Dana Richard Kelley

The database page for Dana Richard Kelley

16 Feb 2002 I miss you Daddy, you will always live on in my heart and as my Higher Power. Your little girl, Kellyjean kj64hd@yahoo.com

28 Oct 2007 The Dragon's Flight Flying through the night, Setting the night ablaze, To light their way. Flying cover where needed, Risking yourselves, Trying to keep them safe. The Great Dragon in the sly, Soaring over, Building their confidence. With your mission done, For those who couldn't, You return home for them. To make it worth it; For you, for them, We are all proud. By Janet Baxter Copyright © 2004 In honor of my dad, Jerry O. Baxter Sr., his AC-47 'Puff the Magic Dragon', 4th Air Commando Squadron, Vietnam 1966-1967; and for all who served, especially those that gave all. In memory of Dana R. Kelley Airman 1st Class, USAF 1942 - 1967 Panel 13E, Line 130 Dana R. Kelley (Kelley, as dad refers to him) was my dad's close buddy in Vietnam in 1966-1967. They were both in the USAF 4th Air Commando Squadron working in AC-47 "Puff the Magic Dragon" gunships. Dana's plane was shot down and all on board were killed as a result of the massive fire from the flare box igniting. Thankfully my dad made it home, but has never forgotten his friend throughout the years. I wrote this poem for my dad and his crew, in honor of what they did for all of us and the sacrifices, like Kelley, that were made in Vietnam by thousands of true American heroes. From the daughter of a comrade, Jerry O. Baxter Sr., Janet Baxter jlbaxter71@yahoo.com

A Note from The Virtual Wall Seven men of the 4th Air Commando Squadron died when their AC-47 gunship was shot down near Duc Pho in Quang Ngai Province: Major Joseph E. Wilkinson, Selma, AL, navigator Capt Charles W. Robertson, Malden, MA, pilot 1stLt James D. Goodman, Little Rock, AR, copilot SSgt Raymond Medina, San Antonio, TX, loadmaster SSgt Cecil T. Thompson, Sebatha, KS, flight mechanic A1C Dana R. Kelley, San Carlos, CA, aerial gunner A2C Lonny L. Mitzel, Red Lion, PA, aerial gunner (606th ACS, TDY to 4th ACS)

The point-of-contact for this memorial is his daughter, Kellyjean Kelley kj64hd@yahoo.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 16 Feb 2002
Last updated 11/06/2007