THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic the circumstances of your death is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

I grew up with Rich and his brothers Bob and Fred as we spent many years at the beach in Hawthorne and Point Pleasant , NJ. The Somodi and Roughgarden families were very close as our parents Fred Sr. and John A. Somodi grew up together. We were almost considered cousins.

1LT Richard J. Roughgarden was a Construction Engineer serving with Headquarters & Headquarters Company (HHC), 46th Engineer Battalion. On September 14, 1969, 1LT Roughgarden died after being shot in the head with a .45 pistol by his best friend on the balcony of their two-story hootch building at Long Binh Post. The incident occurred after an evening of drinking at the battalion officer’s club on base. There were no witnesses to the incident; however, at a General Courts Martial for the shooter, both the prosecution and the defense accepted that it was an accident. Nevertheless, the prosecution wanted a manslaughter verdict. There were not supposed to be any loaded weapons inside the perimeter of Long Binh except for guard duty, and the prosecutor made a case for negligence. Eventually, the board of the Long Binh General Courts Martial delivered a manslaughter verdict but directed only a letter of reprimand because they believed the shooter had suffered enough and would carry the guilt of his actions with him the rest of his life. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Thomas K. Butt at tombutt.com]

Dear Lt Richard Roughgarden, Thank you for your service as a Construction Engineer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Another Halloween is soon Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Richard and I became good friends after my arrival in the 46th June 1969. Richard was a graduate of Notre Dame with a degree in Architecture. He was a member of and National Guard unit from New Jersey. Our S-3 was mainly staffed with men from this Guard Unit. I know a lot of days the guys from this Guard Unit would tell us that it is unconstitutional for them to be sent to Vietnam. We had a good time joking with them about this issue. I assume they were at the 46th because they had critical MOS”s The sad part is that Richard was in his last 2 weeks of his tour . In 2004 I made a trip to NJ and visted Richards grave. My wife and I then drove to Stuart , FL to visit Richards Mom and Brother . An emotional trip for all of us. Richard I look forward to seeing you when I get to heaven.