THE WALL OF FACES

I first met Monte in the States at Ft. Bragg where we served together. His smile and quick wit would always get us laughing. When we went to Ft. Campbell and then on to Vietnam we served together for a short time. He loved Long Range Recon, the Airborne and our country. I cried when he was killed and attended his "incountry" service with several of his friends. I think of him often, even still. My wife does not understand that kind of deep feelings, but our brothers in arm do. Goodbye, Monte. Be at Peace. We will "jump" together again some day. Sgt. Keith Morse. Glendale, AZ

Dear Cpl Monte Cooley,
Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman (Parachutist.) 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.

I sat behind him in biology. A snake had gotten loose in the classroom. We had searched for several days and not found it. Monte would lean back in his chair on the back two legs and balance there during class. If he began to fall he would reach for the lip under the desk in front of him to keep from falling. One day he nearly fell and an abnormal commotion and a few choice words were heard. Monte, in his long Texas drawl... said, "Mr. Ivy", I think I found our snake." It was sleeping on the ledge under the edge of the desk and Monte had just grabbed a handful of snake. Monte loved to tell us the story of always wanting to be a paratrooper. As a child he took a sheet off the bed and made a makeshift parachute. His jump off the roof resulted in a broken arm. He was quite the dare devil and such an interesting person. He always captured our attention. I was able to see the traveling Vietnam War Memorial today and sketched his name and took a picture. I still think of him often, along with Corky Rivera. He was a humble person and would be honored that we will think of him.

I was Monte's squad leader in Viet Nam. As a member of the 3rd Brigade Long Range Recon Platoon, Monte was an excellent trooper and M79 grenadier. During multiple firefights, Monte extinguished himself as a grenadier by eliminating threats and suppressing fire from the VC or NVA. I could always rely on Monte to be there when we needed him. I think of him every day and at our recent Phantom Force Reunion at Fort Campbell, we shared our thoughts about Monte's bravery and toasted him! He was an extroardinary person and soldier.

Dear CPL Monte Ray Cooley, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter