THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC John Franklin Riegel, 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

Left to Right: John Riegel, Dexter Pratchard, ?, ?

(Photo Credit: Fred Permenter)

Rest in peace with the warriors.

JOHN FRANKLIN RIEGEL



United States Marine Corps







Although this Marine-to-be began his life in Alexandria, Va., John Franklin Riegel spent his formative years in Gettysburg. Born to John J. and Sarah Elizabeth Riegel on January 23, 1949, he was one of three children. He preferred to be called "Frankie" by his family and friends.



Because his father died when he was young, the boy lived in the Barkley Cottage at the Hoffman Home for Youth in southern Adams County. He eventually attended Gettysburg High School for two years. While in high school, he entered the work-study program and was employed at Howe's Sunoco on Buford Avenue. "He was a shy sort of bashful kid, well-nature and a very good worker," recalls employer Jack Howe. "We had him over to our house for Thanksgiving Dinner before he went to Vietnam. Even then he mentioned to me 'I may not come back'." Frankie left Gettysburg and enlisted in the Marine Corps on October 13, 1966.



He completed basic training at Camp Lejeune, N.C. and on July 7, 1967, embarked on the troop carrier General John Pope, headed for Southeast Asia. After a short layover in Okinawa, Japan, Frankie arrived at the port of Da Nang on July 25. Almost immediately - as a member of Company M, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division - he started searching for communist troops in the northernmost part of South Vietnam near the Demilitarized Zone. Within four months, he survived several conflicts and injuries. Two pieces of shrapnel pierced his left leg while he was in action on September 10; after a short recovery, enemy soldiers wielding automatic weapons shot away the tip of his right thumb while he was on patrol December 12. Only seven days later just short of his 19th birthday, Frankie succumbed to his final injury - the enemy fatally shot him in the chest.



Today, the "adopted" native son of Gettysburg rests in Arlington National Cemetery. His name is on Panel 32 east, Line 27.



Semper Fidelis, Marine!



Thanks to Wayne E. Motts, military historian researcher, for the above photo and info.

John is buried at Arlington Nat Cem.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you John Franklin Riegel, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you PFC John Franklin Riegel, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND