THE WALL OF FACES

On May 16, 1971, a New York Times article described heroin use by American troops in Vietnam had reached epidemic proportions. The piece reported that 10 to 15 percent of lower-ranking enlisted men were heroin users, and military officials working in drug‐suppression estimated that as much as a quarter of all enlisted personnel, more than 60,000 men, were hooked. They added that some field surveys reported units with more than 50 percent of the men on heroin. In Vietnam, the drug was plentiful, cheap, and 95 percent pure. Its effects could casually be achieved through smoking or snorting, as compared to the U.S., where the drug was impure, only about five percent heroin, and had to be main-lined or injected into the bloodstream to achieve a comparable high. The habit, which cost $100 a day to maintain in the U.S., cost less than $5 a day in Vietnam. PFC Harry A. Lewis Jr. was a Light Air Defense Artillery Crewmember serving with D Battery, 5th Battalion, 2nd Artillery, 23rd Artillery Group, II Field Force at Plantation Combat Base in Bien Hoa Province, RVN. On January 3, 1971, Lewis was found in bed in the billets at his base camp with no visible signs of life. He was immediately taken to a military medical facility where staff pronounced him dead on arrival. Lewis was nineteen years old. A subsequent autopsy attributed his death to pulmonary congestion and edema, medical conditions consistent with heroin addiction. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance poem from your sister Melody is moving and reflects her eternal love for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

HOOAH

As your 69th birthday approaches, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

Dear PFC Harry Lewis, Thank you for your service as a Light Air Defense Artillery Crewman. The 50th anniversary of the start of your tour just passed. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Spring! It is Holy Thursday, and Passover. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.