THE WALL OF FACES

I served with Rene at 29 Palms before we deployed to Vietnam. We were deployed to different units and of course I lost track. I was so sad when I heard the news years later that Rene was KIA. He was such a fine young man

Rene and I double dated to the Prom at Mount Saint Charles Academy in the Spring of 1962.
Rest in peace, my friend and thank you for your service.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Dear Cpl Rene Coutu,
Thank you for your service as a Field Radio Operator. 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.

You and I were altar boys serving together those early masses at Holy Family and then going into school after a quick breakfast you at home nearby, me in the classsroom. Your mother knew me as I left Holy Family for seminary and the suddenly reappeared for your funeral unable to console her grief nor my own. You were her only child and so kind and patient in tackling every challenge of growing up with such a weight on your shoulders. Tough, daring and brave too to join the marines when the US got involved more and more in the Vietnam War and you agreed to put your life on the line. And that is what you did on August 27, 1968 in Quang Nam while I had just graduated from College and was preparing to head to Louvain Belgium for post grad Theology. My mother had just died way before her time but I was holding your mother who could not believe you had died. So you are remembered even if you never got to be 72 as I just did.