This is the only grave at Ft. Logan that is oversized and has 2 Veterans in it that are not related. Donald and Delmar were crew mates in the same helicopter. It was shot down in the gulf of Thailand. When their remains were recovered they were intermixed. Their families agreed to have them burried together. They both received the Air Medal and the Purple Heart. As they trained together, worked together and died together, may they also rest in peace together.

Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class.
VP-26 Task Force 72, 7th Fleet

On the Vietnam War Memorial Wall, panel 47E, line 30.

Hi, Concetta...

It wasn't a helicopter but rather a large, 4-engine patrol plane, P-3B
Bureau Number 153445. Twelve men were killed in the incident; they are
listed below.

I've attached two documents:
* An extract from the Naval Forces Vietnam monthly report for Apr 1968
* A Pacific Stars and Stripes article dated 05 Apr 1968
They explain what happened to these guys.

I've also taken the liberty of using your gravemarker photo to document
where Petty Officers BURNSIDE and LAWRENCE and buried - I'd much rather
credit it to you by name, but I don't know your name. I hope you'll agree
this is an appropriate use of your work. Thank you for helping to remember
them.

CASUALTY LIST for P-3B 153445

HOSTILE FIRE VICINITY HON DOC ISLAND, DITCHED 5 MILES SOUTH OF AN THOI,
PHU QUOC ISLAND, 19680401

* VP-26, TF 72, 7TH FLEET
+ AME2 Donald W. Burnside Hawley, MN
+ AT1 Kenneth L. Crist Cincinnati, OH
+ AO2 William S. Cutting Lebanon, NH
+ LTJG Frank E. Hand Fort Worth, TX
+ AXC Donald E. Kulacz Chicopee Falls, MA
+ AX3 Delmar L. Lawrence Thompson Falls, MT
+ LTJG Brian J. Mathison Park Ridge, IL
+ LTJG Stuart M. Mc Lellan Cleveland, OH
+ LTJG Michael J. Purcell Shavertown, PA
+ AE1 Donald F. Wood Coloma, MI
+ ADJ2 Edward O. Wynder Bridgeton, NJ
+ AX1 Alvin G. Yoxsimer Dola, OH

With best regards,
Ken Davis
Commander, US Navy (Ret)