THE WALL OF FACES

I am so moved to see remembrances from people who knew Butch. We were high school sweethearts and married when he finished college. To Mike and Rich, I say thank you for remembering him with such kind words. It has been a long time but in a sense it seems like just yesterday. I still miss him although I have been married for 20 years to a wonderful man. In fact it was my husband who directed me to this web site. To Cheryl who wore his POW/MIA bracelet, I would like to put you in contact with my daughter. She was born 5 months after he was shot down and is now 30 years old, living in south Louisiana. Thank you all for sharing your feelings. It provides great comfort to know that memories of Butch are still alive.

Like Mike, I too remember Butch from days at Texas A&M. We worked together a lot in the Corps of Cadets. He was a class act. I have a picture at my parents home in California of several of us in Ross Volunteer uniforms before some formal function. Every time I look at that picture, I think about Butch, his commitment to the Cadet Corps and his nation. Cheryl, appreciate your notes also, and thanks for wearing his bracelet.

John R. "Butch" Baldridge was one of my best friends and a classmate at Texas A&M. We were in the same cadet unit at A&M, and I came to know and respect Butch as a fine man all around. Although Butch was well known on campus and held several leadership positions within campus organizations, he was never too busy or important to have a friendly word for others. He served as an example of what a man should be. He married after graduation, and his daughter was born after Butch went to Vietnam, as I recall. I took a commission as a Marine Corps infantry officer, while Butch became an Air Force pilot. He loved to fly, and he died at the controls of an observation aircraft when he was shot down. I think of him often; I see that old Baldridge smile in my mind every time I think of him. I miss him a lot.
To Cheryl, who left the first remembrance, contact me if you want to know more about the man whose MIA bracelet you wore; knowing him was one of the best things that ever happened to me.
Michael R. (Mike) Beggs
Texas A&M Class of '68
Captain, USMC (Retired)

27 years ago, when I was in High School, I wore a POW/MIA bracelet with the name Capt. John Baldridge Jr. and the date 11-20-69. Today, 9-14-99, my mother sent me that bracelet. When I was 15 years old, I did not know much about the Vietnam War, however, I felt a bond with this man who gave his life for my freedom. Now, almost 30 years later, I once again feel a bond with this man, and thank God for him and others like him who served our country and gave their lives for my freedom and the freedom of my children. My hope is to find members of Capt. Baldridge's family, so that I may send them my POW/MIA bracelet. God Bless You.