THE WALL OF FACES

It would have been a pleasure to meet you unfortunately I wasn't born yet. My brother your son Joe looks like your twin. Your family has been there for him, and I am sure that you would be also if you were here. Thank you for your service to the world and we are very proud to have a man of your caliber in the family. My brother is also proud of you he speaks of you often how his father fought for this country. We love you always

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Another life taken way too soon. May you rest in eternal peace.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

Joel, Bruce Kerns and I were in the same squad with Golf Co. 2nd Battalion 9th Marines. During September 1967 we participated in combat operations in the DMZ in Vietnam. On September 13 Bruce and I were wounded. We were medivac out and Bruce died of his wound the next day. We carried contact information in our helmets. We promised each other should anything happen to one of us the survivor would notify the contact person. Joel wrote my 12 year old sister to let her know what had happen and that he was with me when it happened. Joel was killed in action on September 22. Joel had been killed before my sister received his letter. I found out that Joel was dead when I returned to the unit in November. I was never able to send a letter to Joel's family. I made the trip to Oseola Arkansas from Albany Ga. this week (53 years after his death) to visit Joel's grave site. Better late then never.