THE WALL OF FACES

I met Phil on R & R to Australia in 1971. We were surprised that both of us lived in adjacent towns in Massachusetts. I still live there. I drive by his family home often and think about him. I was a 1Lt in the 101st MP Company. I was really shocked when told of his death shortly after returning to Vietnam. I still think about Phil often. Rest in peace.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

I was with Phil Gallagher less than 6 hours before he died. He had just returned from R&R and was ready for duty. He was a good buddy and an outstanding officer. I enjoyed his Yankee accent and he ribbed me about my Alabama accent. His death was a personal loss for me and I still think of him often, after 50 years.

1LT Philip S. Gallagher III served with E Company, 1st Battalion, 501st Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. On December 11, 1971, 1LT Gallagher died in Thua Thien Province, RVN, after he took ill at Phu Bai Combat Base, where he reportedly suffered a fatal heart attack. Gallagher was 24 years-old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear American Hero,

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you 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. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

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

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