THE WALL OF FACES

When I was 14, I ordered a POW/MIA bracelet, and CDR Dunlop's name was on the one I received. I wore it until I was notified that CDR Dunlop had been confirmed killed. During the early 1990s, I left the bracelet at the Vietnam War Memorial in D.C. I was inspired to spend four years in the Army, partly because of the daily reminder on my wrist of the Commander's sacrifice for me and every other American. I am grateful to CDR Dunlop's family for their sacrifice as well.

As a Plane Captain with VA-94, aboard USS Coral Sea, I remember strapping CDR Dunlop into "my" aircraft and preparing him for launch. He was a nice guy and we chatted small talk and agreed it was a good day for flying. He launched successfully and returned safely. The following day, he launched in one of VA-22's aircraft, and sadly, did not return. And eventho' I had only visited with him a few moments and prepped him for launch the previous day, I felt the loss. Each time we strapped a pilot in, and sent him on his way, we both knew it could be his last day. Brave men, those carrier pilots. Even now, some 40 years later, i still those few moments i spent with him. R.I.P CDR Dunlop.

I was a young child raised during the Vietnam war. I remember my mom wearing a silver bracelet with a man's name on it. He was a missing soldier. His name was CDR Thomas Dunlop. I remember this because mom was not supposed to take it off until he was found... She asked me to wear it when she could not. My mom is also gone now, and every few years, since the internet was created... I have searched for this veteran. I just recently learned that he has been found and brought home to his family and friends. I am so sorry, but glad that you have you finally have closure.

Thank you for all you did for our country, my mother wore his POW/MIA bracelet for many, many years, and kept it forever, she recently passed away, and never got o find out that he was found. My father gave it to me, if the family ever reads this page, i would like to return this to them, since he was found.

Dear CDR Thomas Earl Dunlop, 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