THE WALL OF FACES

Dear A1C Peter F Gerstenlauer, 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

Pete and I served together in South VietNam, assigned to the 22nd T.A.S.S. at Binh Thuy Air Base. I've never forgotten Pete, nor the night he was killed. Recently, the Wall That Heals visited our community. I'm very grateful I finally had the opportunity to pay my respects to Pete and thank him for his sacrifice.

Peter is buried at Long Island Nat Cem.

I was stationed at Binh Thuy A.B. with the 22nd T.A.S.S. from Jul 68 to Jul 69. I just happened to be into Binh Thuy from a field site on Jan 10, 1969 when we got hit hard. That night we were told by John Palmieri that Pete was killed. In 2002 I was pulling out some of my old pictures to teach a class in a High School and found a picture that says on the back that it is of Pete.If you would like to have a copy, let me know. I can be contacted at:

Charles "BUD" Ortelt
TSGT USAF RETIRED
2815 Linden Tree St.
Seffner, Fl. 33584
(813) 681-8369
E-Mail; [email protected]