THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SP4 Ronald Charles Gehler, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice 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. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

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

Curt Carter

Ronald is buried at Hills of Rest Memorial Park, Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County,SD. BSM PH

Ronald Charles Gehler, son of Ronald C. Gehler and Blanche Peterson, was born on September 12, 1943, in Fullerton, California. Ronald’s family moved to Sioux Falls when he was a baby where he attended public schools. During his youth, Ronald was a carrier for the Argus Leader. Ronald has a sister, Bonnie Sperle, and a brother, Thomas Peterson. Ronald Gehler joined the California National Guard in Anaheim in 1960 and transferred to the regular army in Sioux Falls in 1961. He served the next three years in Germany. According to his family, while in Germany, Ronald would take his military leave and tour historic sites in England, France, Italy and Spain. He was interested in history. He was always reading non-fiction books about famous people in history. He was also interested in politics and followed every election even when he was out of the country. He was always asking family members to send newspaper articles about the elections. After his discharge, Ronald attended Denver Technical College in Colorado studying electronic engineering before reenlisting on November 2, 1965. Ronald went to Vietnam on July 21, 1966, as part of Company B, 1st Battalion 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. Ronald died in South Vietnam along the Cambodian Border on February 15, 1967, “as the result of gunshot wound received in hostile ground action.” Ronald was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star Medal for heroism. He also received two medals of honor from the Republic of Vietnam, the Cross of Gallantry with Palm and the Military Merit Medal. Ronald’s last words to his family before he boarded the plane to Vietnam was, “I am not going to try to be a hero. I’m going to Vietnam to fight for my family and for my country.” He will forever be a hero to his family. Ronald was buried with military honors at Hills of Rest Memorial Park in Sioux Falls. He was the seventh Sioux Falls soldier to lose his life in service of his country in Vietnam. Rest in peace with the warriors.

Dear Ronald Charles Gehler,
I am a sophomore at Gridley High School in Gridley, Illinois. I am posting this remembrance as part of the Gridley High School Posting Project. This is a way for me to respectfully thank you, soldier. Thank you so much for fighting for our country and leaving your home, family, friends, and other loved ones, to make America a better place for me. They must be even more proud of you than I am thankful to your service. Thank you so much soldier, and God be with your family and those who were close to you.
Humbly and respectfully,
Marie Shank

Dear Ronald,
I am a student from Gridley High School located in Gridley, IL. We are posting remembrances for a class project and to honor those that paid the ultimate sacrifice. This project is the Gridley High School Posting Project.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. It is because of individuals like yourself that this nation continues to endure. It is because of soldiers like yourself that freedom still has a solid foundation. I thank you for your sacrifice. You were a great American soldier. Thank you.