Memorials coming to Texas and Arizona bases for airmen killed in last Vietnam War action

Nearly two dozen U.S. airmen who perished in a helicopter crash during the last battle of the Vietnam War will receive the recognition that has escaped them for almost 50 years, with two stateside tributes in the works.

A 12,000-pound granite memorial bearing the 23 men’s faces and names is set to be unveiled Oct. 10 at the Security Forces Museum at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland. A second is slated to be installed at Luke Air Force Base in Arizona next year.

“I think it is fantastic that someone cares enough to recognize them and their sacrifices,” said Luther Hankamer II, a retired Air Force master sergeant and brother of Knife 13 passenger Sgt. Gregory Hankamer.