THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to 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...

Dear PFC Thelmer Rudlong, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. I researched you on the 54th anniversary of the start of your tour. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is next weekend. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

The following is from the 1996 book THE FACES BEHIND THE NAMES by Don Ward. The book encompasses the stories and photos of hundreds of Minnesota soldiers killed in action in Vietnam. The stories are mostly told by family members. The senior class picture of Thelmer is from his 1965 senior class at Chosen Valley High School in Chatfield, Minnesota. In the words of Thelmer Rudlong's family:

Thelmer Arthur Rudlong
Army Private First Class
Born: March 8, 1947
Died: December 5, 1967

Thelmer Arthur (Bud) Rudlong was one of 11 children. He was the oldest boy, and is survived by six sisters and three brothers.
Bud attended school in Chatfield, Minnesota, and graduated from high school in 1965. He had no "hobbies" as such, but did enjoy hunting and being with his friends and family. Being raised on a farm, he learned quite early to drive tractor and handle farm machinery.
After graduation, he went to work at a farm elevator in Racine, Minnesota, and drove a truck for them before he was drafted into the Army.
In October 1967, Thelmer married Sonja Arnold of Spring Valley, Minnesota and they had a short honeymoon at the Army base before he left for Vietnam.
Thelmer and his three companions were killed on December 5, 1967, when they were returning in a jeep from reconnaissance duty. The four men had stopped in the road on the edge of a camp when they met a busload of new recruits. The bus driver apparently did not remember that they were supposed to stop, and pulled off on the side of the road. The bus struck a land mine, the explosion hit the jeep, and all four of the young men were killed. Some of the men in the bus were also injured. The Vietnamese would plant these mines along the roads at night. Vehicles were supposed to stop in the road when they met, so that they could check for mines before pulling out.
Thelmer was awarded the Purple Heart, posthumously.
His funeral was on December 16, 1967 (his older sister's birthday), at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spring Valley, Minnesota. He was buried in the church cemetery beside our firstborn daughter, Karen, who died from meningitis at the age of five months.
Thelmer is deeply missed by his family and friends.
On May 30, 1968, Bud's wife Sonja, gave birth to their son, Timothy, who is now married, and his wife is expecting a baby momentarily.

The family of Thelmer Rudlong

I served with Bud( some called him Rudy) in Vietnam. I was about 20 feet in front of him when the mine exploded under the truck full of Marines.
I visit these sites often, maybe too often. Rest well.

Photo was taken from the historic book “THE FACES BEHIND THE NAMES - The Vietnam War” with the permission of author Don Ward. Thank you Mr. Ward.

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in peace and honor Thelmer.