THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Joseph Scicutella, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Infantryman with the 1st Cavalry. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

This year, as every year for many, my wife finishes the wreaths she makes for every Memorial Day and our American flag is raised in remembrance, as we observe this somber national holiday. You and our loved ones whose names also are inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial are in our hearts. My family and I will never forget the cost of our freedoms, and the men and women who have and continue to step forward to keep America safe.
With respect, always.
Curt Carter

On November 17, 1966, three companies from the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division, began reconnaissance in force operations in the southwestern corner of Pleiku Province along the Cambodian border in support of Operation Paul Revere IV. The companies were air assaulted into widely dispersed landing zones, and after four days of searching and reconnoitering, the 1/5th was scattered about their area of operations. On November 21st, Company C was situated in an ambush posture along a well-used trail they had discovered the previous day. During the morning, its three platoons resumed patrolling a short distance from the border. Small groups of enemy soldiers were observed, and the platoons maneuvered to gain fire superiority. Second Platoon was soon in contact. As Third Platoon moved across low ground beneath a hill to reach Second’s location, they were ambushed by a superior-size force. They took cover and immediately returned fire. In a few moments, Third Platoon was taking heavy fire on three sides. While trying to fight their way to higher ground, the platoon was nearly wiped out. Only two men survived, one by smearing blood from his own wounds on his face and playing dead. The enemy moved in, killing the wounded, and picking up all their weapons and radio. Second Platoon was also heavily engaged in a wooded area; its First Squad was completely wiped out. In total, C-1/5 lost 33 men killed in action. They included SFC Bobby W. Letbetter, SSG Charles K. Malone, SSG Max M. Woodsmall, SGT Theodore A. Alkire Jr., SP4 Norman C. Farris (awarded the Bronze Star), SP4 Eugene E. Mitchell, SP4 James E. Smythe, SP4 Wilbert Stewart Jr., SP4 Lester E. Unger Jr., SP4 Donald G. Vernon, PFC Gary D. Byford, SP4 Louis Castillo, PFC Eduardo Chavez, PFC John M. Dalton (awarded the Silver Star), PFC Carlito L. Dorsey, PFC John L. Godfrey, PFC Ralls Hawkins, PFC Charles L. Hicks, PFC Harvey Johnson III, PFC Marion E. Johnson, PFC Carroll H. Jones, PFC Arnold R. Krasnoff, PFC Gamaliel Marcano-Diaz, PFC Larry D. Naasz, PFC Joseph L. Rabon, PFC Edward J. Scahill, PFC Joseph Scicutella, PFC Samuel W. Smith, PFC Andrew L. Stephens, PFC Clifford R. Stout, PFC Alvin B. Tucker, PFC George A. Turner (Forward Observer from B/1/77th Arty), and PFC John F. Waden. Eleven others were wounded. Enemy losses were reported at 145 killed, many by airstrikes and artillery while withdrawing from the battle area. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, virtualwall.org, and ttu.edu]

Dear PFC Joseph Scicutella, sir.

This year, as every year, our American Flag looks majestic as it snaps to attention in the breeze, as if to return the salute of all those who have served and who are serving. Two Red, White, and Blue Memorial Day wreats, one to the left and one to the right, remain there during this very special Memorial Day holiday.

Remembering you, those you served with who didn't make it home from the Vietnam War, and all who died defending this country.

With respect, sir.

Curt Carter

Dear PFC Joseph Scicutella, sir.

As the American flag in our front yard flaps in the breeze, as my wife finishes the wreaths she makes for every Memorial Day, we have most of what we need to observe this Memorial Day. Yet, what we need most would be to have you and those whose names are inscribed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall with yours to be here as well. May we never forget the cost of our freedoms, and the men and women who have and continue to step forward to keep America safe.

With respect, sir.