THE WALL OF FACES

SFC Edward Kenney and CPT Orien J. Walker Jr. were military advisors assigned to Special Detachment 5891 (SD-5891), Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Advisors, MACV. On May 23, 1965, they were accompanying an Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) unit when they were ambushed by the Viet Cong near Thoi Binh in Au Xugen Province, the southernmost province in South Vietnam. SFC Kenney was killed in the attack. CPT Walker was captured and held as a prisoner of war by the Viet Cong. He reportedly died February 4, 1966, of dysentery, malnutrition, and vitamin deficiency while still captive. This report was received by two U.S. Master Sergeants who were released by the Viet Cong and were in captivity with Walker. Walker was promoted to Major during the time he was missing. His body had not been recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “VC Pull 3d Ambush in 2 Days, Kill American, 35 Vietnamese.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, May 26, 1965]

Dear SFC Edward Kenney, 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

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

Edward is buried at Beverly Nat Cem.

The morning of May 23, 1965, thirty-eight years ago today, started out fairly routine for Sergeant First Class (SFC) Edward Kenney as he and two other US Army Advisors escorted their Army of the Republic of Vietnam troops on a mission. Around noon, the day became chaotic. By mid afternoon, SFC Kenney was "gone."

It was a long way from a "map dot" referred to as Canal Zero in Southern Vietnam to SFC Kenney's home in New Jersey. Nonetheless, SFC Kenney fought valiantly as if he was defending his own Country. That's what soldiers do.

Let us all remember soldiers, such as SFC Edward Kenney, when we celebrate Memorial Day each year. They, and their families, have paid the ultimate price for the freedoms that we enjoy.

Respectfully,

Ray C. Phillips