Mike Higbee
Navy Corpsman on scene of crash
Oklahoma
I never knew your name until today but I've never stopped dreaming of my involvement with the day you died. I was serving as a unit corpsman on Hill 52 as part of operation Oklahoma Hills when you and your fellow pilots began an airstike just across the river from the hill. I watched you and your brothers make a couple of passes and had just ducked into our AmTrac when I heard a noise and looked up to see your plane just as it struck the ground.
I grabbed my unit one and began running down the hill toward the area. As I approached I was about out of breath when a Marine ran up to me stating that they had found the pilot. I began running again but as I approached you I saw that there was nothing I could do to help. A couple of Marines and I helped to load you aboard a chopper that had landed nearby.
Your fellow pilots continued to circle the areas to watch over you but you were gone.
The images of that day and many others during my time in Viet Nam will always be with me but I am comforted by finally knowing your name.
My sincerest thoughts to your family and friends.
Nov 30, 2010 |
|
|
 |
Barbara Scheibel
scheibel711@aol.com
Sister
60 Meadw Lane franklinton NC 27525 USA
Missing you
As frequently happens, another person recently contacted me about you. I can never forget our enormous loss, and it amazes me that others who knew you continue their remembrances 40 years after your death. Rest well my dearest brother.
Jul 5, 2009 |
|
|
|
steve smith
Your dad was married to my granmother, Edna Jewell. He was the only granfather I really ever had. He spoke of you with great love and pride. I was very fortunate to have known Floyd K. Layton. Prehaps in the glow of the after life we shall meet.
I salute you sir. Semper Fi.
May 13, 2009 |
|
|
|
Mick Regan
usmc vietnam vet lima 3/26 68-69
GOD BLESS REST IN PEACE MARINE
Apr 4, 2009 |
|
|
|
♥ Jackie Taylor
With Honor and Respect Memorial Website
http://www.geocities.com/vietnamwa
You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor You each time we stand and sing the words, ♫ THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE♫ . Thank you for your bravery, courage and dedication to our Country and freedom. Rest In Peace and Honor.
Apr 2, 2009 |
|
|
|
Manuel Pino B/2/8th Cav,1st Cav 68-69
manuel.manuel.pino728@gmail.com
Fellow Viet Brother From Colorado
1st MAW/MAG-12/VMA-211, 3rd MAF
OH!. I HAVE SLIPPED THE SURLEY BONDS OF EARTH, AND DANCED THE SKIES ON LAUGHTER-SILVERED WINGS. WHERE NEVER LARK OR EAGLE EVER FLEW-AND WHILE WITH SILENT, LIFTING MIND I'VE TROD THE HIGH UNTRESSPASSED SANCTITY OF SPACE, PUT OUT MY HAND AND TOUCHED THE FACE OF GOD.
Feb 21, 2009 |
|
|
|
Danny M. Francis
dmfrancis6@aol.com
I was first at his crash site.
463 Harris Drive Watertown NY 13601 USA
I was at his crash site within minutes.
My Marine Corps battalion [1st Battalion, 7th Marines] was conducting combat operations during OP Oklahoma Hills south of Danang the day Lieutenant Layton lost his life when his plane was shot down. My platoon was conducting operations along the river deep in NVA territory. Lt. Layton, as I now know, was the pilot of the A-4 that was flying along the mountain range known as "Charley Ridge" doing what Marine pilots do best: supporting ground troops. He had made several passes and we were all watching his flight pattern during each pass. On his last pass it appeared that he was in trouble, he dipped his plane down as he made a pass and seemed like he could not recover from what appeared to be a very shallow dive. His left wing was down towards the ground ... and it was obvious he was in trouble. His plane crashed very near our position. I was rushed to the crash site with most of my men to see if the pilot survived. We soon know he did not. This is the first time I have been able to see his face and know what he looked like. Ron Layton did his duty that day as he helped protect us on the ground. I suspect he did the same thing day after day. I have often thought about the pilot. Now, I know some things about him through other messages left at this site. I will never forget him. God bless Ron Layton and his family. My warmest regards to them. Danny M. Francis (1st Lt., USMC (Ret).
Jun 21, 2007 |
|
|
|
Roger Layton
rlayton@goeaston.net
Denton, Md 21629 US
Proud to share your last name
I am a pretty tough guy but the messages from your sisters, nieces and brother were too much for me. I cryed and am crying as I write. You were obviously a special person who will not be forgotten. You did your duty and that legacy Still remains. I write this letter to you because I believe and as such know you will hear these words.
May 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Apr 4, 2007 |
|
|
|
Barbara Scheibel
scheibel711@aol.com
Sister
3364 Palm Circle
Kennesaw, GA 30144 USA
Brother
I was so proud of Ron and his accomplishments. He was handsome, smart, athletic and fun. His sense of humor was catching and his smile made his eyes squint. Ron loved flying and was estatic when he learned he would fly jets for the Marines. He was only happier when he was with his wife, Carol. His sense of duty to his country took him away from us twice: when he shipped out to VietNam in September of 1968, and the day he died - April 4, 1969. The "Wall" in Washington, D.C. has been a very special place to me for several years. When there, I feel a closeness to Ron that is amazing - I feel his spirit and know that he is with me always. Ron, I love you and miss you so much! -Barb If you knew Ron, please contact me at scheibel711@aol.com.
Thursday, October 25, 2001 |
|
|
|
|
