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. SP4 Steven L. Martin was an Airborne-qualified Tactical Wire Operations Specialist serving with Headquarters & Service Battery, 3rd Battalion, 319th Artillery, 173rd Airborne Brigade. During 1971, the only major Army ground combat unit in Military Region II was the 173rd Airborne Brigade. It stood vigil over National Route QL-19 and Binh Dinh Province’s western approaches. On May 11, 1971, Martin was off duty when he was found unconscious at 12:55 PM in his quarters at a camp 23 kilometers (13.8 miles) west of Bong Son in Binh Dinh Province. He was taken to a medical dispensary where he expired shortly after. A subsequent postmortem examination determined Martin died as a result of “acute narcotism.” He was 22 years old. [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 remain in our hearts forever….

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

Dear Sp4 Steven Martin, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Tactical Wire Operations Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day is this weekend. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SP4 Steven Larry Martin, 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, Sir

Curt Carter