THE WALL OF FACES

Hey Pete, I think of you often. Growing up on Sherman Ave was always an adventure with you. How about those times in Newbridge Rd school. You got me in trouble many times-but we had fun. You taught me to tell time in a sand box at the rear of my house. I got back 7-68. I just couldn't go to your funeral-sorry buddy.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You were born four days after me and died at 19 years of age. I am now 73 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

Binh Thuy Air Base was a United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy, and Republic of Vietnam Air Force (RVNAF) military airfield used during the Vietnam War. It was located four miles northwest of Can Tho in Phong Dinh Province, RVN, in the Mekong Delta. On January 10, 1969, Binh Thuy Air Base was hit by an estimated three rounds of 75mm enemy artillery. Two Americans and one Vietnamese were killed in the attack. The lost U.S. personnel included A1C Peter F. Gerstenlauer from the 14th Field Maintenance Squadron, 14th Special Operations Wing, 7th Air Force; and U.S. Army MAJ William W. Ford of Advisory Team 7, MACV Advisors. Another two USAF and six VNAF were wounded. Base defenders were able to kill two enemy attackers and capture one. Five barracks, the Base Communications building, base dispensary emergency room, and fourteen vehicles sustained light damage while cryptographic equipment, one vehicle, eighteen VNAF buildings, and the 74th RVNAF Command Post were heavily damaged. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Project CHECO Southeast Asia Report: Local Base Defense in RVN, January 1969 – June 1971” at vietnamwar50th.com]

I will always remember you, Peter. We had some classes and a drivers ed class together back at Calhoun. We didn't hang out or anything but you made an impression on me. Thank you for that and for all you have done since. Rest easy, Hero

Dear A1C Peter Gerstenlauer,
Thank you for your service with the 14th Field Maintenance Sq. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.