into

the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted

by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a

few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and

reached the Ben Hai River where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With

the aid of a bamboo log float, Col. Day swam across the river and entered the

demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered

aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S.

aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot

wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he

had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false infor-

mation to questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated

and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many inju-

ries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face

of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators

who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and

intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping

with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon

himself and the U.S. Armed Forces.

The President of the United States in the name of

The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor to: WILBANKS, HILLIARD A.

Medal of Honor Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intre-

pidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call

of duty. As a forward air controller Capt. Wilbanks was pilot of

an unarmed, light aircraft flying visual reconnaissance ahead of a South

Vietnam Army Ranger Battalion. His intensive search revealed a well-

concealed and numerically superior hostile force poised to ambush the ad-

vancing rangers. The Viet Cong, realizing that Capt. Wilbanks' discovery had

compromised their position and ability to launch a surprise attack, immedi-

ately fired on the small aircraft with all available firepower. The enemy then

began advancing against the exposed forward elements of the ranger force

which were pinned down by devastating fire. Capt. Wilbanks recognized that

close support aircraft could not arrive in time to enable the rangers to

5

In between volunteer combat tours in Vietnam totaling about 4 years, he was a T-38 IP at Reese AFB. In Vietnam, he flew with the USAF, Vietnamese AF, and the Royal Thailand AF. As Commander of the “Nail” FACs, he was the last to fly out of Cambodia when US sup-port terminated on August 15, 1973.

Col. Pierson flew fighters, bombers, trainers and utility aircraft with 1, 2, 4, 6, & 8 engines, accumulating over 10,000 flying hours. He has been named to the Air Commando and to the Arkansas Boys State Halls of Fame. His combat medals include three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Airman Medal for Valor, three Bronze Stars, the Meritori-ous Service Medal, 39 Air Medals, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and many other awards. He is the official FAC Association Chaplain.

Married to Gilberta Guth Pierson, their combined family includes eight children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

MAJOR JOHN DUFFY, USA RET.

John J. Duffy rose from Sergeant to Major while serving with Special Operations units in the United States Army. He served four combat tours in Vietnam, operating primarily behind enemy lines.

Major Duffy has been awarded 70 awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Soldier's Medal, four Bronze Stars with "V” device, eight Purple Hearts, seven Air Medals with "V” device, three Army Commendation Medals with "V” device, three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, four Presidential Unit Citations, the Combat Infan-try Badge, Master Parachutist Wings, plus numerous other awards for service and merit.

Following his military service, John was President of a publishing

company and founder and President of an investment firm. He has

published four poetry books and been selected for numerous an-

thologies. His latest book is “Bush Chronicles”. He is a founding

member of the Special Operations Association, The Special Forces

Decade Association, The Legion of Valor, The Forward Air Control-

lers Association, Air Commando Association, The Combat Medic As-

sociation, and Team 162 “Covan” Association.

6

Special Thanks to the following

Organizations and individuals without

whom this would not have been possible:

» AF Academy Stellar Brass Band

» American Legion Riders

» Clarence Gianarelli, Ideal Concrete

» Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

» Colorado Springs Fire Department EMT Squad

» Colorado Air National Guard

» Harrison High School Junior ROTC

» Lao-Hmong Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Veterans

» Mayor and Council, City of Colorado Springs

» Patriot Guard Riders

» PAFB High Frontier Honor Guard

» Peterson AFB Company Grade Officers’ Council

» Peterson Air & Space Museum, Gail Whalen Director/

Curator

» Wescott Fire Department EMT Squad

» Dick Wilhelm, Wilhelm Monuments

» 13th ASOS, Fort Carson, CO

11

~ Contributors ~

Diamond Level Donors ($10,000 or more)

Clarence Gianarelli, Ideal Concrete

AF Academy Class of 68

Platinum Level Donors ($5,000 or more)

Dick & Judy Wilhelm, Wilhelm Monuments

Gold Level Donors ($1,000 or more)

American Military Family Inc

Anna Ackerman Fund

Lao-Hmong American Coalition

Ray E Noftsinger

Howard J Pierson

Lorin Walker

Logistic Specialties, Inc

USAA Foundation

Silver Level Donors ($500 or more)

Charles & Christina Aigner

Air Academy Federal CU

Frank Arnold

Dennis E (Denny) Crouch

Bryant P Culberson

EAPLS (RAVENS)

FAC Association

Gene D Hamner

Wilson Pat Hurley

Gene A. Langenbach

The family of Capt. James V.

Newendorp

Jim & Aimee Palmer

Tom & PK Petitmermet

Russel H Pickard

Lanis (Lanny) Pinchuk

Charles L (Charlie) Pocock

Ralph H (Randy) Thurman

Darrel D Whitcomb

1st Wisconsin Brigade US

Volunteers—A

Bertram J. Woodside

10

ROGER L TEETER* DANIEL W THOMAS EDMUND F THORNELL RONALD E TINSLEY THOMAS J TOLLIVER JERRY W TOON GEORGE H TOUSLEY III*** TIMOTHY M TUCKER WILLIS G UHLS*** JOHN W VANDEVENTER HAROLD R VOGEL RICHARD S VOIGTS MICHAEL S VRABLICK BRUCE C WALKER TIM L WALTERS * GEORGE B WARING RALPH R WENSINGER RICHARD L WHITESIDES MICHAEL E WIDENER OVID K WIGGINS DEREX S WILLIAMS JR PAUL R WINDLE THOMAS H WOLFE WILLIAM E WOOD JR JAMES C WOODS ROBERT F WOODS KARL E WORST MANNIFRED YATES DAVID L YOAKUM LOUIS C ZUCKER JAMES H ZUMBRUN* SYMBOLS: * = U.S. ARMY

** = U.S. MARINE CORPS

*** = AF ACADEMY GRADUATES

MISTY FAC FALLEN COMRADES PATRICK H CARROLL

JEFFERSON S DOTSON

LAURENT L GOURLEY***

MICHAEL O MC ELHANON

JOHN F OVERLOCK

CLYDE SEILER

LAWRENCE W WHITFORD JR

HOWARD K WILLIAMS

FFALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

“GREATER LOVE HAS NO MAN

THAN THIS,

THAT A MAN GAVE HIS LIFE

FOR HIS FRIENDS.”

JOHN 15 : 13

7

STEVEN L BENNETT, MOH HILLIARD A WILBANKS, MOH ARTHUR J ABRAMOFF KENNETH D ADKINS JAMES W ADKISSON HENRY L ALLEN JAMES P ALLENBERG BARRY K ALLMOND VINCENT C ANDERSON STUART M ANDREWS CATALINO B ANTONIO JR JOHN J BACH III FRED E BAILEY JAMES S BAIRD JOHN R BALDRIDGE JR ROBERT BALL CHARLES D BALLOU SAM F BEACH JR GEORGE J BEDROSSIAN JAMES H BENNETT JR DAVID E BENSON JERRY E BEVAN THOMAS J BEYER FRANCIS J BIRCHAK CRAIG S BLACKNER CHARLES E BLAIR BRUCE E BOLTZE** HERBERT W BOOTH JR DONALD I BOWERS DAVID G BRENNER GARDNER BREWER FRANK H BRIGGS DANIEL M BROWN JOSEPH O BROWN WENDELL L BROWN ROBERT W BRUNSON ICHARD W BUDKA CLAUDE M BUNCH PARK G BUNKER*** WILLIAM O BURKETT JOSEPH K BUSH* JAMES M BUTLER

DOUGLAS H BUTTERFIELD*** JAMES F CAMERON JOHN I CAMERON IVAN J CAMPBELL ROBERT M CARN JR*** DONALD G CARR* JOHN L CARROLL*** JOSEPH CARTER JR JERRY L CHAMBERS DONALD L CHANEY* JOSEPH L CHESTNUT RICHARD N CHRISTY II*** LARRY J CLANTON JAMES W CLEMENT HARRY J COATES JR BILLY J COLEY DAVID L COLLINS JOHN F CONLON GLENN R COOK JOHNNIE C CORNELIUS MORRISON A COTNER BRUCE A COUILLARD OMMIE T COX JR WILLIAM T CRAWFORD JAMES E CROSS GEORGE M CUNNINGHAM NORMAN N CUNNINGHAM* DANIEL R DAVIS*** LARRY L DEAN RICHARD H DEFER SAMUEL M DEICHELMANN JAMES B DES ROCHERS FREDDIE D DICKENS JACKIE L DICKENS EDWARD R DODGE* DOUGLAS H D ORSAY GEORGE R DOVER** THOMAS A DUCKETT JOHN E DUFFY*** EDWARD J DUPERE GARRETT E EDDY RICHARD L EDWARDS FRANCIS X EGAN

SSLOWLOW FAC FFAC FALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

8

JOHN C EGGER JR JEROME ELKINS RICHARD G ELZINGA TONIE L ENGLAND JR CHARLES E ENGLE ALBERT A ENGELHARDT JOHN L ESPENSHIED WILLIAM H FABIAN PHILIPPE B FALES DAVID A FARROW JOSEPH B FEARNO ALLEN E FELLOWS WAYNE A FERGUSON WILLIAM M FERNANDEZ* AARON G FIDIAM PETER W FIELDS ALBERT C FILES* WILLIAM R FINN WALTER H FORBES III RICHARD L FOXX LAWRENCE J FRAHMAN CHARLES S FRANCO*** LAUREN D FRITZ GLEN L FULLERTON JOSEPH GAMBINO JR FRANCIS E GEIGER JAMES R GILMORE JR*** ARTHUR GLIDDEN* CHARLES H GRAY JR* RICHARD T GRAY*** REMI H GREEFF BRUCE B GREENE CHARLES F GRIFFIN*** ANDRE R GUILLET HARLOW K HALBOWER*** TED B HALLENBECK*** GEORGE B HAMILTON KENNETH J HAMRICK ARTHUR H HARDY*** LEE D HARLEY GREGG HARTNESS JOHN H HASELTON*** ROBERT D HAUER

DONALD R HAWLEY FREDRICK M HECKLER LUCIUS L HEISKELL HAL K HENDERSON*** JAMES C HENNEBERRY RICHARD W HEROLD BARRY W HILBRICH* JAMES D HOAG DAVID H HOLMES LESTER E HOLMES MARSHALL M HOLT JR GERALD E HULL JAMES L HULL PAUL V JACKSON III*** JOHN C JACOBS DONALD L JACOBSEN ROBERT L JOHNSON OMAR D JONES* THOMAS J JOZEFOWSKI WILLIAM A JUSTICE H WALKER KAISER CHARLES L KARR CARL F KARST JOHN W KENNEDY JAMES C KINDEL PAUL F KLUG DAVID L KNOTT RONALD I KRAUSS KENNETH D KREHBIEL ALVA R KROGMAN*** PETER J LANDRY JAMES F LANG BILLY E LANKFORD ROGER G LEADBETTER JOHN A LEHECKA DON R LEWIS DAVID C LINDBERG HAROLD B LINEBERGER ABEL LUNA DONALD A LUNA JOSEPH A MACHOWSKI HARRELD P MARTIN*** PATRICK R MARTIN

SSLOWLOW FAC FFAC FALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

9

PHILLIP L MASCARI WILLIAM W MCALLISTER EDWARD E MCBRIDE CARL O MCCORMICK KURT C MCDONALD MICHAEL J MCGERTY HOMER C MCINTYRE RICHARD W MEACHAM JR PAUL A MEINERS GEORGE B MENGES ROBERT K MILBRATH HERBERT MILLER JOHN R MINUTOLI* HAROLD L MISCHLER DONALD A MOLLICONE DENNIS E MORGAN GEORGE W MORRIS JR JOHN W MOWER STEVEN A MUELLER CARMEN MUSCARA* JOHN D MUSGROVE FRANK F MUSICK X QUY NGUYEN V T NGUYEN CHARLES J NOLDER ARTHUR E NORMAN THOMAS W NORMAN GEORGE H NORTON EDGAR E NUSCHKE JOSE H ORTIZ DAN B PACKARD JOSEPH E PARKER JR* ANTHONY J PEARSON MARK A PETERSON*** JERRY N PHILLIPS LEON J PIERCE JACK C PLUMB LARRY F POTTS** (POW) JOHN P POWELL JERRY W PYLE HARLEY B PYLES JAMES L RATLIFF MARION E REED

G DAVID REESE III WALTER A RENELT ROBERT F REX*** LON D RICHARDS VICTOR ROMERO HAL J ROWLETT STEPHEN C RUBY CHARLES P RUSSELL ROBERT E RYAN*** JOHN L RYDER*** JOHN M RYDLEWICZ*** THOMAS A SANDERS*** WILLIAM S SANDERS ALBERT F SAYER JR GRIFFIN E SCARBOROUGH WILLIAM L SCHULTZ UWE-THORSTEN SCOBEL STEPHEN R SCRIVENER DOUGLAS M SEELEY JERRY A SELLERS DOMINIC SEMENTELLI ROLLAND B SHUBBUCK MARLIN L SIEGWALT PAUL J SIMON WILLIAM G SIPOS WINFIELD W SISSON** WILBUR A SKAAR OWEN G SKINNER JAMES L SMITH*** LEWIS P SMITH II NORRIS R SMITH WARREN P SMITH JR WILLIAM W SMITH HERMAN SMITS JR WILBUR T STAIR ROBERT E STALEY RODNEY H STONE RONALD E STORZ (POW) KENNARD E SVANOE*** RICHARD C SWIFT CHARLES F SWOPE HERSHALL TALLENT RAYMOND TANNER

SSLOWLOW FAC FFAC FALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

8

JOHN C EGGER JR JEROME ELKINS RICHARD G ELZINGA TONIE L ENGLAND JR CHARLES E ENGLE ALBERT A ENGELHARDT JOHN L ESPENSHIED WILLIAM H FABIAN PHILIPPE B FALES DAVID A FARROW JOSEPH B FEARNO ALLEN E FELLOWS WAYNE A FERGUSON WILLIAM M FERNANDEZ* AARON G FIDIAM PETER W FIELDS ALBERT C FILES* WILLIAM R FINN WALTER H FORBES III RICHARD L FOXX LAWRENCE J FRAHMAN CHARLES S FRANCO*** LAUREN D FRITZ GLEN L FULLERTON JOSEPH GAMBINO JR FRANCIS E GEIGER JAMES R GILMORE JR*** ARTHUR GLIDDEN* CHARLES H GRAY JR* RICHARD T GRAY*** REMI H GREEFF BRUCE B GREENE CHARLES F GRIFFIN*** ANDRE R GUILLET HARLOW K HALBOWER*** TED B HALLENBECK*** GEORGE B HAMILTON KENNETH J HAMRICK ARTHUR H HARDY*** LEE D HARLEY GREGG HARTNESS JOHN H HASELTON*** ROBERT D HAUER

DONALD R HAWLEY FREDRICK M HECKLER LUCIUS L HEISKELL HAL K HENDERSON*** JAMES C HENNEBERRY RICHARD W HEROLD BARRY W HILBRICH* JAMES D HOAG DAVID H HOLMES LESTER E HOLMES MARSHALL M HOLT JR GERALD E HULL JAMES L HULL PAUL V JACKSON III*** JOHN C JACOBS DONALD L JACOBSEN ROBERT L JOHNSON OMAR D JONES* THOMAS J JOZEFOWSKI WILLIAM A JUSTICE H WALKER KAISER CHARLES L KARR CARL F KARST JOHN W KENNEDY JAMES C KINDEL PAUL F KLUG DAVID L KNOTT RONALD I KRAUSS KENNETH D KREHBIEL ALVA R KROGMAN*** PETER J LANDRY JAMES F LANG BILLY E LANKFORD ROGER G LEADBETTER JOHN A LEHECKA DON R LEWIS DAVID C LINDBERG HAROLD B LINEBERGER ABEL LUNA DONALD A LUNA JOSEPH A MACHOWSKI HARRELD P MARTIN*** PATRICK R MARTIN

SSLOWLOW FAC FFAC FALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

9

PHILLIP L MASCARI WILLIAM W MCALLISTER EDWARD E MCBRIDE CARL O MCCORMICK KURT C MCDONALD MICHAEL J MCGERTY HOMER C MCINTYRE RICHARD W MEACHAM JR PAUL A MEINERS GEORGE B MENGES ROBERT K MILBRATH HERBERT MILLER JOHN R MINUTOLI* HAROLD L MISCHLER DONALD A MOLLICONE DENNIS E MORGAN GEORGE W MORRIS JR JOHN W MOWER STEVEN A MUELLER CARMEN MUSCARA* JOHN D MUSGROVE FRANK F MUSICK X QUY NGUYEN V T NGUYEN CHARLES J NOLDER ARTHUR E NORMAN THOMAS W NORMAN GEORGE H NORTON EDGAR E NUSCHKE JOSE H ORTIZ DAN B PACKARD JOSEPH E PARKER JR* ANTHONY J PEARSON MARK A PETERSON*** JERRY N PHILLIPS LEON J PIERCE JACK C PLUMB LARRY F POTTS** (POW) JOHN P POWELL JERRY W PYLE HARLEY B PYLES JAMES L RATLIFF MARION E REED

G DAVID REESE III WALTER A RENELT ROBERT F REX*** LON D RICHARDS VICTOR ROMERO HAL J ROWLETT STEPHEN C RUBY CHARLES P RUSSELL ROBERT E RYAN*** JOHN L RYDER*** JOHN M RYDLEWICZ*** THOMAS A SANDERS*** WILLIAM S SANDERS ALBERT F SAYER JR GRIFFIN E SCARBOROUGH WILLIAM L SCHULTZ UWE-THORSTEN SCOBEL STEPHEN R SCRIVENER DOUGLAS M SEELEY JERRY A SELLERS DOMINIC SEMENTELLI ROLLAND B SHUBBUCK MARLIN L SIEGWALT PAUL J SIMON WILLIAM G SIPOS WINFIELD W SISSON** WILBUR A SKAAR OWEN G SKINNER JAMES L SMITH*** LEWIS P SMITH II NORRIS R SMITH WARREN P SMITH JR WILLIAM W SMITH HERMAN SMITS JR WILBUR T STAIR ROBERT E STALEY RODNEY H STONE RONALD E STORZ (POW) KENNARD E SVANOE*** RICHARD C SWIFT CHARLES F SWOPE HERSHALL TALLENT RAYMOND TANNER

SSLOWLOW FAC FFAC FALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

10

ROGER L TEETER* DANIEL W THOMAS EDMUND F THORNELL RONALD E TINSLEY THOMAS J TOLLIVER JERRY W TOON GEORGE H TOUSLEY III*** TIMOTHY M TUCKER WILLIS G UHLS*** JOHN W VANDEVENTER HAROLD R VOGEL RICHARD S VOIGTS MICHAEL S VRABLICK BRUCE C WALKER TIM L WALTERS * GEORGE B WARING RALPH R WENSINGER RICHARD L WHITESIDES MICHAEL E WIDENER OVID K WIGGINS DEREX S WILLIAMS JR PAUL R WINDLE THOMAS H WOLFE WILLIAM E WOOD JR JAMES C WOODS ROBERT F WOODS KARL E WORST MANNIFRED YATES DAVID L YOAKUM LOUIS C ZUCKER JAMES H ZUMBRUN* SYMBOLS: * = U.S. ARMY

** = U.S. MARINE CORPS

*** = AF ACADEMY GRADUATES

MISTY FAC FALLEN COMRADES PATRICK H CARROLL

JEFFERSON S DOTSON

LAURENT L GOURLEY***

MICHAEL O MC ELHANON

JOHN F OVERLOCK

CLYDE SEILER

LAWRENCE W WHITFORD JR

HOWARD K WILLIAMS

FFALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

“GREATER LOVE HAS NO MAN

THAN THIS,

THAT A MAN GAVE HIS LIFE

FOR HIS FRIENDS.”

JOHN 15 : 13

7

STEVEN L BENNETT, MOH HILLIARD A WILBANKS, MOH ARTHUR J ABRAMOFF KENNETH D ADKINS JAMES W ADKISSON HENRY L ALLEN JAMES P ALLENBERG BARRY K ALLMOND VINCENT C ANDERSON STUART M ANDREWS CATALINO B ANTONIO JR JOHN J BACH III FRED E BAILEY JAMES S BAIRD JOHN R BALDRIDGE JR ROBERT BALL CHARLES D BALLOU SAM F BEACH JR GEORGE J BEDROSSIAN JAMES H BENNETT JR DAVID E BENSON JERRY E BEVAN THOMAS J BEYER FRANCIS J BIRCHAK CRAIG S BLACKNER CHARLES E BLAIR BRUCE E BOLTZE** HERBERT W BOOTH JR DONALD I BOWERS DAVID G BRENNER GARDNER BREWER FRANK H BRIGGS DANIEL M BROWN JOSEPH O BROWN WENDELL L BROWN ROBERT W BRUNSON ICHARD W BUDKA CLAUDE M BUNCH PARK G BUNKER*** WILLIAM O BURKETT JOSEPH K BUSH* JAMES M BUTLER

DOUGLAS H BUTTERFIELD*** JAMES F CAMERON JOHN I CAMERON IVAN J CAMPBELL ROBERT M CARN JR*** DONALD G CARR* JOHN L CARROLL*** JOSEPH CARTER JR JERRY L CHAMBERS DONALD L CHANEY* JOSEPH L CHESTNUT RICHARD N CHRISTY II*** LARRY J CLANTON JAMES W CLEMENT HARRY J COATES JR BILLY J COLEY DAVID L COLLINS JOHN F CONLON GLENN R COOK JOHNNIE C CORNELIUS MORRISON A COTNER BRUCE A COUILLARD OMMIE T COX JR WILLIAM T CRAWFORD JAMES E CROSS GEORGE M CUNNINGHAM NORMAN N CUNNINGHAM* DANIEL R DAVIS*** LARRY L DEAN RICHARD H DEFER SAMUEL M DEICHELMANN JAMES B DES ROCHERS FREDDIE D DICKENS JACKIE L DICKENS EDWARD R DODGE* DOUGLAS H D ORSAY GEORGE R DOVER** THOMAS A DUCKETT JOHN E DUFFY*** EDWARD J DUPERE GARRETT E EDDY RICHARD L EDWARDS FRANCIS X EGAN

SSLOWLOW FAC FFAC FALLENALLEN CCOMRADESOMRADES

6

Special Thanks to the following

Organizations and individuals without

whom this would not have been possible:

» AF Academy Stellar Brass Band

» American Legion Riders

» Clarence Gianarelli, Ideal Concrete

» Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services

» Colorado Springs Fire Department EMT Squad

» Colorado Air National Guard

» Harrison High School Junior ROTC

» Lao-Hmong Special Guerilla Unit (SGU) Veterans

» Mayor and Council, City of Colorado Springs

» Patriot Guard Riders

» PAFB High Frontier Honor Guard

» Peterson AFB Company Grade Officers’ Council

» Peterson Air & Space Museum, Gail Whalen Director/

Curator

» Wescott Fire Department EMT Squad

» Dick Wilhelm, Wilhelm Monuments

» 13th ASOS, Fort Carson, CO

11

~ Contributors ~

Diamond Level Donors ($10,000 or more)

Clarence Gianarelli, Ideal Concrete

AF Academy Class of 68

Platinum Level Donors ($5,000 or more)

Dick & Judy Wilhelm, Wilhelm Monuments

Gold Level Donors ($1,000 or more)

American Military Family Inc

Anna Ackerman Fund

Lao-Hmong American Coalition

Ray E Noftsinger

Howard J Pierson

Lorin Walker

Logistic Specialties, Inc

USAA Foundation

Silver Level Donors ($500 or more)

Charles & Christina Aigner

Air Academy Federal CU

Frank Arnold

Dennis E (Denny) Crouch

Bryant P Culberson

EAPLS (RAVENS)

FAC Association

Gene D Hamner

Wilson Pat Hurley

Gene A. Langenbach

The family of Capt. James V.

Newendorp

Jim & Aimee Palmer

Tom & PK Petitmermet

Russel H Pickard

Lanis (Lanny) Pinchuk

Charles L (Charlie) Pocock

Ralph H (Randy) Thurman

Darrel D Whitcomb

1st Wisconsin Brigade US

Volunteers—A

Bertram J. Woodside

12

The President of the United States in the name of

The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor to: DAY, GEORGE E.

Medal of Honor Citation: On 26 August 1967, Col. Day was

forced to eject from his aircraft over North Vietnam when it was hit

by ground fire. His right arm was broken in 3 places, and his left

knee was badly sprained. He was immediately captured by hostile

forces and taken to a prison camp where he was interrogated and severely tor-

tured. After causing the guards to relax their vigilance, Col. Day escaped into

the jungle and began the trek toward South Vietnam. Despite injuries inflicted

by fragments of a bomb or rocket, he continued southward surviving only on a

few berries and uncooked frogs. He successfully evaded enemy patrols and

reached the Ben Hai River where he encountered U.S. artillery barrages. With

the aid of a bamboo log float, Col. Day swam across the river and entered the

demilitarized zone. Due to delirium, he lost his sense of direction and wandered

aimlessly for several days. After several unsuccessful attempts to signal U.S.

aircraft, he was ambushed and recaptured by the Viet Cong, sustaining gunshot

wounds to his left hand and thigh. He was returned to the prison from which he

had escaped and later was moved to Hanoi after giving his captors false infor-

mation to questions put before him. Physically, Col. Day was totally debilitated

and unable to perform even the simplest task for himself. Despite his many inju-

ries, he continued to offer maximum resistance. His personal bravery in the face

of deadly enemy pressure was significant in saving the lives of fellow aviators

who were still flying against the enemy. Col. Day's conspicuous gallantry and

intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping

with the highest traditions of the U.S. Air Force and reflect great credit upon

himself and the U.S. Armed Forces.

The President of the United States in the name of

The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor to: WILBANKS, HILLIARD A.

Medal of Honor Citation: For conspicuous gallantry and intre-

pidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call

of duty. As a forward air controller Capt. Wilbanks was pilot of

an unarmed, light aircraft flying visual reconnaissance ahead of a South

Vietnam Army Ranger Battalion. His intensive search revealed a well-

concealed and numerically superior hostile force poised to ambush the ad-

vancing rangers. The Viet Cong, realizing that Capt. Wilbanks' discovery had

compromised their position and ability to launch a surprise attack, immedi-

ately fired on the small aircraft with all available firepower. The enemy then

began advancing against the exposed forward elements of the ranger force

which were pinned down by devastating fire. Capt. Wilbanks recognized that

close support aircraft could not arrive in time to enable the rangers to

5

In between volunteer combat tours in Vietnam totaling about 4 years, he was a T-38 IP at Reese AFB. In Vietnam, he flew with the USAF, Vietnamese AF, and the Royal Thailand AF. As Commander of the “Nail” FACs, he was the last to fly out of Cambodia when US sup-port terminated on August 15, 1973.

Col. Pierson flew fighters, bombers, trainers and utility aircraft with 1, 2, 4, 6, & 8 engines, accumulating over 10,000 flying hours. He has been named to the Air Commando and to the Arkansas Boys State Halls of Fame. His combat medals include three Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Airman Medal for Valor, three Bronze Stars, the Meritori-ous Service Medal, 39 Air Medals, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and many other awards. He is the official FAC Association Chaplain.

Married to Gilberta Guth Pierson, their combined family includes eight children, 12 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

MAJOR JOHN DUFFY, USA RET.

John J. Duffy rose from Sergeant to Major while serving with Special Operations units in the United States Army. He served four combat tours in Vietnam, operating primarily behind enemy lines.

Major Duffy has been awarded 70 awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Service Cross, the Soldier's Medal, four Bronze Stars with "V” device, eight Purple Hearts, seven Air Medals with "V” device, three Army Commendation Medals with "V” device, three Vietnamese Crosses of Gallantry, four Presidential Unit Citations, the Combat Infan-try Badge, Master Parachutist Wings, plus numerous other awards for service and merit.

Following his military service, John was President of a publishing

company and founder and President of an investment firm. He has

published four poetry books and been selected for numerous an-

thologies. His latest book is “Bush Chronicles”. He is a founding

member of the Special Operations Association, The Special Forces

Decade Association, The Legion of Valor, The Forward Air Control-

lers Association, Air Commando Association, The Combat Medic As-

sociation, and Team 162 “Covan” Association.

4

» Speaker Biographies «

COLONEL GEORGE E. “BUD” DAY, USAF RET.

Colonel George E. Day enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 and served thirty months in the South Pacific during World War II.

After the war, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree, followed by law school where he received a Juris Doctor degree. In 1950, he was called to ac-tive duty and served two tours as a fighter-bomber pilot during the Korean War.

In 1966, Colonel Day was assigned to the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing at Tuy Hoa Air Base South Vietnam. On June 25, 1967, he was assigned as commander of Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron where he became a pioneer of the "Fast FACs"— Forward Air Control-lers over Laos and North Vietnam. On August 26, 1967, he was shot down in North Vietnam. During the ejection Day’s right arm was bro-ken in three places and he also experienced eye and back injuries. Colonel Day was quickly captured by North Vietnamese local militia. On his fifth night of captivity he escaped from his captors. Although stripped of both his boots and flight suit, Day crossed back into South Vietnam, becoming the only U.S. prisoner to escape from North Viet-nam. Within two miles of a U.S. Marine firebase he was captured again. He spent 67 months as a Prisoner of War and was repatriated on March 14, 1973. Bud Day has been awarded more than fifty decora-tions for combat. Most notable are: The Medal of Honor, the Air Force Cross, the Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star for Valor (2 OLC), the Purple Heart with three Clusters, the Air Medal (9 OLC), and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Colonel Day retired from active duty in 1977 to resume his practice of law in Florida. At his retirement he had nearly 8,000 total flying hours, and 4,900 hours in single engine jets.

LT. COL. HOWARD PIERSON USAF RET.

Born in New Jersey in 1927, Howard Pierson left high school to join the Navy in WWII. After the War, he attended U of Alabama on a foot-ball scholarship and was commissioned through AFROTC in 1951. After pilot training, he flew combat in the Korean “Police Action”. Returning stateside, he flew B-47s and B-52s in SAC.

13

withstand the advancing enemy onslaught. With full knowledge of the limita-

tions of his unarmed, unarmored, light reconnaissance aircraft, and the great

danger imposed by the enemy's vast firepower, he unhesitatingly assumed a cov-

ering, close support role. Flying through a hail of withering fire at treetop level,

Capt. Wilbanks passed directly over the advancing enemy and inflicted many

casualties by firing his rifle out of the side window of his aircraft. Despite in-

creasingly intense antiaircraft fire, Capt. Wilbanks continued to completely dis-

regard his own safety and made repeated low passes over the enemy to divert

their fire away from the rangers. His daring tactics successfully interrupted the

enemy advance, allowing the rangers to withdraw to safety from their perilous

position. During his final courageous attack to protect the withdrawing forces,

Capt. Wilbanks was mortally wounded and his bullet-riddled aircraft crashed

between the opposing forces. Capt. Wilbanks' magnificent action saved numer-

ous friendly personnel from certain injury or death. His unparalleled concern for

his fellow man and his extraordinary heroism were in the highest traditions of

the military service, and have reflected great credit upon himself and the U.S.

Air Force.

The President of the United States in the name of

The Congress takes pleasure in presenting the

Medal of Honor to: BENNETT, STEVEN L.

Medal of Honor Citation: Capt. Bennett was the pilot of a light

aircraft flying an artillery adjustment mission along a heavily de-

fended segment of route structure. A large concentration of enemy

troops was massing for an attack on a friendly unit. Capt. Bennett

requested tactical air support but was advised that none was available. He also

requested artillery support but this too was denied due to the close proximity of

friendly troops to the target. Capt. Bennett was determined to aid the endangered

unit and elected to strafe the hostile positions. After 4 such passes, the enemy

force began to retreat. Capt. Bennett continued the attack, but, as he completed

his fifth strafing pass, his aircraft was struck by a surface-to-air missile which

severely damaged the left engine and the left main landing gear. As fire spread

in the left engine, Capt. Bennett realized that recovery at a friendly airfield was

impossible. He instructed his observer to prepare for an ejection, but was in-

formed by the observer that his parachute had been shredded by the force of the

impacting missile. Although Capt. Bennett had a good parachute, he knew that if

he ejected the observer would have no chance of survival. With complete disre-

gard for his own life, Capt. Bennett elected to ditch the aircraft into the Gulf of

Tonkin, even though he realized that a pilot of this type aircraft had never sur-

vived a ditching. The ensuing impact upon the water caused the aircraft to cart-

wheel and severely damaged the front cockpit, making escape for Capt. Bennett

impossible. The observer successfully made his way out of the aircraft and was

rescued. Capt. Bennett's unparalleled concern for his companion, extraordinary

heroism and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty, at the cost of his life,

were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect

great credit upon himself and the U.S. Air Force.

14

This Memorial is dedicated to those special Air Force aviators, sup-

port staff, Army Special Forces and Marine Observers who lost their

lives during the War in Southeast Asia from 1961-1975 while flying

or supporting the Forward Air Controller mission. * * * * * * * * * *

“At all times the FAC was the final air authority on whether or not the strike would

continue. He was, in fact, the local air commander for the conduct of air operations,

and his authority was recognized by the ground commander and flight leader

alike.” ~General William M. Momyer, MACV Commander for Air

INSCRIPTIONS ON THE MEMORIAL

It is the lonely mission,

The Forward Air Controller.

His are the eyes above the battle.

He is the link to those below.

While others avoid and strike fast,

He lingers and trolls for contact,

Seeking out the enemy below,

Determining the strike force needed.

His is the job to control the air attack,

He determines the needs of the troops,

And works the airstrike margins.

His judgment is relied upon by all.

Watching a “FAC” roll in hot on target,

All guns blazing at his destruction,

Is to watch a man of courage in action.

This is the daily job of the “FAC”.

~ Major John J. Duffy, DSC

US Army Retired

The Forward Air Controller

3

Sequence of Events Master of Ceremonies - Colonel Howard Pierson, Nail 01

► Patriotic music – AF Academy Stellar Brass Band

► Fly over of vintage FAC aircraft

► (*Please Stand*) National Anthem; Posting of Colors –

Stellar Brass Band/High Frontier Honor Guard

► (*Please Stand*) Invocation by Master of Ceremonies –

Lt. Col. Howard Pierson, USAF Ret.

► Remarks, Introductions, and Thank yous – MC

► Proclamation – Vice Mayor Larry Small

► Introduction of Dedication Speaker – MC

► Memorial Dedication Address – Colonel “Bud” Day,

MOH, AFC

► Introduction of Major Duffy – MC

► Forward Air Controller Requiem – Major John Duffy,

USA Ret.

► (*Please Stand*) Laying of the Wreaths – Colonel Bud

Day and General Ed Eberhart

► (*Please Stand*) Rifle Volley; Taps – Honor Guard /

Stellar Brass Band

► F-16 Missing Man Formation Flyover – CO ANG

► (*Please Stand*) Retiring of the Flag –Honor Guard

2

FAC Recipients of the Medal of Honor

● Captain Steven Logan Bennett (Posthumous)

20th Tactical Air Support Squadron June 29, 1972, Flying OV-10

● Captain Hilliard Almond Wilbanks (Posthumous)

21st Tactical Air Support Squadron February 24, 1967, Flying O-1

● Colonel George E. “Bud” Day

Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron August 26, 1967, F-100F

FAC Recipients of the Air Force Cross (Posthumous)

Maj. John L. Carroll, O-1 Capt. Charles E. Engle, O-1 Maj. William W. McAllister, O-1 Maj. Jerry A. Sellers, O-2 LTC Ronald E. Storz, O-1/POW Capt. Richard L. Whitesides, O-1

Other FAC Recipients of the Air Force Cross

Allan R. Baer, O-1 Paul F. Koeltzow, F-105 John R. Bodie, OV-10 Joseph B. Madden, O-1 William R. Carter, OV-10 Donald L. Marx, O-2 George E. Day, F-100F/POW Phillip V. Maywald, O-2 Karl T. Feuerriegel, O-1 Joseph A. Personett, OV-10 Delbert W. Fleener, O-1 Richard L. Poling, OV-10 Leonard Funderburk, OV-10 Kenneth H. Sellers, O-1 James K. Gibson, O-1 Weston T. Smith, O-2 James C. Harding A-1 Donald D. Stevens, O-1 Ramon A. Horine,k, O-1 Roland H. “Rhip” Worrell III, O-2

Forward Air Controllers: Men who flew willingly to the sound of

battle.

* * * * * * * * * *

If not for the FAC, many more names would be inscribed on the

Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

15

The Words to TAPS

Day is done, gone the sun, From the hills, from the lake, from the sky.

All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.

Go to sleep, peaceful sleep, May the soldier or sailor, God keep.

On the land or the deep, safe in sleep.

Love, good night, must thou go, When the day, and the night, need thee so?

All is well. Speedeth all to their rest.

Fades the light; And afar Goeth day, and the stars shineth bright,

Fare thee well, day has gone, night is on.

Thanks and praise, for our days, 'Neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky,

As we go, this we know, God is nigh

TAPS music was written by Union General Daniel A. Butterfield for “Lights Out” in 1862. Its strains are melancholy, yet full of rest and peace. It became standard at military funeral ceremonies in 1891.

16

The Planes We Flew

Thanks to all who came to help honor our fallen heroes and their families.

“POOR IS THE NATION THAT HAS NO HEROES.

SHAMEFUL IS THE NATION WHO HAS THEM AND FORGETS.”

~ From a monument on the Hatchie River Battlefield

DEDICATION CEREMONY 2008 FORWARD AIR CONTROLLERS

MEMORIAL

Memorial Park

Colorado Springs, Colorado

October 3, 2008