THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lt Richard Harlan,
Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry. I did the research on you on your 47th anniversary, sad. It is now Lent. The war was years ago, but we all need 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.

My daddy married you and buried you. We will never forget you.

The Corps of Cadets and Texas A&M University
Salute: 2nd Lt. Richard E Harlan '68
“The Memorial for Vietnam Era”
“Corps Plaza Memorial”
College Station, Texas
For more information or adding information contact:
Sam Houston Sanders Corps of Cadets Center 1400 TAMU College Station, TX 77843-1400 (979) 862-2862 http://corps.tamu.edu/contact-us

1LT Thomas A. Dellwo and 2LT Richard E. Harlan were artillery field commanders assigned to B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 19th artillery, 1st Cavalry Division (Airmobile). On March 15, 1971, a grenade was tossed into the officer billet at Bien Hoa Army Airfield where they were, killing both officers. Dellwo died on the day he had been scheduled to leave Vietnam. PVT Billy Dean Smith was charged with two counts each of murder and attempted murder of Dellwo and Harlan plus one charge of assault with intent to do bodily harm. At a court-martial conducted in the United States at Fort Ord, CA, in November 1972, Smith was found innocent of those charges. He did serve 20 months confinement and a bad conduct discharge for assaulting a military policeman who arrested him shortly after the grenade explosion. [Taken from Lawrence World-Journal, November 15, 1972; and wikipedia.org]

Dear 2LT Richard Elliott Harlan, 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