THE WALL OF FACES

Always in our thoughts and never forgotten. I am proud to be his granddaughter and hope that in my life I have made him proud. I may not have gotten to meet him or have my own memories of him, but I do have memories of stories I have been told and photos I have seen. My grandfather was loved very much by so many. I know that he and my mother, his oldest daughter, are watching over all of us.

For one Captain William Graves. I don't recall if you're listed as MIA or KIA, and I'm truly sorry for that. Regardless of that, you've been sorely missed by everyone who knew you. Fifty years is a long time. I am sure that it's not enough time to get over something like this. Your family and friends must go through this anguish at least once a year. :( All I can do is thank you for your service and sacrifice. One day, you WILL be reunited with those who love you. Rest assured you will NEVER be forgotten!!

On July 22, 1967, an U.S. Army OV-1C Mohawk (#60-3755) from the 225th Aviation Company went down in the highlands, location unknown. Crewmen CAPT William B. Graves and SGT Heinz A. Tapio were lost in the incident. U.S. Army Pathfinders found them on the July 25th, still strapped in to their aircraft. This was the 225th’s first aircraft lost in combat. [Taken from lotsaspace.info/OV-1Mohawk and ejection-history.org]

Today, as we approach the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, and as communities around Wyoming find ways to remember our Vietnam veterans, I am struck by how much my family misses their son, brother and father. I'll remember you today as my own community pays tribute to those who fought and those who lost their lives in that war. We will love you always. And to those who live today we thank you for your service.

Dear Captain William Boyd Graves, 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