THE WALL OF FACES

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….

On May 16, 1971, a New York Times article described heroin use by American troops in Vietnam had reached epidemic proportions. The piece reported that 10 to 15 percent of lower-ranking enlisted men were heroin users, and military officials working in drug‐suppression estimated that as much as a quarter of all enlisted personnel, more than 60,000 men, were hooked. They added that some field surveys reported units with more than 50 percent of the men on heroin. In Vietnam, the drug was plentiful, cheap, and 95 percent pure. Its effects could casually be achieved through smoking or snorting, as compared to the U.S., where the drug was impure, only about five percent heroin, and had to be main-lined or injected into the bloodstream to achieve a comparable high. The habit, which cost $100 a day to maintain in the U.S., cost less than $5 a day in Vietnam. A1C Caesar Murray served with the 14th Field Maintenance Squadron, 14th Special Operations Wing, 7th Air Force. On March 19, 1971, Murray was found dead in bed in barracks Q-10 at Phan Rang Air Base in Ninh Thuan Province, RVN. His body was removed to the 35th U.S. Air Force Dispensary on base where an autopsy was performed. “Acute narcotism” was listed as the cause of death. Murray was twenty-one years old. His remains were forwarded to the U.S. Army Mortuary at Tan Son Nhut Air Base. After processing, they were transported to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware before being returned to his family in South Carolina. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam.” New York Times (New York, NY), May 16, 1971]

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Dear A1C Caesar Murray, Thank you for your service with the 14th Field Maintenance Squadron. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 9th Day of Christmas, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

A1C Caesar Murray is buried at Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery in Barnwell, SC.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH