THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SSGT James Willie Adkisson, 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

James is buried at Mountain View Memorial Park, Boulder,CO.

SSgt James W. Adkisson died of illness or other causes on 7 Oct 66, while serving with the 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron of the 505th Tactical Air Control Group based at Binh Thuy, South Vietnam. These units were responsible for FAC missions using the 0-1 Birddog aircraft. SSgt Adkisson was married at the time to Mrs. Emily Adkisson, who was living at Lot 99, Holly Grove Trailer Park in Greenville, South Carolina; the home of Donaldson Air Force Base and the 63rd Military Airlift Wing.

A Remembrance profile for SSgt. Adkisson has been started at:
http://airforce.togetherweserved.com/usaf/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=Profile&type=Person&ID=79446

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you , one of the gentle heroes and patriots lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

In remembrance of all U.S. Servicemen that lost their lives in the Vietnam War. This Airman gave his life in direct support of the Forward Air Control mission.
When others ran or protested, this man stood tall and answered his country's call.