THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear Sgt Thomas Root, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is actually the day Columbus had reached the New World. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

SGT Thomas R. Root, LCPL Jack V. Lackey Jr., PFC Ernie R. Martinez, and PFC Malcolm D. Whitting III were members of 3rd Platoon, G Company, 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marines Division. On July 10, 1969, they were part of a column of Marines which were on patrol south of Hill 55 along Route 4 near the hamlet of Giao Ai in Dien Ban District of Quang Nam Province, RVN, when an AP (anti-personnel) mine was tripped by one of the men when he sat down. The explosion killed LCPL Lackey, PFC Martinez, and PFC Whitting instantly. SGT Root was medically evacuated and died July 27th at Clark Air Base Hospital in the Philippines. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and findagrave.com]

A cousin

When I arrived at G 2/7 he was the first Marine to accept me as a fire team leader. He was a mentor, generous with his time, his stuff and his knowledge. He was and is real hero of Vietnam!!!! I will never forget him!!!