THE WALL OF FACES

Dear FA Douglas Thomas Manka, 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

Douglas is buried at Saint Thomas Cemetery, International Falls, Koochiching County, MN.

1972-73 USS Henry W. Tucker Cruise Book Memorial Page

Tom came to visit me at Balboa Naval Hospital shortly before the Tucker left for West Pac. He had only been on the ship a short time, as I remember and I barely knew him. After release from the hospital I was transferred to another destroyer in the same squadron. The day he was lost, an Officer that knew I had been on the Tucker, told me about it. I've thought about the visit he made to me,and I will always be grateful to him for that. I have been to the wall in D.C. several times and seen the traveling wall twice. I never go without touching his name. It makes me feel like in some way I'm able to pay him back, for taking the time to visit a lonely young shipmate, that he barely knew.

I am sorry that I was not there when you came home for the last time. I was at Ft. Gordon doing what we said we would do. I think of our times watersking hunting and just goofin off.. Take care my friend and may your seas be smooth