THE WALL OF FACES

We share the same name as the other Richard García on the wall
We shared the same division and were both in bam at the same time I read your article in Time mag
Wish I could get a cop

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Richard, I have heard my Grandpa talk about you over the years during the brief discussions of his time in Vietnam. He laid next to you as you departed this world and I can't help but think that without you being there with him, he may not have made it home and I would not be here to type this. Although I obviously never met you, I think of you often, especially as Memorial Day approaches. I have immense gratitude for the brave men and women who have laid down their lives for this country just as you did. Thank you for your selfless sacrifice Mr. Garcia as it will never be forgotten.

I was Richard's RTO ( Radio/Telephone Operator) I basically carried the radio for him. I was next to him on the Tank when we were ambushed. I believe there were five of us infantry soldiers riding on the tank with the regular tank crew. We were riding on the outside of the tank and exposed with no cover. When we were ambushed the tank stopped suddenly an we immediately started to get off the tank. As soon as I hit the ground our Lieutenant called me over to where he was so that he could use my radio. I did not learn of what happened to the rest of the squad until all of the shooting was over. I still think of him today. I have a photo of me sitting on his shoulders pounding a pole in the ground to hold up a bunch of sandbags for a bunker.

I remember that day. I was next to Richard that day and hearing the screaming of pain. Also remember someone giving him a shot of Morphine.