THE WALL OF FACES

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Petty Officer Third Class Thomas Stewart McGarry was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device (V), for his exemplary gallantry in action. He served as a Gunner's Mate and was assigned to NAVAL ADV GROUP, RIVPATGRP 62, TF 116.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/dm/McgarryTS01a.htm

Dear PO3C Thomas McGarry, Thank you for your service as a Gunner's Mate (Guns) 3rd Class. Your 76th birthday just passed, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. On this day in 1945, Japan surrendered. 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.

So many memories I blocked out of my head as a child but the memory of you driving out of your Aunt Evelyn driveway for the last time is imprinted in my heart forever
My cousin,my HERO
I Love You
Miss You
Never Forgotten

At 2330 hours on October 20, 1970, the Naval Advanced Tactical Support Base (ATSB) at Song Ong Doc was attacked by what was later estimated to be a Viet Cong company reinforced with heavy and medium weapons. The VC started pouring in 57mm recoilless and mortar rounds from both the north side jungle adjacent to the base and from the south side free-fire area of swamps across the river. In addition, the VC were shooting 12.7 mm machine guns and small arms into the base. Rounds were landing everywhere and sank two riverine patrol boats (PBRs) that were tied up alongside. Air support was requested and offshore gunfire support from the Coast Guard ship USCGC Bering Strait fired at points south of the river. Enemy fire began tapering off after an hour. Damage from the attack included ten AMMI pontoon barges being hit and/or sunk. Buildings had for the most part all been burned from fuel fires. There were two Americans killed in action. GMG3 Thomas S. McGarry, an advisor with the 62nd River Patrol Group, was fatally injured when he was struck by a B-40 rocket as he attempted to lead a group of men to their PBRs within moments after the assault began. He was recommended for the Bronze Star for his actions. RM3 John D. Drake, initially reported as missing, was later found dead on the ATSB. Approximately 20 more USN personnel suffered injuries. The supporting boat tender USS Garrett County (LST-786), located offshore, received many of the wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and riverinesailor.com]