THE WALL OF FACES

Andrew James Payne, Jr. was one of my friends at Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale, CA during the 60’s. I knew him as “Jim” and we spent time together on a few double dates and occasionally cruised “Colorado Bob’s” restaurant on Saturday evenings, checking out the girls. Neither of us were anyone special, just regular guys, doing what high school age guys do. We had some good times together.

Jim was a year ahead of me in school and had already joined the Marines when I started my senior year. One morning in late Spring of 1968, we were starting our P.E. class when Coach Kohlmeier gathered us together on the deck next to the school swimming pool. With tears in his eyes he announced that Jim Payne, one of his former students and well known to all of us, had been killed in combat in Viet Nam. This was the first time I’d ever actually known a Viet Nam war casualty and it came as a shock. Unfortunately, Jim wouldn’t be the last.

A few months after graduating from high school, I too enlisted in the Marines. I guess I just wanted to find out first hand, what it was all about. After returning home safely after a year in Viet Nam during 1969-70, I came up with few answers and just went on with my life.

Since that time, I spend every Memorial Day thinking about Jim and the pain I feel (and maybe a little guilt too) since he was not able to go on to college, get married, have a family and live out his days as I have. Life just isn’t fair.

Thomas Holst
Boise, Idaho

Dear PFC Andrew James Payne Jr, 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

Andrew is buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in San Fernando, CA. PH

A portion of Sepulveda Boulevard/State Highway Route 1 in El Segundo near Los Angeles International Airport has been dedicated to the residents of Los Angeles County who served in Vietnam. This section of highway is now designated the Los Angeles County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. Adopted by the California State Legislature in 2000, the highway honors the more than 350,000 California veterans who served in the Vietnam War, including the 5,822 killed or missing in action. Los Angeles County has the largest number of Vietnam veterans in California and 1,857 of its residents were killed or missing in action during that war. This memorial corridor provides a fitting and proper way for the residents of Los Angeles County to express their gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices these Vietnam veterans have made for their country.