THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Kenneth S. Gniewek was an Armor Crewman serving with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 1st Infantry, 196th Infantry Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division (Americal), U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. During the summer of 1970, the Americal Division conducted Operation Elk Canyon (July 12 – September 29, 1970), a search and clear operation near Kham Duc in Quang Tin Province, RVN. The 196th Infantry Brigade launched the operation by securing Kham Duc Airfield on the first day and establishing a firebase there. The 196th Infantry proceeded to patrol the surrounding area and conduct searches for the remains of the Americans missing in battles there two years earlier. On September 5th, Gniewek and his unit were dismounted in an area four kilometers (2.4 miles) southwest of Hill 1064. While traversing steep terrain, a man behind Gniewek accidently fell, discharging his weapon. The errant round struck Gniewek, fatally injuring him. He was posthumously promoted to Corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Dear CPL Kenneth Gniewek,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Crewman. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 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.

Dear CPL Kenneth Stanley Gniewek, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

When I saw that photo, I had a rush of emotions. The last time I spoke with Kenneth was the morning of Sep 5,70'. He looked just that young, even with a five day old beard. I was in Kenneth's platoon but a different squad. His squad took point that day. Kenneth was assigned the 'slackman' position, that is number two in line.

Due to the way 'A' company constantly rotated personnel, I was acquainted with Kenneth for less than thirty days. I want his friends and family to know that even though we found ourselves in difficult circumstances, he conducted himself as a Christian; in his language, in life style and in his treatment of his fellow soldiers.

His loss was one of the hardest for me to accept. I had blocked out almost all my memories of Vietnam but I had never forgotten Kenneth. It was my honor and a privilege to know him, even if so briefly.