THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sp4 Stanley Hojnowski, Thank you for your service as a Medical NCO. Thank you for the lives you saved. Happy Summer in heaven! Please watch over the USA, it still needs your strength. Rest in peace with the angels.

CPL Alexander A. Kaopuiki Jr. was an infantryman assigned to First Platoon, B Company, 4th Battalion, 21st Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On August 8, 1969, his unit was in the vicinity of LZ Debbie, approximately 7 miles west of Duc Pho, in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. CPL Kaopuiki was killed in a grenade accident when he tried to throw away a live grenade and save his fellow soldiers of first platoon. He was commended for this heroic act, reacting to the incident by trying to protect his comrades instead of diving for cover to save himself. This was evident later when it was observed he had lost his arm in the blast. Two others were also killed in the explosion, PFC Nelson Andino and SP4 Stanley B. Hojnowski. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and thewall-usa.com]

I was with Stan that day. I had only been with Bravo Co. 4/21st, 11th Inf. Bde, Americal Div. for a couple of weeks, and Stan had only been there a couple of weeks longer than me, though we were becoming good friends. I remember he had left a wife and a brand new daughter at home, and was so very much looking forward to getting back to them after Vietnam. This was a very sad day for First Platoon and our for Bravo Company, for there were a number of our guys killed and a number of others wounded. In 2006, some from the company Veterans began meeting for "Big Bad Bravo" reunions, and at each reunion, we spend time remembering the special people we all lost. Each of these reunions conclude with a memorial service (the highlight of every reunion) where Stan and EVERY Bravo Company soldier who gave their life for all of us, is personally remembered.

Dear SP4 Stanley Bernard Hojnowski, 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