THE WALL OF FACES

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heros you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heros lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Cousin Mark,
I can remember when I met you: we were kids, and your family was in Syracuse NY (up from Florida) for the summer vacation. You had a great smile! A friendly teenager, even to the little kids that were pestering you to give them piggy back rides all around the back yard. I am your little brother David's age.

Later, you and a friend joined the Marine's and went to Vietnam. The T.V. news sometimes told about soldiers who died- and I asked about you? And my father would say that you were ok, still in the war, and you still had a little while longer there. say a prayer for Mark. Then, I also recall when we folks in Syracuse got word that you were going to be home soon in the USA - and everyone was so happy...

Then one day, when I had just arrived home from playing at my Grandma Anne Sansone's (your aunt’s) house, and my father was crying. It was the first time I ever saw him cry hard. He said that his heart was aching for your family because you had been killed in the war. He said he "say your prayers tonight for the other boys -who are still in Vietnam, and who are sad and scared tonight." I was young enough to ask - "What? Why would soldiers be scared they are brave! ?"

My father then said something I will never ever forget: “That’s when you are the bravest, when you are sad and scared, and still brave.” And he was sure Mark's friends, buddies, were ...esp. that night.

Mark, you were killed just 2 days before your 20th birthday. My youngest brother was born on the anniversary of your death- Jan 7th. My father would mention the common date from time to time, and even over 30 years later, his eyes would fill with tears. Your cousin Peggy Anne named her son after you.

Your Dad is with you now, my Dad too, Grandma Sansone and other beloved family members (including your nephew) …that have passed before me. I never got to say thank you Mark, to you and to the “bravest” soldiers that knew you…thank you!!!

<3,
Marilyn

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you William Mark Anderson, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you PFC W.M. Anderson, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

I will always remember Mark as I did when he died. Mark was the best at everything. He was the best big brother, football player, strong man, comedian, quiet guy, marine, jokester, helper, fort maker, protector of family ... etc. All four of his younger brothers wanted to be like him and his sisters thought the world of him. Mom and Dad were as proud of him as anyone could be. We all knew that he loved us. He was a young man of great courage who believed in his country. We still miss him and love him. We are proud that our children still speak of him and honor him as we do. It broke our father's heart when Mark died, but now they are in heaven together where all good men go who love others more than themselves.

7 January 1968 Quang Tri Province RVN Operation Kentucky Lima Company Third Battalion Fourth Marines - Company Size Patrol To Find/Destroy The Snipers That Have Been Shooting At Us The Last Two Days - We Got Ambushed - We Had A Hell Of A Fight -
We Disengaged At Dusk - The Sergeant And I Alternated Carrying WILLIAM MARK ANDERSON Back To Our Perimeter And Six Other Marines Shoulder Carried Him The Rest Of The Way - I Just Got To Talk To Him A Few Times - He Was A Clean-Cut Young Man Of Fine Character - What A Wonderful Personality - I Know THE GOOD LORD Has Taken Care Of WILLIAM MARK ANDERSON - May GOD Bless His Family & Loved Ones.