THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just one day after your 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace SGT. Elia, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family.

Robert was my neighbor, in Shelton, CT and uncle to my friend Kenny. I remember him as a fun loving guy who used to make us laugh. He went into the Army and deployed to Vietnam. I so looked up to him. When he was killed in action in 1968, I was ten years old. My dad was an ex service man, and was attending Robert's wake service, and let me go with him. I look back now and realize how young he was to defend our country and give the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless and keep you Robert.

SP4 Elia was a member of my squad with the 25th Infantry Platoon (Scout Dog), Ist Air Cavalry Div. We supported the 2nd Brigade and were based at LZ Uplift. SP Elia’s assigned dog was Jester. SP4 Elia was an a xcellent soldier and Scout Dog handler. Jester survived the battle in which SP4 Elia was killed.

Although I did not know you, I honor your name. Although I did not know you, I honor your history. Although I did not know you, I honor your service, because without you, I would not be free. I was 7 years old when you honored your country with your life. I am now 58 years old, because you were a citizen of the Home of the Brave.