THE WALL OF FACES

My brother was a wonderful guy. In the service, he was known as Billy, but to everyone else - he was Anthony. It's been over 40 years since he's been gone, but I still miss him.

Billy is buried at New Union Cemetery in Smithville, TN. BSM PH

Although Billy and I had just met a few days before his death, his name and face have remained with me all these years. We were transferred into the same platoon and were both in the mortar attack that claimed his life. My deep condolences to Billy's family.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you , one of the gentle heroes and patriots lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

I am in high school and I am posting remembrances for a class. As a fellow American, I am grateful for the freedom that we enjoy in this country. It is because of veterans like you that we have this privilege. Thank you!