THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Captain James Laird, Thank you for your service with the 79th Trans. Company. Your 74th birthday just passed, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. For many of us, we have begun Lent. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Did not know him but some were my friends

On October 31, 1970, a 2-1/2 ton military truck carrying members of D Battery, 4th Battalion, 60th Artillery, was traveling on Highway QL-1 at the Song Say River, about one mile northwest of An Nhon in Binh Dinh Province, RVN, when the road gave way and the vehicle overturned into a stream. Six personnel died in the incident. Four of the soldiers were killed in the crash. They included SP4 Richard M. Facer, PFC Paul Sirianni Jr., SP4 Robert E. Linville, and SP4 Douglas G. Ehlers (all of 4/60 Arty). Two others, 1LT Timothy F. Murphy Jr. (4/60 Arty) and CAPT James A. Laird (of the 79th Transportation Company), were drowned in the stream. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and springfield50.org]

Jim Laird our first real officer at the 152nd, served under 3 warrants before you came as a 2nd Lt. Damn war, was hoping we could get together for a beer one day. Next time I get together with Cliff MacDonald we can have one for you. You had to give me my last reup talk, but your first words were, "Yeah you will probably do better on the outside Cook". You knew I was a shortimer, miss you buddy.

Dan Cook E-5, shortimer!

Jim, I attended our 50th Benson High School Reunion tonight in Omaha. We toured our actual high school and I saw your name listed on a plaque in the school. We weren't close friends in high school but I remember you, and I think I remember you in ROTC uniform. I was seriously wounded in Vietnam on Aug. 19, 1969, but survived to be able to attend this reunion. Some other veterans and I in our class were remembering you. I wanted you to know you are not forgotten, and I wish I could have seen your smiling face tonight. Airborne, Paul Critchlow