THE WALL OF FACES

Dear CWO Anthony Joseph Mensen, 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

A story told by Gary Gamradt to students at the Sauk Centre High School in Sauk Centre, Minnesota.

“Tony Mensen had served his duty in Vietnam and was scheduled to go home October 22, 1971. He was considered a “short-timer” by his fellow soldiers, someone who would be going home in time for deer hunting season and to attend high school wrestling matches and basketball games – things he loved to do.”

“On his final night in Vietnam, Tony, a helicopter pilot who flew MedEvacs, received a call late in the evening that there was one more mission. A wounded soldier needed to be picked up in the mountains of Vietnam. It was late, it was dark, and the weather was subpar.”

“Tony could have dumped the mission on somebody else and nobody would have said a thing but that wasn’t Tony’s way. There was no such thing as night vision back then so pilots flew by the seat of their pants.”

“The final mission for Tony wouldn’t be easy. With the weather being bad, and the mountainous terrain ahead of him, he set out to find his wounded comrade. He flew in, picked up the wounded soldier and flew back. But he didn’t go deer hunting that year. He didn’t eat Thanksgiving turkey and he didn’t open any Christmas presents. Tony’s helicopter hit the side of the mountain, killing everyone on board except one.”

“Tony didn’t come home to a parade or a cheering crowd. Nobody lined the highways for his funeral. But to me, Tony is and always will be a hero. So the next time you see a veteran, say thank you, because freedom isn’t free.”

Photo was provided by Bernice Mensen, Anthony’s sister.

Photo was provided by Bernice Mensen, Anthony’s sister.

Photo was provided by Bernice Mensen, Anthony’s sister. Tony was the oldest boy of Raphael and Alice Mensen and he had 15 brothers and sister.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor Tony.