THE WALL OF FACES

On May 16, 1971, a New York Times article described heroin use by American troops in Vietnam had reached epidemic proportions. The piece reported that 10 to 15 percent of lower-ranking enlisted men were heroin users, and military officials working in drug‐suppression estimated that as much as a quarter of all enlisted personnel, more than 60,000 men, were hooked. They added that some field surveys reported units with more than 50 percent of the men on heroin. In Vietnam, the drug was plentiful, cheap, and 95 percent pure. Its effects could casually be achieved through smoking or snorting, as compared to the U.S., where the drug was impure, only about five percent heroin, and had to be main-lined or injected into the bloodstream to achieve a comparable high. The habit, which cost $100 a day to maintain in the U.S., cost less than $5 a day in Vietnam. PVT Terrence T. Jackson was a supplyman serving with C Company, Troop Command, Army Depot Cam Ranh Bay, Army Support Command Cam Ranh Bay, 1st Logistical Command, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. At approximately 7:30 PM on December 13, 1970, Jackson was off duty and made a social visit to the quarters of a friend at the Cam Ranh Bay Army Complex. The two men reportedly spent the evening talking and listening to music. The friend reported that while in his bunk, at about 10:30 PM Jackson fell asleep while lying on his bed. At about 2:00 AM, the friend was awakened by a Sergeant telling Jackson to move into another bunk in the same area, which he did. Later that morning, at roughly 6:00 AM, Jackson could not be roused. Medical help was immediately summoned, and he was transported to the U.S. Air Force 349th General Dispensary where he was pronounced dead on arrival at 6:30 AM. An autopsy the following day and subsequent toxicological studies determined Jackson died of “acute narcotism.” He was 19 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam.” New York Times (New York, NY), May 16, 1971]

Image courtesy of Redbird Research LLC, Saint Charles, MO.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your sisters Michelle and Sally are moving and reflect their eternal love for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

PVT Terrence Turner Jackson served with C Company, Troop Command, Army Depot Cam Ranh Bay, Army Support Command Cam Ranh Bay, 1st Logistic Command, US Army Vietnam (Coffelt Database).

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH