THE WALL OF FACES

Before dawn on November 17, 1970, Viet Cong forces launched approximately a dozen 122-millimeter mortars at a barracks facility at Bien Hoa Air Base, one of the major U.S. air facilities in South Vietnam. Though the attack was launched from outside the base’s perimeter and intended as just a harassing strike, the large caliber mortar explosions killed five people, including three U.S. servicemen, and wounded 34 others. The Military Assistance Command later described this attack as minor and casualties as light. But it did kill five people, including three Americans who served at Bien Hoa. Air Force Sergeant Joseph Carter Jr. was in his bunk when the shells hit. Carter was killed instantly. Another man in his unit in an adjacent room, Air Force Sergeant Kenneth D. Adkins was also killed. He and Carter served together in the 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, 7th Air Force. The third American killed was Army Specialist 4 Dennis E. Stecker from the 118th Aviation Company, 145th Aviation Battalion. [Taken from vietnamwar50th.com]

Sergeant Kenneth Dale Adkins, Served with the 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron, 504th Tactical Air Support Group, 7th Air Force. Montani Semper Liberi !

DEAR SERGEANT ADKINS,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. YOU WERE BORN ON A SPECIAL DAY TO ME, THE FEAST OF ST. ANTHONY. MAY HE GUIDE YOU.
REST IN PEACE.

Dear SGT Kenneth Dale Adkins, 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

You gave your life for your country and for this we Salute You.