THE WALL OF FACES

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

PFC Harvey G. Jacobson was an infantryman serving with D Company, 1st Battalion, 6th Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On the late afternoon of December 17, 1970, Jacobson was part of a squad-sized element attempting a river crossing in Quang Ngai Province, RVN, enroute to a night defensive position. He was helping push and guide an inflatable boat carrying their gear when something fell out of his pocket. When Jacobson let go of the boat to retrieve the item, the weight of his vest, loaded down by numerous grenades and M16 rifle clips, pulled him under. Another trooper tried to pull him back up to the boat, but Jacobson, now in a panic, pulled him down, too. The trooper had to fight to break free, and has since lived with the guilt of Jacobson’s drowning. After several long minutes of furiously trying to locate him, members of the squad pulled his body from the water. A medivac helicopter carried Jacobson to the 27th Surgical Hospital at Chu Lai where he expired the following day. He was posthumously promoted to Corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, a-1-6.org, and information provided by John McAneney and Philip Trimpe (March 2021)]

Dear Cpl Harvey Jacobson, Thank you for your service as an Indirect Fire Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It's the end of summer and Labor Day weekend. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Butch was one of the best cousins one could have. As the oldest in my family Butch looked out for me like an older brother and was very protective of family. I will never forget seeing Aunt Gerry the day she was informed of Butch's passing. I was able to visit the wall in Washington and found his name, extremely humbling and brought back many wonderful memories. Butch you are missed.

Dear CPL Harvey George Jacobson, 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