THE WALL OF FACES

Semper Fidelis, Corporal.

Corporal Richard Wayne Heim, Served with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

I have mailed a remembrance soldier that I made from cloth, dressed in camouflage uniform which has his name embroidered on one pocket and "Marine" embroidered on other pocket . There is a red heart embroidered over his chest. His face is also painted on the soldier. I've attached the story of his mother, Ruby , receiving the phone call telling her Richard Wayne Heim, her son , had become a casualty of war. The cloth soldier Momento was mailed to the Washington, D.C. National Park Service, where they told me it will be stored in a collection of remembrance momentous that are left at the wall or mailed to them. Richard Wayne Heim's name is listed on panel 31, row 48. Cousin Joyce Anderson Wilkens.

Richard Heim was my cousin. I was the only one with my Auntie Ruby at the time she received the telephone call that her son Richard (Ricky) had become a casualty of war. After hanging up the phone, she began to cry. She told me that I began to pat her leg and say. "Don't cry Auntie Ruby. Don't cry Auntie Ruby." I was 10 years old. She said she had to be brave for a bit longer to shelter me from the immediate sorrow of this tragedy. As I am a mother now, I consider what it would be like to loose a son or daughter to war. I admire Ricky for his service. He must have been very brave like his mother, Ruby. By Joyce Anderson Wilkens

Dear CPL Richard Wayne Heim, 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