THE WALL OF FACES

Mike and I were very close. Growing up in the country, we found many things to occupy our attention. Being three years older and much wiser, Mike was full of ingenuity for adventure. It wasn't hard for him to talk me into doing things most people would consider dangerous. I would have followed him anywhere and often did. Unlike the children of today, we didn't have store bought toys, but we were creative. As we got older, we no longer chased foolish adventures, but we remained close. As most boys do, Mike loved cars, and I remember his favorite phrase was, "409" which he said often in his deepening male voice and for no apparent reason. I think he just liked the sound of it. Mike loved little kids and was a kind, gentle spirit who was tenderhearted toward people and animals. When Mike entered the Marines, it was difficult for the family. Mom asked him, “Why the Marines?” He said, “I want to see what I am made of.” We did not hear from Mike often after he was deployed; months would go by between letters. Many Americans were vocal against the war and soldiers were not always welcomed home as heroes. This was heartbreaking for the families who loved them. Mike spent almost a year in Vietnam before he came home for the last time. I know that he was a brave soldier who loved his family and his country. He was my hero then and still is today.

Dear PFC Michael Edward Angerstein, 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

Michael is buried at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Dallas County,TX.

Semper Fi, Marine.

I don’t know where to begin to express my gratitude to someone so courageous, but I will try.

I want to thank you for taking up the call to serve your country so honorably and I want to thank you for the ultimate sacrifice that any man can make – your precious life. Please know that these mere words come from my heart and I mean ever one of them.

No matter how others may feel you did not die in vain, nor was the war senseless. You and your brothers-in-arms whose names are engraved on The Wall have been and will be an influence for good in this country. You and the others have influenced the youth of our country – this is shown by the remembrances these young people have left for all of you on this site. You all have touch a cord in them and they will remember your sacrifice all of their lives; so, your deaths are not in vain.

I am proud of you and the others and can hardly wait for the day when I will be able to meet you and give my thanks to you all in person.

You courageous men have touched me to my very soul with your selfless actions and I will spend the rest of my day honoring you all in whatever way that I can. Thank you for the bottom of my heart!!

On this your Angel Day I leave this quote for you it’s from the movie We Were Soldiers:

To fallen soldiers, let us sing,
Where no rockets fly or bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night,
Just divine embrace, eternal light
In the Mansions of the Lord

Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
Through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord