THE WALL OF FACES

Tony, thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice. Sorry I didn't mourn you properly as I am sure Judy and Karen did. May you rest in peace with the angels and all the warriors who made the ultimite sacrifice.

We weren't that close as we lived in different towns and went to different schools but would see each other on Sundays at White Hall Baptist Church in Accokeek, MD. I see from your profile that we were both born in AUG 1947. Mostly I remember you and your sister Judy but I see some of your other siblings have replied here. It was YEARS later that I learned of your death in Nam. Rest in peace my friend. I have recently found your grave on Find a Grave web site.

Dear Sgt Joseph Oreto, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. 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.

Fatally wounded by hostile bullet
Fighting in enemy base camp
April of 1969
To save his fellow soldiers
Tried destroying an enemies machine gun

SGT Joseph A. Oreto and SP4 Kenneth V. Jensen were aero rifle platoon (ARP) members serving with Air Cavalry Troop, 11th Armored Cavalry. On April 13, 1969, they were participating in Operation Atlas Wedge in the area of the Michelin rubber plantation, their objective being to stop the southerly movement of the 7th NVA Division toward Saigon. During the operation, SP4 Jensen was in the point position leading a squad through thick jungle with SGT Oreto close behind. Moving between enemy bunkers, the two were caught in the open when the enemy opened up with a violent volley of small-arm fire. Oreto was hit in the heart and died instantly. Jensen was hit multiple time and bled to death before his pinned down ARP’s could get to him and render aid. Eventually some ARP’s were able to reach Oreto and remove his body. It took hours before mechanized infantry cleared the bunkers of the enemy that Jensen was recovered. One of Jensen’s buddies stayed on the battlefield the whole time, watching over his friend until help arrived, and then carried him away for evacuation once the area was secure. [Taken from the book American Warrior by J.C. Bahnsen Jr.]