THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Thomas J. Gragnani was a radio operator serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry, 4th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. Gragnani deployed from Fort Lewis, WA, to Vietnam with the 4th Infantry Division in September 1966, arriving at Camp Enari in Pleiku Province. Less than three months later, on December 5, 1966, he was the driver of a military vehicle involved in an accident when wet conditions caused him to lose control and veer off the road. Gragnani sustained fatal head injuries when the vehicle struck a utility pole. He was 22 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org; obituary from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (St. Louis, MO), December 8, 1966, courtesy of Todd Bronson, Information Specialist, St. Louis Public Library, St Louis MO]

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your brother Nick is touching and harkens back to a time when we were all young and had our whole world ahead of us. Sadly, that time ended too soon. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sp4 Thomas Gragnani,
Thank you for your service as a Radio Operator. 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 Nick,

I don't remember the '60 Chevy, but I do remember the '53 Ford. Tom and Linda Bauer and your sister, Judy, and I used to double date. Pat Holmes and Anita and Judy and I used to double date.

Pat got drafted shortly after Tom was killed. His report date was May 12th, 1966. I volunteered for the draft so that Pat and I could go in on the buddy system.

I have seen Tom on several traveling Walls. I always cried. I took my son and daughter with me so that I could explain why I cried. I took them when they were young. They are adults now.

I am currently the chaplain of the VFW in Bangor, Wisconsin-Post 8278 and founder of Veterans Opposing War.

Please forward this info to all the Gragnanis. Tell Hank and Judy I said Hi. I hope all of you are well.

John McCue
P.O. Box 202
Bangor, Wi 54614-0202
(608) 451-0039