THE WALL OF FACES

John is buried at Glen Haven Memorial Park in San Fernando, CA.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

What a wonderful, friendly, caring person. I will always remember June 19, for sadness because of the 1967 battle that John and many others died in; for happiness because my daughter was born in 1974.

John, I knew you in high school and remember you had a blonde crewcut and freckles. I read your name in the Los Angeles Times. I want you to know I have not forgotten you and whenever I am in Washington, D.C. (about twice a year) I visit the wall and stare at your name for some time. Since the first time I visited the wall I remember where your name is located. I have also visited the wall in Sacramento and found your name there. Just know you will never be forgotten. Jackie (Levenson) burckin, Fountain Valley, CA




J