THE WALL OF FACES

On behalf of myself and our band of paratrooper brothers who served in Vietnam with the 173rd "Herd" Brigade, let me offer our admiration and regrets for your complete sacrifice. May you rest in peace and never be forgotten.

You are my moms uncle and I would have loved to shake your hand and hug you. To me you are a hero and an inspiration for me to work harder to become a soldier and serve my country. One more thing I will cry for the lonely G.I.

Bruce is buried at Parkhill Cemetery, Columbus, Muscogee County, GA.

Dear PFC Bruce Martin Benzing, 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

An account of 1LT Smith’s final mission and death can be found in the document titled “The Battle for Hill 875, Dak To, Vietnam 1967,” authored by LTC Leonard B. Scott for the U.S. Army War College, page 20. (copies of this document are viewable on the internet)