THE WALL OF FACES

Sergeant Thomas Jefferson Davis III, Served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Sgt Thomas Davis,
Thank you for your service as am Infantryman. 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.

To: Thomas Jefferson Davis Jr, III
Hello my friend. I’m a little late in writing this letter, but I feel privileged to finally have the opportunity to final do so. I didn’t forget that I owe you a response to the letter you wrote me in March 1968. I had no idea you were in the military, and at that time I had no idea what in the hell was Vietnam. I received your letter my final semester at Southern. I assumed I had lots of time to respond. I won’t bother you with any excuses; let’s just say not writing is something I have never forgiven myself for.
The first of May, I heard that Steve had been killed in Vietnam. This was a shock and was my first understanding what Vietnam is all about. When I got home from graduation, May 25th, my brother came running out to the car and said TD had been killed in Vietnam. I told him he didn’t know what he was talking about and I knew Steve had been killed two weeks earlier. My mother went to see your mom and found out you had been a casual in Vietnam.
Since then, I don’t think I have missed one single day regretting not writing the letter. I think about the times we spent playing baseball and football from sun up to sun down, the parties we use to go to, and the trouble we got into. I remember our first day in the 8th grade at Notre Dame. I remember Sister Ferdinand going around the class asking each of us to introduce ourselves. My row went first and I remember when she got to you. You stood up quickly and was rocking back and forth, on your heal and your toes. Then you said my name is Thomas Jefferson Davis Junior the Third. Sister Ferdinand said, “That is really a long name for such a little boy”.
It is my understanding that you died while serving in the Americal, 196th LID. I also served in the Americal, 11th LID. I learned first-hand the things that you experienced. I have learned a lot and have grown up a lot. One thing I am very proud of is the character of the people from this tiny little Louisiana high school. I always knew that you had my back. Sister Ferdinand just celebrated her 95th birthday and I know she will always have all our backs.
Take care my friend…
Foot

Dear SGT Thomas J Davis III, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Thomas is buried at Lighthill Cemetery, Shreveport,LA. PH