THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR CORPORAL BALL,
THANKS FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A GRUNT. MY HUSBAND DIED THIS YEAR ON YOUR ANNIVERSARY. ELECTION DAY IS NEAR AND VETERANS' DAY IS APPROACHING, MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.

CPL Michael E. Ball served with 3rd Platoon, C Company, 3rd Battalion, 21st Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade. On April 17, 1971, CPL was killed from injuries suffered when he accidently triggered a mechanical ambush device that had been set by another platoon. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear CPL Michael Edward Ball, 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

Michael is buried at Paint Lick Baptist Church Cem, Gallatin Co, KY.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932