THE WALL OF FACES

You will never be forgotten by this American girl.

Your life was full of honor, devotion, and love for your country. The sacrifice of your precious life was not and will not be in vain.

You have and will be a source of all that is good for generations to come. This is evident in the messages that the youth of America leave on your remembrance sites.

You are not merely a name engraved on a granite wall -- you were and are a son, a brother, a husband, a grandson, a father, an uncle, a nephew, and a friend. You are real and as long as I live you will never be forgotten.

God bless you and your family on this your angel day.

Rest well now -- I will see on the other side.

I never knew Mr. Hunter, but I feel like I do. My dad, Harley Barnes, served with Hunter in the 61st AHC. He was his best friend. A day does not go by that my dad doesn't mention your name. He has an 8x10 picture of you that I have seen so much that it is burnt into my mind. The reason for this is that my dad wants me and my two young sons to know what a real hero was like. My dad feels guilty that you died. He feels guilty that a lot of his buddies died. We listen to the oldies music and talk about you a lot. You were a defining part of his life and when he lost you he lost a piece of himself. You were not just an outstanding soldier, but also an excellent and unforgettable friend. I know you are at peace in heaven. I also know that someday Dad will be there with you too. I look forward to the day when I get to heaven and not just meet you, but finally see what my Dad looks like as a whole person. I went to the wall to see your name. I thanked you for everything you did. No thanks is enough. My dad talks about your mom as well. She sounds like a nice lady. I know you gave your all, and I hate to ask you for something, but could you watch over my dad? He is always searching for peace. He still is living the war. He isn't well and I know it won't be long till he joins you. You protected him before, could you do it again? One day I will meet you and be able to tell you what a wonderful person you were. Until then I live with your memory. The angels got a gift when they got you. Rest and be peaceful and watch because your buddies are coming to keep you company. Thank you Hunter.

Dear Sir,
I am a senior at Gridley High School in Gridley, IL and as a class project, our Consumer Economics class is posting remembrances to courageous veterans who perished during the Vietnam War.
Although we have never met, I am extremely grateful for the sacrifice you unselfishly gave to our country. You gave up everything that was important to you in order to fight for our great nation. We are forever in debt to you for your brave gift of liberty to all Americans. Your death was not in vain. May you rest in peace.

Gratefully,
Joel Campbell

My name is Dee Smith and Rory Hunter was my very good personal friend. I first met Rory when I was assigned to the 61st Assualt Helicopter Company at Lane Army Airfield in An Son, RVN in April 1969. New guys ("newbes") we not well received, but Rory and I struck up an instant friendship. I'll never forget his happy go lucky attitude and that ever present smile of his. Rory and I both were crew chiefs and gunners on UH-1 Huey helicopters. I went on R&R in November 1969 and when I got back I was informed that his aircraft had been shot up while trying to insert a team of Rangers and that Rory died on that mission. Rory Hunter was a hero on that day. Even though he had been hit fately several times, he was able to cover the aircraft with his door gun until his crippled aircraft could make it out of the LZ. This not only saved his flight crew, but also some of the Rangers that were on board. I still miss you my friend...and I will never forget our friendship and the ultimate sacrfice you gave to your country.

Your brother,

Dee A.C. Smith
Sp/5, U.S. Army 68-71

P.O. Box 587
Ellington, CT 06029
860-871-6807
[email protected]