“The whole aircraft exploded”
Nguyen Van Phiet remembers, gazing placidly into space.
Today, October 21, 2016, is the 50th Anniversary of the death of Maj. David Earll – please take a moment to pray for him, his family, and all those who bear the burdens of combat.
Recently, I read that the National League of POW/MIA families received a batch of original POW/MIA bracelets. I requested one, and they were kind enough to send a bracelet for a fellow US Air Force aircrew member, Maj. David Earll. Today marks the 50th anniversary that his F-105 “Thud” was destroyed by a surface-to-air missile over North Vietnam. Remarkably, Air and Space magazine recently interviewed the missile operator who shot down Maj. Earll (link below.)
Since receiving his bracelet, I’ve felt a special kinship with Maj. Earll, and promised him I’d try to make his story more well known. Please join me in praying for the repose of his soul.
Thank you, and God love you. – Matthew Manint
Links for Further Reading:
- Virtual Vietnam Wall Entry http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/14488/DAVID-J-EARLL
- Ordering a bracelet http://www.pow-miafamilies.org/powmia-bracelets/get-your-powmia-bracelet
- Smithsonian Air and Space article “The Missile Men of North Vietnam” http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/missile-men-north-vietnam-180953375/?no-ist
- Stories about what it was like to be an F-105 “Thud Driver”http://www.talkingproud.us/Military/Military/F105.html
I also have a bracelet for Maj. David Earll. I came upon it by chance, but felt drawn to it, and have worn it for the last 15 years in honor of him!
I also have a bracelet with Major David Earl’s name on it. I have had it for over 50 years. Over the years I searched online to find out more about him. I’m gratified to know there are sites honoring POW’s and to finally see a photo and read about him. I can’t remember exactly, but I belonged to Angel Flight in college at SDSU and think that’s where I got it.