THE WALL OF FACES

Gerald is buried at Memorial Cemetery, Jacksonville,FL. PH

Gerry



I reflect every day on the dramatic impact you had on my life. From the time we were roommates in 53rd Company at OCS through the goodbyes we shared after Panama Jungle School you have always been next to me and have always been an inspiration to me of the meaning of "selfless service." I often reflect on the nights we would talk and the depth of your driving ambition to lead a platoon of the 173rd into combat. I tried throughout my career to live up to your example of "selfless service." Thank you for being a part of my life.

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

Gerald, Although we never met,
I just want you to know you are
not forgotten. You gave the ultimate
sacrifice, your life for what you believed
in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you
for protecting the freedoms we enjoy
today.