THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Gary,
Hi, I am a junior at Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda. My history class is learning about the vietnam war and about the soldiers that participated in the war, you happen to be one of
them from my hometown. I admire the courage and bravery you displayed by serving your country. You also have the same birthday as my sister so you will always be remembered.

My dearest Gary - who would have guessed when you said you wanted to jump out of airplanes we would be here!
I will love you forever!

Dear Sp5 Gary Matson, Thank you for your service as a Special Forces Qualified Combat Engineer. 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 October 30, 1968, SGT Gary L. Matson of Forward Operating Base 1, Command and Control North (CCN), MACV-SOG, was installing mines in the Mai Loc launch site mine field with fellow SOG member Jeffrey Junkins when SGT Matson accidentally tripped a "Bouncing Betty" anti-personnel mine which killed him instantly. Junkins landed on a mine and it took several hours before he was able to be pulled him from the minefield. (Note: Jeffrey Junkins was not killed in Vietnam, but he was just as much a victim of his experience there causing his death by suicide on May 19, 1999) [Taken from macvsog.cc]

Dear SP5 Gary Lee Matson, 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