THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Sharon Hosenfeld is moving and reflects her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sgt Irwin Knickerbocker, Thank you for your service as an Atomic Demolition Technician. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the Epiphany, 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 October 22, 1968, Vandergrift Combat Base, a U.S. Marine installation at Ca Lu Airfield in Quang Tri Province, RVN, was hit by twenty-five 130mm enemy artillery rounds in the mid-afternoon, then several more after dark, resulting in the deaths of three Marines. Nineteen other Americans were wounded. The lost Marines were LCPL James E. McCorkel, SGT Irwin L. Knickerbocker, and PVT Thomas D. Hardy. Apart from the U.S. casualties, three Vietnamese civilians were killed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Reds Shell U.S. Base, Viet Children’s Hospital.” Pacific Stars & Stripes, October 21, 1968]

Semper Fidelis, Sergeant.

Dear SGT Irwin Lee Knickerbocker, 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