THE WALL OF FACES

My mother was Todd's cousin. She gave me his baseball glove in 1974, a Rawlings Warren Spawn model. I had the best 2 seasons of baseball in my life with that glove.

Todd Melton is remembered on Docs Wisconsin 37 Tribute page, along with all the WI. Vietnam War POW/MIA. www.war-veterans.org/Wi37.htm

I also remember Todd as a former classmate at De Sales Prep in St. Francis. His parents drove us home on weekends. To my knowledge he was the only man I knew personally who died in the war. I've been to the Wall to visit him. And though I hardly knew him, I think of him often, all these years later.

I often think of Todd. His path from conscienous objector, to drafted marine, to embassy guard, to a hero who died at the last day of the embassy will stay with me forever. He was a good man who was caught in a set of ridiculously challenging circumstances who found a way to serve with valor without violence toward his fellow man.

Dear SSGT Todd Michael Melton, 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