THE WALL OF FACES

I knew him in 7th grade, I think his dad was stationed at Suffolk County AFB. Another classmate, Wayne Minardi, and I figured out a couple of years ago that Cliff was probably lost in the war, but still, confirmation hurts. He was friendly, funny and open, but reserved, cool and maybe a little remote, all at the same time. A troublemaker and a class clown who never lost his self-respect or the respect of others. He seemed about a foot taller than the rest of us and about ten years older too —maybe a hundred years wiser—what some might call an "old soul". No space left for stories, but other can share.

DEAR SERGEANT BLOOM,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN AIRBORNE QUALIFIED PERSONNEL SPECIALIST. IT HAS BEEN FAR TOO LONG FOR ALL OF YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE. MANY OF US HAVE BEGUN OUR JOURNEY TO EASTER. AND YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS. IT IS HOLY WEEK, AND PASSOVER - GOD'S BLESSINGS ON YOU.

Dear SGT Lawrence Clifford Bloom, 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

Having gone to High School and worked along side you and your dad, Al, at the Exeter Inn...I want others to know of your great sense of humor, winning smile and willingness to help others. You entered the service knowing full well that you would probably end up in Viet Nam but felt you had to go for all of us. I think of you often and someday the old "Inn" gang will be all together.

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