THE WALL OF FACES

LCpl Richard Holt Freudenthal is one of the 67 men from Alexandria, VA remembered with his name chiseled into stone beneath a Gold Star at the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans' Memorial. Shown is an artist's rendering of the Memorial. The "Friends of Rocky Versace" remember LCpl Freudenthal on the 47th anniversary of his death in Vietnam.

The Archdiocese of the Military Services celebrated a Memorial Mass on the Sunday of Armed Forces Weekend (17 May 2009) for members of the U.S. Military from all eras who died on active duty. The Military Vicar sent out a request to parishes for names so that they might be included in this Memorial Mass at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The “Friends of Rocky Versace” submitted the name of Lance Corporal Richard Holt Freudenthal, United States Marine Corps, a Roman Catholic, in addition to the names of the sixty-six other men from Alexandria, VA whose names are on the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial, for this Mass. The Military Vicar’s office confirmed that LCpl Freudenthal’s name was on the altar at the Shrine for this Memorial Mass. Shown above is a picture at Christmastime of the inside of the National Shrine in Washington, D.C. on the grounds of Catholic University. LCpl Freudenthal’s final resting place is Arlington National Cemetery.

Eternal Rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him, Amen. May he Rest in Peace, Amen. May his soul and all the souls of the Faithful Departed, through the mercy of God, Rest in Peace, Amen.

I met LCpl Freudenthal at Camp Pendleton Ca. We were on mess duty, liberty and trained together. We were assigned to the same unit in Viet Nam, E 2/9 2nd Plt. 3rd Sqd. 3DMarDiv. We were point fire team that morning. Our Squad Leader, Cpl Goddeau ordered us to change direction. That is when the fire fight started. Cpl Goddeau and Doc. Nelson were Killed in Action. I was Wounded in Action. LCpl Freudenthal was coming to our aid when he was shot and was killed by a N.V.A. soldier. I think of him and this day everyday. Rest in peace my friend and may God bless you for the freedoms we share today.

"An God said who shall we send.I answered I am here,send me."

Isaiah 6:8

Ewiges Rest-Geben An Ihn