THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to 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...

Dear Sp4 Robert Masterson, Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Components Repair Apprentice with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Independence Day just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On September 3, 1966, Viet Cong guerillas made a surprise hit-and-run attack on the base camp of the U.S. 1st Air Cavalry Division at An Khe, Binh Dinh Province, RVN, in the Central Highlands. The guerillas lobbed 40 mortar shells into the camp as the unit was holding a ceremony leading up to its first anniversary in South Vietnam. Some participants in the ceremony were killed. Four members of the 15th Transportation Battalion were fatally injured in the attack. They included PFC Daniel S. Ferry, SP4 Edgar P. Heinen, SP4 Robert A. Masterson, and PFC Elwood F. Nead Jr. The 82mm shells also peppered the giant airstrip called “The Golf Course,” causing light damage to planes and the airfield. Others exploded in a tight pattern inside an area containing the living quarters of two helicopter repair units. After the sixth round hit, U.S. artillerymen opened up with counter-fire, and within three minutes of the attack helicopter gunships were launched and were searching for the Viet Cong. American infantrymen also joined in the search. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Viet Cong Hit GIs Holding Celebration.” The Chicago Tribune, September 4, 1966]

Connie is back East and now living with Bobbie Jo but I guess you know all of that. Miss you very much, Love, Barbara

Dear SP4 Robert Allen Masterson, 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