THE WALL OF FACES

I'm not sure what triggered me to think about that POW bracelet I wore decades ago on this particular day in May, but I thought of Col. Roosevelt T. Hestle today. I decided to see if I could find any information, and found this remembrance page. I, too, wore his POW bracelet. I was only 8 years old at the time I begged my grandmother to take me to get a bracelet. I wore that bracelet for years, and even as a young child knew how difficult that must be for his family and prayed for his safety. I had hoped I'd find some cheerful news, and I'm saddened to see that this is not the case. My heartfelt condolences to Col. Hestle's family, and even though I never met him, there are certain things that are indelible in my mind, and that bracelet with his name on my wrist is one of them. I'm happy to see his photo so I can now put a face to the bracelet I wore long ago. Sir, you will never be forgotten as long as I shall breathe.

I had Lt Col Hestles POW bracelet and wore it for yrs up until I got married in 1976. At that point I removed bracelet and have not been able to find it,which makes me sad. Thru the internet I got tosee what he actually looked liked and more detail about and his life,family,capture. I had a brother in the army in the Vietnam war,he returned,but has issues to this day.
Thank his family for his service & sacrifice.

It has been a pleasure reading all of the rememberances. I have changed my email address, and would like to read more. My son has been asking about his grandfather and I couldn't be more proud. My daughter in law is a veteran also, and I thank her for being there for me and the family. Thank you all.

I had the pleasure of serving with Colonel (then Major) Hestle as NCO in Charge of Squadron Operations, 9th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Spangdahelm, Germany where the picture of him by his F-105 was taken in the early sixties. As a flight Chief and then Operations Officer he was an outstanding Officer among what turned out to be perhaps the greatest group of Pilots I would have the pleasure to work with during my 27 year career; two of whom were awarded the Medal of Honor flying their Thuds" in Viet Nam as he did. He was extremely well liked by his fellow pilots and the ground crews who he treated with respect and made sure they knew how he and other pilots appreciated their efforts. I have visited the wall many time over the years and I always stop by to say a prayer. I know how his family must miss him.

I too just found my Vietnam War bracelet for Col Roosevelt Hestle. I remember wearing it in high school. My father served 32 years in the Air Force, my brother was in the Navy. Both served tours in Vietnam and gratefully returned home safe. I am a nurse proudly serving our veterans in the VA Hospitals. I still pray for our fallen heroes and their families. May God bless them and us all and may God bless America. Thank you Col Hestle for you heroic and selfless sacrifice for our freedom.