THE WALL OF FACES

I served with you on that fateful day and have always carried you in my heart. I salute your service and mourn for what could have been. Fair winds and a following sea for a fellow shipmate.

Uncle Wes, your loss hit my Mom, your half sister Peggy (Winifred Doty Broderick). Between yours and Uncle Junior's loss in Korea she was never the same. Your memories are not lost. We will keep you in our hearts forever.
Brian Broderick. USAF 1976-1980.

Hello Wes, you didn't know me. But I wish to honor you, along with my uncles. I had 2 uncles; one was in the Korean war (Army) and the other in the Vietnam war (Navy). I was only 5 years old when you passed. But I remember that horrible war as a child and knew a lot of folks that lost their loved ones to it. I remembered as the war continued and I got older, at the age of 10, wanting to join up with you all. Of course it ended when I was too young. But when I hit age 18 I joined to honor you, my uncles and all other vets. I too joined the Navy. So regardless of whether we knew each other or not, to me, we are shipmates! I wish that I could have known you. Had you lived and stayed in the Navy you would have been in your young 30's when I joined up (1981). You'd probably have been a Chief or Senior Chief by then. I met many Chief's who'd served in Vietnam while I was in and heard their stories. I'm sure you would have had many such stories to tell...I wish I could have known you and heard them. Rest in peace dear shipmate! May our Lord in Heaven comfort your family left here on earth. May God bless you and all who have made such sacrifice! I salute you!

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just three days after your 20th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Served onboard USS Hunterdon County LST 838 July 69/70 as Gunnery Officer and now as administrator for USS Hunterdon County Shipmates website.
I well remember the many times we sailed almost a stones throw from jungle riverbanks transiting the sharp turns on the rivers and easy targets. It could have happened at any time to any of us and I want to acknowledge your personal sacrifice, honor, valor and service to our Country.
Rest In Peace - we have the watch!