THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear Sgt Vincent Daiello,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Easter is coming up. Happy Easter. 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.

I am an old friend of your uncle Vinny. Still today I cannot think of Vinny without tears welling up. He was such a great person. We grow up together in Brooklyn. We graduated from New Utrecht high school, Brooklyn Community College, and Long Island University together. We both graduated with accounting degrees and pretty much shared all the same college courses during our college years.

Vinny loved his country, was God fearing, a great athlete, strong as a bull and the best friend anyone could have. I can say without hesitation, I can’t remember anyone that knew Vinny that did not consider him a special person.

For most of our last semester at Long Island University, the war in Vietnam was always on our minds. Back then “everybody” was drafted. We talked a lot about going to Officer Candidate School. At the best we would become warrant officers and become helicopters pilots (we were so young and USA all the way). Worst case, as an officer we might be able to choose our own futures.

So in June, (a couple weeks after graduation) your uncle Vinny and I went together to enlist at Fort Hamilton Army base in Brooklyn and volunteered for Officer Candidate School. As fate would have it, I was rejected due to a lifelong allergies caused by the sun.

When your Uncle was killed, I was devastated. Till today I still remember some of the hardest days of my life were attending Vinny’s funeral service and burial. I can still hear Taps and see his draped casket.

For many years after his death my dreams were of your uncle Vinny. The active, strong and friendly guy always at my side, walking through life with me. I am now in my 70’s and I have no doubt that when my time comes, Vinny will be waiting. ` He would do no less for me as I would for him.

So be proud carrying his name and never forget him.

Salvatore (Sal) Manda
570 242 0401

I have fond memories of Vinnie when we were in OCS at Fort Belvoir, Va. We were both from Brooklyn, but I only knew him from OCS. OCS was difficult for us both. Vinnie did not make it through and was given the rank of sergeant. It turns out he died while serving with the Americal Division in Vietnam. When he died in Dec 1968, I was a 2nd Lieutenant at Ft.Hood and just got orders for duty in Vietnam. I served as an advisor with Advisory Team 17 in the very same province Vinny had been located - Quang Ngai Province.

I never felt Vinny should have been mustered out of OCS. I remember distinctly a Tactical Officer who seemed to have it in for him. It wasn't right or fair. If anyone would like to contact me further, please email me at [email protected].

Dear SGT Vincent Thomas Daiello, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter