THE WALL OF FACES

CPL Joe N. Montoya was a radar repair technician serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 2nd Battalion, 18th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. During the summer of 1967, the 1st Infantry Division conducted combat operations with the goal of extending and consolidating the Government of Vietnam’s control and influence in Military Region III. Montoya’s unit performed search and destroy operation within their area of responsibility in Binh Duong Province. Apart from the dangers of combat, an ongoing threat the troops faced was the prevalence of malaria. The disease, spread through bites of infected mosquitoes, was almost everywhere, and sharp seasonal surges in infections occurred depending on rainfall, temperature, and other environmental changes. The antimalarial medicine chloroquine was used to treat the disease and largely solved the issue of troop protection; however, cases persisted, sometimes with fatal effects. Montoya became infected with the disease, and despite Army medical staff’s attempts to save his life, he expired August 1, 1967. Montoya, 27, was a decorated three-year Army veteran. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Joe. I never met you, but I felt I knew such a small part of your live through my brother, F/Lieutenant Randall R Miller, who served with you at Da Nang. Until he died in 2009 of Agent Orange related illnesses, you are the one he spoke of and often shed tears. May you two have met in Heaven and shared more joy than sorrow. Sandy Miller, a sister who misses her brother beyond words.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Dear Cpl Joe Montoya, Thank you for your service as a Target Acquisition Surveillance Radar Repairer. I researched you on the 54th anniversary of the start of your tour. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Veterans’ Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.