15 July 1967 – T.H. Herndon was flying F-100D #563275. Enroute to a target of 150 Vietcong in a treeline, he was hit by 57mm AAA during a climb. He ejected and was recovered by USAF Helo. Herndon was serving with the 531st TFS out of Bien Hoa AB.
We toast our faithful comrades now fallen from the sky And gently caught by God’s own hand To be with Him on high.
To dwell among the soaring clouds They knew so well before From dawn patrol and victory roll At heaven’s very door.
And as we fly among them there We’re sure to hear their plea–
“Take care, my friend; watch your six, And do one more roll…Just for me.”
By Navy Captain Jerry Coffee (composed while a POW in Hanoi)