THE WALL OF FACES

A BELOVED FATHER, BROTHER, COUSIN, UNCLE, DAUGHTER, OR A SON,
DOES IT MATTER REALLY - A WAR LOST OR WON?
AT REST IN HOMETOWN CEMETERIES, OR PERHAPS ON A FOREIGN SHORE,
HOW WE LONG TO HEAR THEIR VOICES, IF ONLY JUST ONCE MORE.
THEIR ULTIMATE SACRIFICE, MADE FOR YOU AND FOR ME,
SO THAT WE MIGHT LIVE IN PEACE, AND ALWAYS REMAIN FREE.
MAY THEY REST ETERNALLY IN YOUR CARE, OH DEAR LORD WE PRAY,
REMEMBER THEM TODAY AND ALWAYS...AND ON MEMORIAL DAY.

DONNA WALTERS
EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA

IN POSTING A REMEMBRANCE YESTERDAY FOR SOMEONE I LOST IN VIETNAM ON MARCH 10, 1969 (ALLAN MORTENSEN), I CAME ACROSS YOUR NAME AND READ A BEAUTIFUL REMEMBRANCE POSTED BY YOUR COUSIN, MARIO DE LUCIA. I JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW THAT I WAS DEEPLY TOUCHED BY WHAT HE LEFT AS A REMEMBRANCE FOR YOU. I READ EVERY LINE OVER AND OVER AGAIN! THROUGH HIS REMEMBRANCE, MR. DE LUCIA MAKES ONE ALMOST FEEL AS IF THEY HAVE PERSONALLY MET YOU. WHAT A SPECIAL PERSON YOU MUST HAVE BEEN TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS, AND I WILL REMEMBER ALL OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN HIS TENDER CARE ALWAYS. SINCERELY, DONNA WALTERS, EL CAJON, CALIFORNIA.

I went to school with Frank, and although we were not close, I still thought of him as a friend. He was a couple of years older than me. I think of him often. God Bless him, and all those that served and gave all they had to give.

I want to thank all of you who have assisted me in discovering a part of my cousin's past that has long since disappeared into the memories of those who lived them.

I'm still reaching out to as many former classmates, friends, fellow Marines, and anyone who may have crossed paths with Frankie "back in the day".

I discovered this interesting, if not heart wrenching, bit of irony that I thought I'd pass on to you:



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August 25, 1967

Dear Mom & Dad,

I got your letter today. I don't need anything but the little Browning camera. I'll need some film too, so could you send it as soon as possible. They don't have color film over here, and it's real hard to get just plain film. I want to take as many pictures as I can, and I haven't done it up to now, so I want to do it now. You know, I can look back at them, and remember all the good times I had! (Ha Ha). If you can, would you send it airmail, so I get it as soon as possible. Ok?

Well, there's nothing new. I got paid $316. so I'm sending $300. home, so it will be about 2 weeks before I get paid again. I'm going to try to build up the money. I should have a little more than $1,000. when I get home (I hope).

There isn't much I can say. I'm fine, and doing great. It's still hot over here, but it's not bad. I have less than 90 days, and I'll be ready to go home. So, it won't be long now. I got to go for a swim now.

Love,
Your Marine
Frank




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Monday, August 28, 1967

Dear Son,

I'm writing again, even though I haven't heard from you since August 9th.

I hope everything is alright. I miss you so. You've been gone such a long time. It seems like a lifetime. Write me if you get the chance. It's a little easier when there's a letter from you.

Rebel is fine, and so are her kittens. They are so cute. Irene is taking the red female, and I'm going to keep the all black male. So, I just have the other red male. But I told Dad I'm not giving it to anyone I don't think will give it a good home. When they get older, I'm going to have Rebel altered or whatever they call it. She's a real street walker, and I'd have a batch of kittens every few months. Tar just looks at them, but I think he's a little afraid of them. They are only 2 weeks old.

Aunt Harriet is coming along fine. Agnes's house is coming along fine too. It should be less than 2 months before they can move out here. Then Dad is having the extension put on our kitchen. I want it all nice for when you come home. I hope the time goes fast, and without any mishaps. But God is good. He'll watch out for us. So take care of yourself. I need you. Until next time -

All Our Love and Prayers,
Mom and Dad

P.S.
Don't forget to tell me if
you need anything. I'll
send it right away.

Love Mom




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WESTERN UNION TELEGRAM




August 30, 1967
4:02 pm

Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Fisher - Report Delivery - Don't Phone
50 Wilmarth St. Patchogue NY

I deeply regret to confirm that your son, Corporal Frank C. Fisher USMC died on 27 August 1967 in the vicinity of Quang Nam, Republic of Vietnam. He sustained fragmentation wounds to the head from a hostile explosive device while on patrol...I wish to assure you of every possible assistance and to extend the heartfelt condolences of the Marine Corps in your bereavement.

Wallace M. Greene Jr.
General USMC
Commandant of the Marine Corps

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So, Frankie never got to use his Browning to take the pictures he so much wanted to be able to reflect on in the future years.

He never saw Rebel's kittens, or the frightened look on his dog, Tar's face.

He came home, but not to a $1,000. savings. Instead, in a flag draped casket amidst the fragrance of cut flowers, a Marine Corps Honor Guard, and many spilled tears from those of us who loved him so.

To his mom, the time between letters seemed like a lifetime. If she only knew how ironic those words would become.

Thanks again, for all your letters, and for the kind thoughts of my cousin after so many years. I'll keep in touch.

Mario De Lucia
Patchogue, New York