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 Nathaniel Lewis was a vehicle mechanic serving with the 243rd Field Service Company, 593rd General Service Group, Army Support Command Qui Nhon, 1st Logistical Command, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. On the evening of October 28, 1970, Lewis was found unconscious in his unit’s billets at Landing Zone English, located along National Route QL-13 south of Tam Quan city in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. He was transported to the B Medical Dispensary where staff successfully revived him. Lewis reportedly was able to get up and talk to the attending physician. He later experienced trouble breathing, lapsed into a coma, and expired. Postmortem studies determined he died of acute congestion and edema of the lungs, common adverse events following a heroin overdose. Lewis was 20 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam.” New York Times (New York, NY), May 16, 1971]

Image courtesy of Redbird Research LLC, Saint Charles, MO.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The many remembrances from Brenda Dallas Spivey-Jones are moving and reflect her enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Dear PFC Nathaniel Lewis, Thank you for your service as a General Vehicle Repairman. I researched you on your 70th birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Spring! It is Good Friday, 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.