THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

I never had the honor of meeting you but I want to thank you for your ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Prayers to you and to those loved ones you left behind. You’re not forgotten.

This is a 6th grader from VB middle I've heard stories about you i will always remember that you fought for your people

At 11:15 PM on November 21, 1968, an 8th Transportation Group convoy consisting of nine vehicles was traveling north on National Highway QL-1 to the Trailer Transfer Point on Highway QL-19 when it was ambushed approximately six miles northwest of Qui Nhon in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. The enemy attacked with mortar, small arms, and automatic weapons fire. Convoy personnel fought back with unit weapons, and a reaction force consisting of gun trucks and jeeps arrived at the ambush site within ten minutes. Close air support was provided by a U.S. Air Force AC-47 “Spooky” gunship. Two 2nd Transportation Company drivers, PFC Curtiss E. Braatz and SP4 Charles L. Smith, were killed and another twelve Americans were wounded, one critically. A third driver, SP5 Miguel F. Montanez, succumbed to his wounds on November 26, 1968. Two gun trucks, one gun jeep, and four cargo trucks were damaged. Another gun jeep was destroyed. Enemy casualties were unknown. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command, Period Ending 31 January 1969” at ttu.edu]

Dear Sp5 Miguel Montanez, Thank you for your service as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. Your 52nd anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Veterans’ Day is tomorrow, and today, the birthday of the Marine Corps. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.