THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SP5 Gerrit John Schouwburg, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

The Daily Staff Journal for the 1/8 Cavalry for 24 June 1967 states that around 0530 hrs. in the morning that A Co. requested a Medevac for 3 men injured by incoming grenades. There is 1 KIA and 2 WIAs. The VC who threw the grenade is KIA. He was dressed in black pajamas and had a .45 caliber pistol and a diary that has a list of names. The grenade was thrown west to east at 920195. (This means that it was thrown from the village as the men faced that direction about 200 meters from the shore). Medevac completed at 0555 hrs. This occurred during a cordon operation at the large coastal village of Tan Loc (919-195), about 7 kilometers north of Tam Quan. I was in the hospital at the time, but I was told that a fanatic rushed their position and threw a grenade but was promptly cut down. Doc Shouwburg was responsible for getting me to the hospital before my cellulitis had gotten out of control. I remember his concern and kindness.

Gerrit is buried at Ever-Rest Memorial Park South,Kalamazoo,MI in Sec P, Lot 571, Gr 2.

Local Man Killed In Vietnam
Garrit Schouwburg

Spec 5. Garrit Schouwburg, 22, a medic serving with the United States Army in Vietnam, was killed in action Saturday.
He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. John Schouwburg of 123 Balch.
Details of his death were not immediately available, although U.S. Army officials reported Spec. 5 Schouwburg was killed by gunfire in action against a hostile force. The exact location was also not revealed.
Spec.5 Schouwburg was born January 28, 1945 in the Netherlands. He came to Kalamazoo in 1953 and had been a resident ever since.
A 1964 graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, he entered the Army in September of 1965. He had been in Vietnam since September 22, 1966
He was a member of Bethany Reformed Church and worked at Doubleday Bros. before joining the service.
The young soldier was the 21st Kalamazoo area man to be killed in the Vietnam conflict and the sixth from Kalamazoo to die in action.
Funeral arrangments through Langeland Memorial Chapel.

I just want to take this time to say I am truly grateful for what you did for our country. You gave your life and were dedicated to this country. Your loyalty and bravery has set an example to generations to come. You will always be remembered for this! Thank you!

Sincerely,
Jen Steffen