THE WALL OF FACES

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.

BUCN Robert A. O’Connor was a construction worker serving with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 58 (NMCB-58) located at Camp Shields at the Chu Lai Airfield complex in Quang Tin Province, RVN. At approximately 5:45 AM on August 12, 1969, six enemy 122mm rockets impacted near Camp Shields. One of the projectiles made a direct hit on berthing hut #511 which was occupied by BUCN O’Connor and others. O’Connor suffered fatal injuries in the blast. Another nine sailors were wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

We share the same name. I first visited the wall in 2005 I went in search of my friend Jeremiah Hayes Jr. You and Jerry rest on the same panel, very close to each other; you both were KIA on 12Aug1969. I needed a US Park Ranger to assist me because you both are at a high-point, so he offered a ladder for me to climb up and get a pencil-rubbing. As soon as I found Jerry my eyes were drawn to my -- our -- name; Robert A O'Connor. I could not leave without making a rubbing of both you and Jerry. To this day, I have both rubbings framed togther and hung in my home where I witness it everyday. I will never forget you, Jerry and all who gave their last measure for my freedom. Fair winds and following seas, Doc.

Dear CN Robert Anthony O'Connor, 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

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