THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

I never got the full story of my younger brother's death in VN. The Marine Corps said that they would send the family more details about what happened , but never did. Today, over 50 years later, i heard from the Navy medic corpsman - Jesse Patmore - that served in the platoon where my brother was assigned. He was right there by Davy's side when he was shot by the Viet Cong. The Trauma of that loss floods over me again like a tsunami. But... it is good to finally get closure on that very important part of my life. Thank you Jesse for the years you agonized over Davy's death and your efforts to find his family. God bless you!

David died a hero. On February 26, 1969, L/3/26 was fighting against a heavy enemy presence. The company lost 7 men killed and 29 wounded, most from 2nd Platoon. The fighting had been fierce all day. At one point, a small group of Marines had made it across a rice paddy and were crowded up against a tree line. The Navy corpsman assigned to the unit was about to move through a gap in the treeline when PFC Denlinger grabbed him and said, "Let me go first, Doc, that's my job." The doc held back, David went through the gap and was immediately shot and killed. Doc Patmore has never been able to find any next of kin. Last I heard, he was still alive.

Dear PFC David Denlinger,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Monday was the 43rd anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. It has been too long, and it's about time 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.

Dear PFC David Wood Denlinger, 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