13 Nov 2002 Remembering a good friend, a great student, a devoted husband and fellow patriot who gave his life for his country. We'll see you down the pike; leave the light on for us. From a friend and fellow college student, Colonel (Ret) Roy V. Fair 8820 Lake Dr., Snellville, Ga 30039 royvfair@bellsouth.net

 

10 Mar 2006 This was my Uncle Mike who died serving his country when I was 16. He was always happy and cheerful and amazingly generous. Sad but true that the best of us are often the first to leave. We miss you, thank you, and hope to see you beyond. From a nephew, Paul Mush E-mail address is not available.

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 24 Nov 1969 a C-130 of the 41st Tactical Airlift Squadron, 374th TAW, departed Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, for a forward air control mission ("Blind Bat") over Laos. As the aircraft was orbiting at 9000 feet in the vicinity of Ban Bak it was hit by several 37mm antiaircraft shells and crashed about 15 miles west of Ban Talan. All eight crewmen were killed in the crash: Maj Michael D. Balamonti (navigator) Capt Earl C. Brown (pilot) Capt Richard O. Ganley (navigator) 1Lt Peter R. Matthes (copilot) Sgt Donald L. Wright (flight engineer) Sgt Larry I. Grewell Sgt Charles R. Fellenz (loadmaster) Sgt Rexford J. DeWispelaere (loadmaster) The crewmen were carried as Missing in Action until the Secretary of the Air Force approved Presumptive Findings of Death for them (Balamonti on 24 Sep 73). The crew's remains were repatriated in November 1993 and the positive identification of all eight crewmen was announced in October 1995.

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