THE WALL OF FACES

Tom, I'm 74 now, but your are as perfect as ever in my mind and heart. I survived Vietnam, but I'm unsure if that was a blessing or a curse. As I enter the last decades of my life, I'm consumed by all the kids I went to high school with who never came home. You were my closest friend, but I was at sea when you died. My fondest memory was a poker game at my house smoking rum-soaked cigars and betting money we would never have. I ended up on river patrol boats and didn't learn what happened to you until I came home. Sorry my friend, you were never cut out for war. I was the only one of 6 on my boat who never got hit. Although later some schrapnel did work out of my back. Your death has been one of my greatest sadnesses. You had few vices and should never have been sent to war. There are a bunch from Redding to keep you company. So many from such a small community. While many of us have escaped for many years, we'll all end up in the same world and I look forward to catching up. I haven't been as pure as you were, so it may take a little time. Be patient. -Doug

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your high school classmate Jane Persling Pearson is touching. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

Your sister speaks of you fondly, though we never met, I admire you. Today is the day you died, 51 years ago. Thank you for your service.

Private First Class Thomas William Cranford, Served with the 3rd Platoon, Company C, 2nd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear PFC Thomas Cranford,
Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman. It is Presidents' Weekend, and good time to remember those who serve. 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.