THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

Thank you for answering our country's call to serve in a dangerous time, in a dangerous land.

Dear Sp4 Thomas Larsen, Thank you for your service with the 588th Engineer Battalion. 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.

SP4 Thomas C. Larsen was a combat engineer serving with the 588th Engineer Battalion. Eight months into his tour in Vietnam, SP4 Larsen was demonstrating clear signs of stress which alarmed his platoon sergeant. Larsen was despondent, not talking to anyone, and “staring at everything” as the sergeant recalled. He had Larsen brought back to Cu Chi Base Camp from a water purification detail at FSB Barbara when the engineers working with him complained there was something wrong with Larsen. The sergeant tasked him with some benign duties like painting the Engineer vehicles, meanwhile trying to get Larsen rotated back to the U.S. where he could receive professional treatment for his condition. However, the First Sergeant refused the transfer, and Larsen remained at Cu Chi. On September 8, 1970, while his platoon sergeant was away conducting maintenance at another base area, Larsen acquired an M16 rifle from the armory room and went into the barracks area outside the sergeant’s office and used the weapon to take his own life. He was 20 years-old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Dan Shelton (December 2018)]

Dear SP4 Thomas Charles Larsen, 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