THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Been looking for you for over 50 years. may you rest in peace. I was a luck one of the apc drivers who made it out. would kike to hear from any one of the troop

Dear Sgt David Klippel, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 11th Day of Christmas, Merry Christmas and happy New Year in heaven. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On January 20, 1968, tanks and armored personnel carriers (APC’s) from 2nd Platoon, A Troop, 3rd Squadron, 4th Cavalry, 25th Infantry Division, were conducting a road security mission when they were ambushed by enemy rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire near the main gate of Cu Chi Base Camp in Hau Nghia Province, RVN. One tank and five APC’s were hit in the assault, with the tank suffering no damage, but four of the APC’s being destroyed. The Americans returned fire with small arms, automatic weapons, and rounds fired from the tank’s main gun. Initial reports of U.S. losses were put at two killed, fifteen wounded, and six missing in action. When the engagement ended, the six missing were recovered, most of them unidentifiable due to burns they suffered within one of the burnt-out APC’s. A total of eight troopers were killed: CPL Gary L. Elia, PFC John E. Esten, SP4 Andy Garnica, SP4 Gene M. Kosel, PFC Leo E. Michaud, SP4 John J. Moore, PFC James W. Parham, and SP4 Robert E. Swalley. One of the wounded, SGT David J. Klippel, later died of pneumonia secondary to his injuries three days after the battle. Garnica to was posthumously promoted Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear SGT David John Klippel, 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, Sir

Curt Carter