THE WALL OF FACES

When I joined the platoon I said I would always get to you. This was the one time I could not and I have lived with that nightmare. When I sang about going home, you said you would not make it. Little did I know you were right. After the explosion I could not move so I broke that promise. You died on the chopper, Bionoo died days later and Beatty I don't know. I miss you brother.

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.

Dear Cpl Robert Eagleson,
Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman. We remember all you who gave their all. 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.

I met Bobby in Portland Oregon standing in line to be inducted into the Army. We went to Ft. Lewis together and then went to Ft. Polk together for infantry training. We met up again when we flew to Vietnam. We ended up in the 25th Infantry and the same battalion. I saw Bobby a lot even though we were in different companies.
a I remember oh to well the day he died. It was 50 years ago today.
In 2006 I finally found the strength to go and visit your grave. I tried a few other times but it was to hard. This time God was with me for the whole trip.
Bobby I met your parents and I know now why you were such a great guy.
In 2014 I visited the wall and left you a note.

Rest in peace my friend

I didn't know Bobby but I have heard from two people who knew him. From what I was told, he was a very special guy. He gave the ultimate sacrifice and I am remembering him for what he gave. I lost my uncle in Vietnam - Edward August Schultz. Forty years later I was given a flag from a Viet Cong veteran who was in the battle that killed my uncle. That flag was meant for all who lost something. If a family member of Bobby's, or a friend, reads this, know that an "enemy", a Viet Cong soldier, gave his battle flag to a member of his enemy's family in remorse and forgiveness. (I wrote a book about it - The Box, A Memoir -it's on Amazon).