THE WALL OF FACES

Philip and I were tight when we were still pre-school kids. I remember playing in his yard where his dad tended fruit trees. One day Philip got mad at me for something, like little kids do. He picked up his Dad's hoe and smacked me in the head. His poor Mom was horrified. She rushed me back to my house. I was okay, but you can still feel the dent in my head where the hoe landed. Like brothers and sisters, we were still friends after that.
I remember the day his death was announced in the paper. Broke my heart.

Specialist Four Philip Nick Gandolfo, Served with Company D, 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Sir. Although we never met, we shared the same distinction of being born on the exact same day. I thank you for your valor, bravery and ultimate sacrifice for the freedom of our nation.
HOOAH!! Job well done!

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from KIm Theodoroff is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

I met Phil when I was in 4th grade, 1964. He worked at a music shop (Ron Henry Music, Dearborn Heights). My father took me to the store to consider taking up a band instrument. I had no idea what instrument to choose. Phil was behind the counter, and told me that he played the saxophone, and recommended that I try it. It tried it, and loved it. It has been with me throughout life (I'm now 66 years). Though that day may have been my only interaction with Phil Gandolfo, I did hear of his death when I was in 7th grade at a school nearby. Our band director let us know of his death, which I believe may have been caused by a land mine. The sadness of that memory has stayed with me.