THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Jimmy L. Nation was an infantryman serving with 2nd Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. On August 1, 1968, Nation was at Fire Support Base Chippewa, an Americal artillery firing base and landing zone located seven miles northwest of Binh Son in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. According to the Daily Staff Journal, a “dustoff” (medical evacuation by helicopter) was requested at 4:00 PM after Nation was fired on and killed by another soldier named PVT Lavgard during an argument. The log reported that the dustoff was called in twenty minutes later and Lavgard was placed under armed guard. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org; article from the Fort Worth Star Telegram (Fort Worth, TX), August 5, 1968, courtesy of Brett Derbes, Texas State Historical Association, Austin, TX]

Taken from the Fort Worth Star Telegram (Fort Worth, TX), August 5, 1968, courtesy of Brett Derbes, Texas State Historical Association, Austin, TX.

Dear Lt Jimmy Nation, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It’s a New Year, but not necessarily better. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Jimmy, I was too young to understand what was going on and what your serving your country meant. You were always fun to be around - lots of teasing since I was younger and a girl. I think of you often and will never forget. Please know that you are loved and I am so proud of you. Your cousin, Karla Jennings Bailey

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.