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.

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace SGT. Dentino, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Sergeant Merle Allen Dentino was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device V, for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to C CO, 1ST BN, 12TH CAVALRY, 1ST CAV DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org

SP4 Merle A. Dentino and SP4 Michael R. Waters were infantrymen serving with C Company, 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. On June 30, 1970, C Company was camped approximately 500 yards north of Fire Support Base Thor in Phuoc Long Province, RVN. The Company had just returned the previous night from an operation inside Cambodia. At 5:30 AM, a mortar platoon at FSB Thor was firing 81mm rounds over Company C’s position at suspected enemy locations when two of the rounds fell short and landed in the company command headquarters. Dentino and Waters were fatally injured after they were hit by metal fragments from the errant rounds. Another 20 troopers were injured, thirteen of which required medical evacuation. Two soldiers in charge of the mortar platoon at Thor were relieved of their duties as an investigation into the incident was launched. Dentino and Waters were posthumously promoted to Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Misfired Mortars Kill 2 GIs.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, July 5, 1970]

Dear Sgt Merle Dentino,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman with the 12th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry. 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.