THE WALL OF FACES

On November 30, 1970, enemy gunners fired about twenty 100-pound 122mm rockets into the U.S. Americal Division headquarters at Chu Lai Air Base in Quang Tin Province, RVN. At least one rocket hit the 16th Aviation Group dispensary, killing seven. The rocket struck the dispensary after sick call when the medics were relaxing and playing cards, as was their usual practice to occupy time. The lost medical personnel included corpsman PFC Douglas S. Bridgers, lab specialists SP4 Robert A. Bojanek and SSGT Dennis M Smith, and medical NCO’s SGT Clarence E. Baker, SSGT Donald L. Golden, CPL Benjamin R. Nelson Jr., and SP4 Kenneth L. Robertson. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, thewall-usa.com, and the Chicago Tribune, December 1, 1970, p. 1, section 1A]

Following my Vietnam service I returned to Mississippi and soon thereafter relocated to Meridian and have lived here since 1973. You fellows from Lauderdale County probably would not recognize the places and the people you left behind – things have changed drastically since you have been gone. News of your deaths brought much heartbreak and many tears to your loved ones and friends. After all these years we still remember the price you paid for your country and our freedoms. As another Memorial Day ceremony unfolds at the county courthouse, each of your 28 names will be read. In remembrance of your sacrifice, friends and family members will come forward to place a Buddy Poppy at the base of the granite wall honoring all the county’s losses since World War I. The patriotism that you felt as you left Lauderdale County for the war in Vietnam is still alive and well in your hometowns and communities. Many of you died protecting one another, but you all served so that we could keep the things we love the most – God, country and family. By remaining true to these principles, we honor your sacrifices.

Van “Mac” McCarty
Meridian, MS
USMC Vietnam Veteran
1968-69, 1970-71

Dear SSGT Donald Lewis Golden, 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

Donald is buried at Arlington Nat Cem.

we served together in Germany and I went to Nam Don and Smitty came a little later I can home they didn't I will never forget you and your family Love you Buddy