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. SP5 Richard W. Marshall was a Heavy Vehicle Driver serving with D Company, 554th Engineer Battalion, 79th, Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam Engineer Command. On October 20, 1970, while his unit was undergoing redeployment, Marshall spent the night at Long Binh Post, located between Bien Hoa and Saigon in Bien Hoa Province, RVN. The sprawling base functioned as a U.S. Army base, logistics center, and major command headquarters for U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam (USARV). At 8:45 AM the following morning, Marshall was found unconscious in his billet. He was admitted to the 24th Evacuation Hospital where he later expired. A subsequent autopsy determined he died from a wide range of medical complications secondary to a heroin overdose. Marshall was 21 years old. His body was forwarded to the U.S. Army Mortuary at Tan Son Nhut Air Base where Graves Registration personnel prepared the remains for shipment back to his family in Pennsylvania. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam.” New York Times (New York, NY), May 16, 1971]

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 Sp4 Richard Marshall, Thank you for your service as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Father’s Day and it’s summer. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thank you for all you have done. For the sacrifices you made to help those around you. I wish I would have gotten the chance to know you. You will never be forgotten!

Dear SP5 Richard William Marshall, 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