THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Teresa Bowen McDonald is touching and reflects her enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

I remember how kind and gentle you were, you were in my company in the field. Your platoon hit a booby trap, killing you and wounding several others. We cut out a small landing zone with machetes in a bamboo grove to get you and the others out. It was so hot some of us started dropping from heat stroke, but that did not matter. We would have died trying to save you all ( probably about 5 guys). Big Willie cut most of the bamboo away like Paul Bunyan. He was a gentle, soft spoken, huge black kid from Macon Georgia, your home state. First a time I was your platoon leader, at 19. You will never be forgotten, you are in my prayers every single night. Ranger

Dear Cpl Warner Hughie, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Corporal Warner Prater Hughie, Served with Company D, 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry Regiment, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

I visited your grave today as I often do walking through the cemetery. 48 years ago this was your last day alive. As I stood saluting, I thought about all the things you’ve missed in the almost half century since your death – marriage, children, a career working, grandchildren, a well-earned retirement, and maybe great-grandchildren. I mourn that you never had those opportunities.