THE WALL OF FACES

My mom and uncle lived across the street from Barry as teens and I was told of his service as a child. My mother recalls that PFC Hemple’s mom did not believ he was KIA and his status to her remained MIA for many years. It was t until the past few years that I looked into things and realized that his remains had been found and identified. My husband is a combat wounded warrior who served as a greenside corpsman. During his time in service, he spent time in Vietnam recovering remains of our fallen service members and it is good to know that families like PFC Hemple’s were given the closure they deserved. Thank you for your service.

Private First Class Barry Lee Hempel, Served with Battery D, 2nd Battalion, 13th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Dear PFC Barry Hempel,
Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Fire Control Man. Your 51st anniversary is in 2 days, sad. I am glad you identified in 2005. Welcome Home. Yesterday was the 44th anniversary of the official end of the war. 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.

I remember trading baseball cards as a 14 yr old with Barry and friends-

Then I remember hearing we lost him and others of his high school class
of '65- I graduated in '64 and came back from Vietnam in '68. My wife graduated with Barry in '65.

50 years ago and I think about these times more now than then.

Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice.RIP