THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR SPEC 4 ASHNAULT,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN ARMY GRUNT WITH THE 1ST CAVALRY. THIS WAS THE UNIT OF A FRIEND'S BROTHER. SAY HI TO MIKE IN HEAVEN. THIS YEAR, MY HUSBAND PASSED ON YOUR BIRTHDAY. ALSO SAY HI TO MY MICHAEL. REST IN PEACE.

SP4 Raymond J. Ashnault served with Company A, First Battalion, Eight Cavalry, First Cavalry Division. On August 19, 1969, he was deployed in defensive position with this battalion when a friendly tank crew accidentally fired a shell on them which was directed at hostile forces. Previously, he had been injured during an offensive the previous June and was awarded a Purple Heart and Bronze Star with a V for Valor. His death came shortly after his discharge from treatment for these injuries. [Taken from findagrave.com]

I grew up with Ray as one of my neighbors and best friends. When he was killed in Vietnam his little brother and I had a long cry together.
I will always miss that long ball hitter when I think about baseball.

Missing you, Ray, even after all these yars.

My name is Juan Acevedo, Ray and I had basic training in Ft. Benning, Ga and Ft. Mclellan, Alabama in 1968. We became good friends, he even gave me aride home home when we finished training. We separated ways when we went to Vietnam and lost touch during that time. I always remembered him and now that i have found his memorial I have finally after so many years know of his fate.
RIP BUDDY