THE WALL OF FACES

LTJG Michael Kirkpatrick is buried in Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, FL.

The USCGC Point Arden (WPB-82309) was an 82-foot cutter based at Da Nang, RVN, during its assignment in Vietnam. On August 9, 1969, while conducting a harassment and interdiction mission using the cutter's mortar, engineer EN1 Michael H. Painter was killed by a misfired round in the mortar. The Executive Officer, LTJG Michael W. Kirkpatrick, was critically injured and evacuated to the 67th Evacuation Hospital at Qui Nhon where he died the following day. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and wikipedia.org]

Dear LTJG Michael Ward Kirkpatrick, 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

A man of integrity and honor, Michael has and will remain in our memory and in our hearts forever. He was gentle, intelligent, with a great sense of humor, handsome, charismatic, and a loyal friend. My Heavens, how we miss you!

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.