THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your niece, Kristina, is especially moving. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

Dear Uncle George,
I may have not known you here on earth, but it was from your letters that were packed away that I discovered who you really were. As I opened your father’s brief case, or the man I once called Papa, my grandfather, I recall staying up through the night & reading every single letter. Your words to your father, whom you wrote secretly told a story of a young man who was scared. Not scared of the war, or bloodshed that he saw as his platoon became smaller and smaller. But the fact that he had disappointed his own father by not making his college grades, so in his mind, he thought by volunteering himself, he’d perhaps have a better chance of returning home alive. However, this wasn’t how you’d envision it playing out. In most of the letters that you wrote your dad, you were trying so hard to gain his approval and make him proud. You even said that you’d make something of yourself even if it kills me. That sent chills down my spine when I read that.
The letters you wrote to your sister, Julie, my mother, showed a side of you that reminds me so much of my mother. You were selfless and were concerned about sending your sister money, so she could go out and buy all her shoes. You were so kind to her and your mother. You were willing to live in hell and protect these 2 women from the truth about where you really were in Vietnam. They thought you were behind a desk and safe, and because you loved them you kept them shielded from the truth that was between you and your father. That shows love and comes from a place in your heart. I know you were a compassionate man. Your words also told me that you had a sense of humor and I chuckled when you stated that you couldn’t wait to get home and have some French fries. Your letters counted down to the weeks you were about to return home, however as I kept reading, I knew it wasn’t good. Your letters became shorter & further apart. Your missions were search and destroy, and the Vietnamese were closing in on your platoon. The month of March rolled around and you were getting so close to coming home. You were helping a fellow soldier who was on fire, and you put yourself in the line of fire. For your action and what you did for so many others, you will forever be remembered as a hero. And I can’t help but think that God knew what he was doing that fateful day. I think he saw the pain you had endured, and not just from war, but the guilt you carried for so many years, and the disappointment you felt so deep in your soul, that he decided to spare you, and save you, and bring you home to rest with him in everlasting peace. Where you and so many others called home in Vietnam, was actually passing out a death sentence to whom ever stepped foot onto that soil. Even my own father, whom would have been your brother-in-law, was sentenced to an early
death at the age of 49 because agent orange poisoned his body with cancer.

Thank you Uncle George, for letting me see the real you through your letters. I can’t wait to meet you and we can enjoy some French fries together. And by the way, your sister still loves all her shoes!!!

Specialist Four George Gayral Adams, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

DEAR SPECIALIST 4TH CLASS ADAMS.
I HAD BEEN TRYING TO SAY THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE, BUT I HAVE BEEN HAVING TROUBLE POSTING. THANK YOU, REST IN PEACE.

Dear SP4 George Gayral Adams, 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