THE WALL OF FACES

I believe this is the Curt that I knew when his father was the mechanic at my father's Gulf gas station in Owensville, Ohio. Kurt worked there with his father, Charley until Kurt was drafted (I think). I was only 14 years old when Kurt got married and left for the military. My mother said Kurt was a very well mannered young man. My family liked Kurt. I know he was deeply missed by all including our family and his father Charley and his younger brother "Little" Charlie Jr.

Dear PFC Curtis Ray Riley, 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

Curtis is buried at Brickunion Cemetery, Greenup,KY. PH

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

Dear Soldier,
I am posting remembrances on behalf of our Gridley High School Posting Project. Almost our whole high school is posting remembrances on this virtual wall to Vietnam Veterans. My name is Amanda Kinney, I am 17 years old, and a Senior at Gridley High School. When you were close to my age you gave your all fighting for our country. You died fighting for what you believed in, giving your all to our country, the United States of America! I would have been so scared as I’m sure you were, but I don’t think I could have done it, but you did! I just want to thank you for your bravery and courage. You will never be forgotten.

God Bless,
Amanda