THE WALL OF FACES

I met John during my senior year at Eureka High School in 1968 and we became good friends. We used to hangout together on the weekends. John was a friendly and positive guy that people liked to hang out with.

After we graduated John joined the Marines and I went into the Navy. We kept in contact during our military training.

John wrote to me during his training and said he got top marksman honors in AIT (Advanced Infantry Training). Later he wrote to say he had been assigned to WESTPAC which meant Vietnam. On Feb 11, 1969, John sent me a letter from Vietnam saying he was going on his first patrol in 2 days. I never heard from John after that.

When I was home on leave after Navy training schools, my step-mom handed me his obituary she had saved from the paper. John was killed in combat on April 28, 1969. I was able to attend his funeral in Eureka. Needless to say I was very saddened to hear the news. At first it's hard to believe. I have thought of John many times over the years.

John's name is also on the Vietnam Memorial on the California State Capital grounds. John was 18.

RIP my friend!
Ken Ballinger

Uncle John, I haven't had the Opportunity to meet you or thank you as I was born in '77. I am your nephew and was named after you. I have prayed for you and Grandpa Armand every day, since I was old enough to understand eternity. I am hopeful that I will get to meet you when it is time for me to leave this world, and it gives me peace thinking that you are, at this moment, in the presence of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Thank you for following in His footsteps for the ultimate sacrifice to give others a chance at life. I know my dad thinks about you often and loves you dearly. He gave me an incredible name, which I am honored by and do not take lightly. I love you!

John, I was only 8 years old when you were killed, but I will never forget looking into your casket and wondering why you were gone. Thank you for your sacrifice and for your service to our country. I think of you often and miss you always. Love your little sis!

Dear PFC John Richard Earley, 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

Semper Fi, Marine.