THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You died at 18 years of age on Christmas Day. I am 74 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

On the remembrance of your 72nd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

HOOAH

Dear PFC Charles McClurg, Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Basic. I researched you on your 71st birthday, happy birthday. I hate that you passed on Christmas Day. Also, the 53rd anniversary of the start of your tour is soon. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly, but our world needs help. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On the remembrance of your birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

HOOAH

Charles actually liked to be called "Bruce" and he was in my unit and worked together in the same group, slept in the same tent back at headquarters battery in the forward field area. Although assigned to an artillery unit we were both U.S. Army Signal Corps and McClurg–as I recall–was trained as a lineman.

He left some of his things with me (which I still have to this day) when he bravely volunteered to go out on a brigade mission. I tried unsuccessfully to talk him out of volunteering. I believe he was carrying a radio with an F.O. He died while on this mission. I personally took the report of his death over the radio from his battery. Everyone in our commo section (in particular) was devastated.

Two of the items he left with me "in case I don't come back" were his Kodak camera and a cigarette lighter. I have kept them all these years. Perhaps his family might like to see these. I have enclosed a photo showing these two things he left with me.

Bruce was a very brave fellow, and always with a smile, sense of humor and curiosity. Very patriotic. And he was a good friend. I miss him and think of those times often. It was a terrible loss for all of us.