THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lieutenant Rich, You Are Not Forgotten!
This is the 2nd year, on the anniversary of your passing (September 11), that I ran a mile with you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, Dear Brother.

Each year since September 2015, at the annual 5th Division Army reunion, members of the Society of the Fifth Division, U.S Army remember the 514 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, who were Killed in Action in Vietnam. You are among the soldiers remembered. You Are Not Forgotten!

Phil “LT Mike” Maniscalco
Society of the 5th Division, U.S. Army
Delta Company 1/11 Infantry
Vietnam Sept 1968- Sept 1969

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Dear LT Rich ~ You Are Not Forgotten!
Today, on the anniversary of your passing, I ran a mile with you in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in Peace, dear brother.

Each year since September 2015, at the annual 5th Division Army reunion, members of the Society of the Fifth Division, U.S Army remember the 514 soldiers from the 1st Brigade, 5th Division, who were Killed in Action in Vietnam. You are among the soldiers remembered. You Are Not Forgotten!

Phil “LT Mike” Maniscalco
Society of the 5th Division, U.S. Army
Delta Company 1/11 Infantry
Vietnam Sept 1968- Sept 1969

Dear Lt Peter Rich, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. I researched you on the 54th anniversary of the start of your tour. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The fall of Afghanistan reminds me of Saigon. It is very sad. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

While I did not know you personally, I came to know of you and your brave heroic service through your brother Henry. It was an honor and privilege to visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall and to see your name enshrined among all the other brave Americans whose lives were tragically cut so short. I explained to my sons that the names on this wall represent the best America has to offer and that these names represent true American Heroes and how I they gave of themselves unselfishly for this country and paid the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you for your service. You will never be forgotten.