KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- 1st Lt. George Michael Wall, former 362nd Technical Electronic Warfare Squadron EC-47 pilot from Houston, Mississippi, was killed in South Vietnam on April 22, 1970, while on a tactical reconnaissance mission.
On the fateful day, an EC-47 reconnaissance aircraft of the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (now the 460th Space Wing) was conducting a reconnaissance mission with eight crew members on board. Toward the end of the mission, the aircraft was struck by enemy fire and lost an engine. Wall, the aircraft commander, had to make a tough decision. Wall could attempt to make it back to a friendly landing strip, land in enemy territory and attempt to jump from a low altitude, or attempt a crash landing. He determined the best option was to attempt a crash landing in the jungle. Upon the crash landing, Wall and the crew radio operator died, but the other six crew members survived. Wall managed to save six crew members lives and ensure classified technology and information did not fall into the enemies hands.
Wall Studio here on Keesler Air Force Base is named in his honor.
Editor's note:
The Fallen Warrior series highlights Fallen Warriors who exemplify our core values and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Take a moment to honor this week’s hero.