THE WALL OF FACES

Sergeant Joseph James Gagne, Served with Company C, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

SP4 Joseph J. Gagne was an infantryman serving with C Company, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. Gagne arrived in Vietnam in January 1970, and served during the time of American drawdown in Southeast Asia. Throughout 1970, the 25th Infantry Division joined the South Vietnamese army in Military Region III hunting for the enemy, disrupting his logistical network, screening the approaches to Saigon, assisting with pacification, and training the South Vietnamese for the day when they would have to stand alone. Gagne distinguished himself during this period, being awarded the Bronze Star medal for valor. In October, orders were received by the Division to begin preparing for redeployment of it forces back to the United States. Gagne, however, would not rotate back with his unit. He died on September 20, 1970, in Long Khanh Province, RVN, where it was reported he took his own life. Gagne was 21 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Sergeant Joseph James Gagne was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in combat action.
He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to C CO, 3RD BN, 22ND INFANTRY, 25TH INF DIV.
See http://coffeltdatabase.org/
See also http://www.virtualwall.org/dg/GagneJJ01a.htm

Dear Sgt Joseph Gagne,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Happy Halloween. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.