THE WALL OF FACES

Taken from the Pacific Stars & Stripes, July 16, 1968.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your sister are especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

On this the 50th anniversary of your death, as I light yet another memorial candle, I am even more aware of how much you have missed and how much you are still missed. The war never ended for those of us you left behind. I am 71 now, but you will always be my big brother. I love you so very much!

John you and Sam were the two greatest bosses a girl out of school could ever wish for. The goals you set for me, the pride you gave me to do my best and believe I could do anything has stayed with me all my life. I was shocked after you died to learn you were only 7 years my senior. You loved your family deeply, even though they did not join you in Bda they were in your heart. I loved the stories about your dad and family it was a great part of you. And of course the Navy and flying helicopters was the other huge part. I thank God for allowing me the chance to get to know you You made our day when you were able to fly it was contageous. You were a true patriot and loved your country and job as deeply as you did your family. Thank you also for sugar coating the letters to us from Vietnam. Cdr Tobin read one of the real ones to me and I knew only a man who cared for his country and fellow countrymen as deeply as you kept going for their sake. I have prayed for your family daily ever since.