THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Richie lived across the hall from me in our dorm at Alma College. He was there for the education but also to play football. I was from Ferndale, him from Detroit so I gave him rides in my Vw to & from school a few times. Very handsome, well built and most of all just a nice guy. Breaking his leg in football practice really affected him, resulting in him dropping out of school. I lost track of him, only later learning of him dying in Vietnam as a result of a land mine. A neat young man with opportunities in front of him ending his life too soon. My prayers for his soul and love to his family on this tragic loss. Love you, Richie
PS I will look for your name on the portable Vietnam War Memorial as it visits Battle Creek, MI July 14-17, 2022

Dear Sp4 Richard Paton, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Holy Thursday and Passover. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SP4 Richard Allen Paton, 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

Richard Allen Paton was born in 1948 to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Paton. He had three brothers: Edward, Robert Jr., and Norman. He graduated from Detroit Western High School in Detroit in 1966, and lived with his mother, Mrs. Alfred Karnatz on Lanson St. At his graduation from Western, he received awards for his athletic prowess in swimming and football, and for his character. He was a quiet and hard-working young man.

After high school, he attended Alma College on a football scholarship. After breaking his leg in the first scrimmage, he completed the year and went to California to work in a lumber camp for the summer. He then worked at the Fisher Body Plant, and chose to enlist in the Army rather than be drafted. He completed Basic Training at Fort Knox, Kentucky and then advanced individual training at Fort Polk, Louisiana.

Spc. Richard Paton arrived in Vietnam in September of 1969 where he was assigned to A Company, 2nd Platoon, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade. His company was on a security mission near Mo Duc, Vietnam. While on patrol, a land mine was detonated. Spc. Richard Paton was killed in the explosion. He was 20 years old.

For his actions in Vietnam, Spc. Richard Paton was awarded the Purple Heart. He is buried at Woodmere Cemetery in Detroit.