THE WALL OF FACES

If you have any additional information about this hero or are a relative, please contact the Foundation at [email protected] or 1-800-648-8387.

I remember being in class at B.H.S. when your sister, Ruth Ann, informed me that you were killed in Vietnam. I was horrified and as a young teenager, I didn't fully understand the horrors of the Vietnam War, as I was too preoccupied just being a teenager. All these years later when I knew I was to visit the Vietnam Veterans Wall in Washington, D.C., I found the location of your name on the internet. Seeing your name on the wall was extremely poignant,an experience that I will never forget. A feeling that our souls were crossing each other at that moment.
I just read People Magazine and discovered this website and was overwhelmed with emotion that your picture and information was also available. I am so proud to be a part of your family. I saw your Dad a few years ago. I know he NEVER forgot you, dearly missed you, and was so proud of you. Walter, you gave your life for our Country, in that uneccesary and horrific war. Forever grateful.

Your cousin
Pam

Walter is buried at Rockaway Valley, Boonton TWP, NJ.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

-------Walter L. Babbitt-------

Boonton Twp.--------- General
"Walt"...indispensable member of
the Boonton football squad...love
those wisecracks...his future in the
Air Force.
Varsity Football 3,4; J.V. Football 1,2
Track 2,3,4; Glee Club 3,4; Band 1.

Taken from the 1963 Boonton High
School yearbook, "Echoes."
Thanks to Mr. Modla and Debbie Stora
of the Boonton High School for their help
in obtaining the photo and above info.

Semper Fidelis, Marine!