THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR PRIVATE BATES,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A TACTICAL WIRE OPERATIONS SPECIALIST. 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. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

Dear PVT Norman William Bates, 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

I knew Bill when we lived on Shingo Ave in Louisville, Ky. About 1955-57. We graduated from high school together in 1965. Currently I was thinking of him and was looking at this website. Seeing Bill with the young orphan boy is very gratifying. They look so happy and peaceful together. What makes this posting so special to me is my daughter and son-in-law are getting ready to fly to Vietnam to pick up an orphaned boy. It so happens he is just south of the orphange where this picture was taken. I will now think of Bill when I see my new grandson.

Norman is buried at Louisville Memorial Gardens in Louisville, KY.

Norman, Although we never met,
I just want you to know you are
not forgotten. You gave the ultimate
sacrifice, your life for what you believed
in. Sleep well my friend, and thank you
for protecting the freedoms we enjoy
today.