THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR SERGEANT BARRY,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A COMMUNICATION CENTER SPECIALIST. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. ADVENT IS HERE, AND CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. THE NEW YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

SGT James M. Barry, SGT Daniel K. Kushner, and SGT Joseph C. Szekely were communications center specialists and SP4 Jerry D. Laws a light-wheel vehicle mechanic from the 510th Signal Company at Cam Ranh Army Airfield. At approximately 0100 hours on April 9, 1972, they were asleep in their billet at their base camp when it was attacked by an enemy force. Viet Cong sappers infiltrated the base and tossed satchel charges of concussion grenades into the soldiers’ sleeping area. All four suffered fatal fragmentation injuries in the incident. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear SGT James Michael Barry, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for the ultimate sacrifice that you 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. And please know that men and women like you have stepped forward to defend our country yet again, showing the same love for country and their fellow Americans that you did- you would be proud.

With respect, and the best salute that a civilian can muster for you.

Curt Carter (son of Sgt Ardon William Carter, 101st Airborne, February 4, 1966, South Vietnam)

James is buried at Mount Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy, Norfolk County,MA.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932