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 One of the speakers at the Gold Star event is Carlisle “Carlie” Whitehill of Island Pond. Carlie’s first husband, Marshall Frizzell, an Army pilot, was killed on February 20, 1966 when his helicopter crashed in Vietnam. His death left Carlie a young widow with three young children to raise. The following are two letters sent to Carlie following her husband’s death, letters that speak well of his character and dedication to his country. Company “A” 501st Aviation Battalion APO San Francisco 96227 22 February 1966 Dear Mrs. Frizzell, I am writing to express the sympathy that I, and the officers and men of my company, feel for you upon the tragic death of your husband. He was killed when his helicopter collided with another one of our aircraft just as we were taking off on an airmobile operation. This occurred late in the afternoon of Sunday, 20 February 1966, at the beginning of what may well be one of the major tactical operations of the war. “Lefty” was killed instantly, we are sure. Chaplain Kennedy of the 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, arrived shortly after the crash and said a prayer for the men who lost their lives there at Long Binh. The company will conduct a memorial service for the two members of our unit who were killed. This simple military ceremony will be held tomorrow afternoon. As you know from his letters, the officers and men of the company feel very close to one another – living, working, and flying together as we do. Your husband’s quiet efficiency and unfailing good humor made him a particularly important member of our unit. He had served as both a section leader and as a platoon leader in the company. He flew with me on several occasions as we led the company on airmobile operations. I hardly need tell you that his hands were always firm and steady on the controls and that he was a first rate pilot. I want to tell you, the children, and his parents that Captain Marshall Frizzell was respected as an officer, admired as a pilot, and liked as a friend by all of us who knew and flew with him. Sincerely, Donald J. Haid Major United States Army 
Marshall Frizzell is pictured in the back far left Company “A” 501st Aviation Battalion APO San Francisco 96227 26 February 1966 Dear Mrs. Frizzell: The death of Lefty has been a blow to us all. He was easily the most popular member of our company. His passing can never be replaced. Possibly the name Lefty is foreign to you. We never knew him by any other name. Someone called him that the day he arrived and it never changed. I am proud to have known him as a friend…. Sincerely, Victor Anderson Capt. USA
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