THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Cpl Richard Leffler, Thank you for your service as a Helicopter Mechanic. I researched you on your 72nd birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Spring! 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.

My father, a career Marine, was also in Vietnam at the same time Richard was killed. There isn't much that tells me anything about him, but the fact that he was in a position of some authority all ready speaks well of him. Apparently, he was a good friend and many of the men he worked with cared about him very much, and mourned his loss. He wasn't killed in combat, like so man of the young men. He was killed when the helicopter, which he was crew chief on, crashed, shortly after take off. The incident was at first thought to be an accident. Later on, however, two of the men who had observed the crash recalled seeing tracers at the time. It was later decided that the breakup of the helicopter was due to ground fire.

Richard was also married, most likely, newly married. What saddens me even more is that his young widow, like many others, would have been faced with having Americans calling the Marines "baby killers" and the like. Unfortunately, that kind of thing was in full swing, by 1969.

There are two pictures, here, which are definitely not of Richard John Leffler. The young man in those pictures is not even a Marine. He was in the Army.

I'll continue to grieve the loss of all of these young men, as long as I'm alive.

Dear CPL Richard John Leffler, 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

Rest in peace with the warriors.