THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your "Letter to the Youth of Grand Forks" is inspiring and embodies the best of America. You are a hero sir.

MAJ Cushman, I wore your P.O.W. bracelet all through middle school and still think of you often. Keeping you and your family in my prayers.

Reading all the remembrances of MAJ Clifton E. Cushman, I just have to say, "Wow." He was a winner, obviously, but also had a lot of character. His letter to the youth after he failed to qualify in 1964...need more people like him. Wish I could have met him.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

POW-MIA...Never Forget

Major Cushman; I have been wearing your bracelet since early 1972. I happened to go into a convenience store In Memphis, TN and picked yours from a bin. I have worn it ever since. Actually, I have gone through several bracelets that broke. My current bracelet is stainless steel and have had it since about 1984.
I am so impressed with your letter to the “To The Youth of Grand Forks . . .” and have made reference to it many times, in talking with young people. That letter speaks volumes about who you were and is just as applicable to today’s youth was it was then. It is a great honor for me to wear the bracelet with your name on it. You are a hero.

Cliff received Air Force orders to go to war. He was a world-class athlete pursuing a gold medal. Orders could be changed. He could spend his time training for the next Olympics. He chose duty over personal glory and went to Vietnam. Mere weeks later he was shot down. No impact was seen so he was declared "missing". His name is now on the Vietnam Memorial wall in DC...the shrine to the dead. He left a young wife and a two month old son.