THE WALL OF FACES

Make that the Fall of 1968. Sorry.

John and I were in the same flight school class. John was sent about as far south in South Vietnam as you could go and I was sent about as far north as you could go so, we lost touch. It was more than 40 years before I learned of his death. My favorite memory of John was the first time he saw snow. That was in the fall of 1969 in Mineral Wells, Texas. For someone raised in New England, it was fun to see the reaction of someone raised in South Florida to his first snow fall. He was like a little kid, so excited. He was a very likable guy. RIP John.

I came to Vietnam and joined John's company a few months after he had. For unknown reasons we became instant friends. We flew together on many occasions. We seem to be a natural crew together. I was not yet an aircraft commander so I flew as copilot to John. I remember we volunteered together for numerous night missions together. Just young men working together to accomplish a task. John was a fine pilot who was a great friend for the short time we could be together. I have never forgotten my friend.

Some say we die twice. First at our passing and again when the last person we knew says our name for the last time. You shall never be forgotten.

Dear WO John Lynwood Fortner, 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, for those who love you, and for the Sgt's son.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter (son of Sgt. Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne, February 4, 1966, South Vietnam)