THE WALL OF FACES

Ssgt Comstock was the squad leader for the unit in which my brother, sp4 Joe C Smith served. My brother was severely injured and Ssgt Constock wrote a letter to us . He said he was recommending Smith for the Army Commendation Medal. He wrote,"It's given to those who perform their duties in the true tradition of the US Army. Believe me, he deserves it. We were moving to another area and I sent Smith to destroy some charges from mortar rounds. I had come to depend on his ability to out work anybody else around here and sent him to dispose of those rounds. There were about 15 pounds of them. What resulted was a fire ball and Smith was severely burned. Smitty said for me to tell his folks that I would rather it was me than any other guy. It happened because I'm over here fighting for my family and my country and I would be proud to die for both." Ssgt Comstock "It is a great honor on my part to send these words of his on to you. I am real proud of him for his work on the post and his uncomplaining attitude while in severe pain. You have a very courageous boy. We expect Smitty to be back in a couple of months". Unfortunately Joe died 10 days later in a hospital inn Yokohama Japan. We heard that Ssgt Comstock died in battle 41 days after Joe died. The letter meant so much to our family. These excerpts were printed in our local newspaper. Thank you Ssgt Comstock. I hope that you and my brother are having a good time in heaven.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I was especially touched by your letter posted herein. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever.....

Dearest brother, thinking of you still brings a lump to my throat, even though it's been 53 years since you've been gone.
Every year I still go to Memorial Services in Grinnell where you were born and where you're laid to rest, by Mom and Dad.
I am a proud American because of your sacrifices. Still read your letter (Kathy posted it below) and pass it on to other vets. Even though in some circles it seem they think America/American is a dirty word. NEVER!
God has been good to me, I have 5 wonderful children who have many of your personality traits. Husband: Navy, Eldest son: Navy, Twins: Marines.
So proud of you. Your sister, Mary

Dearest brother, thinking of you still brings a lump to my throat, even though it's been 53 years since you've been gone.
Every year I still go to Memorial Services in Grinnell where you were born and where you're laid to rest, by Mom and Dad.
I am a proud American because of your sacrifices. Still read your letter (Kathy posted it below) and pass it on to other vets. Even though in some circles it seem they think America/American is a dirty word. NEVER!
God has been good to me, I have 5 wonderful children who have many of your personality traits. Husband: Navy, Eldest son: Navy, Twins: Marines.
So proud of you. Your sister, Mary

"Jimmie Joe" was his nickname as his father was also Robert. He was the eldest of thirteen children and a bit of a prankster. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. His dream was to return home and start a family with the girl he loved.
The last month of his tour he was very afraid. He said the always lived in fear 24/7. They mostly tried to find a way to live with it. He said in his letters he was afraid he wasn't coming home alive.
It's been over 50 years and people still come up to me and tell me of some of his escapades. I miss and love him so much.
In our hometown of Albia, Iowa they have put up a memorial honoring ALL servicemen. It is an honor to visit it. If you are ever in the area, I encourage you to stop and visit.
In loving memory, his sister, Mary