THE WALL OF FACES

Lesly Winslow-Stanley recently sent us a set of photographs shot by her father, Larry Winslow (KIA 7 Dec. 1967). One of these includes a picture of most of the First Platoon of “A” Co. 1/8 Cav., taken on LZ English, probably on 26 June '67, as we were rolling up our sleves for a work detail. I am shown at the right front corner of the formation, with Joe Archuleta four men down to my right. The next day we flew north, back to the field in the Bong Son Valley.

I served with Joe Archuleta in the First Platoon, A Co., 1/8 Cav., First Cavalry Division. He was the most remarkable person that I had met in Vietnam. He was only a few credits short of graduating from N. Mex. State U. (I believe) when he got drafted. He was a sophisticated student of the philosophy of Unamuno and Ortega y Gasset, and could play Spanish guitar with impressive skill. He graduated from the 6 week Language School, and soon became surprisingly proficient in the Viet tongue. While he lived, we could communicate with the Vietnamese. He was helpful and kind to everyone, and had a kind of nobility that is hard to describe. In a firefight at Willie Bridge against a superior force of NVA regulars, his radio was shot up. At great personal risk, he rushed for the "duster" which had been knocked out earlier in the hope that their radio might still be operative. He was shot while climbing on to the vehicle. The loss to our country is incalculable.

Dear SP4 Joseph Archuleta, 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

Joseph is buried at Mt Calvary Cemetery in Las Vegas, NM. PH

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