THE WALL OF FACES

Corporal Richard Charles Balukonis, Served with C Troop. 1st Squadron, 1st Calvary Regiment, Americal Division.

Balukonis

Balukonis, it was he
Who watched the mottled, darkened height
For Victor Charlie’s treachery
In the arboreous night

While B troop bivouacked on the marge
Of soggy paddy tightly held
Expecting Victor Charlie’s charge
Or to be, by mortar, shelled

Readied for the dreadful call
To sally into the troubled night
We manned our tanks and packed our tracks
And all were ready for the fight

And Balukonis manned his gun
A 50 cal. in the TC hatch
A seasoned dragoon, well and one
No Vietcong could match

And when the fracas had begun
Balukonis gave ‘em hell
Spraying with the awesome gun
‘Til Balukonis fell

Silenced by their rocket fire
Recoilless rifle, true and tried
And for the VC’s seasoned ire
Balukonis died

In memory of Pfc Richard Balukonis, KIA 12/03/1967 panel 31E row 028

Dear CPL Richard Charles Balukonis, 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

Rich was a big man, with the heart of a child. He was quiet and kind. Unfortunately, he had a premonition of his death; a self-fulfilling prophesy. brbrRest In Peace.

Richard is buried at St Peter & Pauls Roman Catholic Church Cemetery in Hazlelton, PA.