THE WALL OF FACES

Some may think you are forgotten
Though on earth you are no more
But in our memory you are with us
As you always were before….

My father, Captain Walter Wisniewski served with James. He remembers him fondly. His death hit him hard as James was his first friend KIA after my father had returned home from Vietnam. If any of the family should happen to see this, my dad would like to get in touch with you. James was a true hero who will always be remembered.
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Semper Fi

Dear Lt James Opsahl, Thank you for your service as an HMH Helicopter Pilot. I researched you on your 52nd anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Lent has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

As a Resident of Jims hometown I remember very distinctly that there had been a very heavy snow. So much so that my Dad, brother, and I were on the roof shoveling snow off to relieve the massive weight. We were discussing the terrible news. Jim had lived only a few houses away. A short time later my much younger brother appeared in the yard with a cross he had made with some tree branches. He stuck the cross in the snow and looked up at us and said, “this means I’m proud of him”. We all had tears running down our cheeks. Thanks for your service Jim. We are still proud of you!

First Lieutenant James Dean Opsahl, Served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM-362), Marine Aircraft Group 15 (MAG-15), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Third Marine Amphibious Force.