THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Mr Cook, I brought my Father to visit your spot on the wall as well as some others from a Paradise today. He told me many stories about you and about your kindness and good heart. I pray tonight for your family, I pray that they know that you are still making an impact so many years later. Thank you for your service Sir. Respectfully Matt Tackel

On February 28, 1968, the landing craft LCU-1500 was operating on the Cua Viet River in Quang Tri Province, RVN, when it took a direct hit on the port side of the conn, killing radioman SN Kenneth L. Cook, and injuring eight others. The crew returned fire with the 20mm guns, and EN1 Willie Abram was later recommended for the Bronze Star medal for his actions in saving at least one life and for taking over the heavily damaged craft and steering it to safety while still under fire. Due to the heavy damage sustained, the LCU-1500 was stricken from the navy list. It was later repaired and put back into service until almost a year to the day later when it was destroyed while backloading ammunition at Bridge Ramp in Da Nang after being hit by a rocket. Twelve crewmen were killed in that attack. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, navsource.org, and navy.mil]

Dear Sn Kenneth Cook,
Thank you for your service as a Radioman Seaman. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.