Sam Festis Beach, Jr

The database page for Sam Festis Beach, Jr

25 Mar 2002 REMEMBERED ACROSS THE YEARS A memorial from a brother pilot, Joe Potter JPotterCS@aol.com

07 Feb 2004 Your Comm/Nav Tech has not forgotten. Robert J. Conway, Sgt. USAF 20th TASS Comm/Nav Specialist mlrjc@bellsouth.net

30 May 2005 Sam, I will remember you this Memorial Day (30 May 2005) during the services of remembrance. I will contemplate the supreme sacrifice made by you in the service of your country and fellow warriors. From Joe Errante sidewinder59a@aol.com

28 May 2007 Sam was born on the 4th of July. He gave his life as he lived his life - caring for others. In high school he was our "designated driver" making sure we got home safely. As an air force captain, it was his duty to identify enemy positions, and save the lives of ground forces. Duty well done. Sam, your spirit rose from the flames, and will live in our hearts and minds forever. From a classmate, Ron Black 3312 Teakwood Lane, Plano, Texas 75075 revblack@tx.rr.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall During December 1967 and early January 1968 enemy activity around the Marine combat base at Khe Sanh had grown to the point that serious reinforcement plans were implemented. One element was the forward basing of COVEY Forward Air Controllers at the Khe Sanh airstrip. On 17 Jan 1968, Captain Sam F. Beach, USAF, and a Special Forces observer, Sergeant First Class Donald L. Chaney, took off in O-2A tail number 67-21327 for a mission into Laos. Shortly after leaving the runway the aircraft was hit by enemy fire and crashed. Both men were killed.

The point-of-contact for this memorial is a brother pilot, Joe Potter JPotterCS@aol.com

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With all respect
Jim Schueckler, former CW2, US Army
Ken Davis, Commander, United States Navy (Ret)
Memorial first published on 25 Mar 2002
Last updated 12/04/2007