THE WALL OF FACES

SP4 Jeri C. Seeman was an infantryman serving with E Company, 4th Battalion, 39th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division, U.S. Army Republic of Vietnam. During 1967, the 4/39th was incorporated with 1st Brigade, 9th Infantry Division. The brigade, with an attached Royal Thai Army Volunteer regiment, conducted search and destroy operations in Bien Hoa and Long Khanh Provinces, RVN, and provided for the defense of Camp Martin Cox (Bearcat Base). Near the end of November, Seeman developed an illness and went on sick call on the 26th. Army doctors diagnosed his disorder as vasculitis. Despite the supportive measures of medical staff, Seeman expired December 6, 1967, from the disease secondary to acute renal failure. He was 21 years old. A rare condition, vasculitis involves inflammation of blood vessels causing them to thicken. The reduced blood flow damages organs and tissue. There are many types of vasculitis; however, the exact cause isn't fully understood. Some types are related to a person's genetic makeup and others result from immune system disorders. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report - Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 9th Infantry Division, Period Ending 31 July 1967” at archive.com]

Image courtesy of Redbird Research LLC, Saint Charles, MO.

There is a place
Not far from here
Where spirits walk
And heroes live
And honor still resides.

It is a wall
With names inscribed
Of those who served
When they were asked...
The brothers of my youth.

I go there still
To walk and think
About my life,
And what I've done since
And things that might have been.

There is a debt
I can't repay
Too many lives were spent.
And one man's life cannot suffice
To make their deaths worthwhile.

But there is hope
In the memory
Of those we leave behind
Who know the price that freedom brings
Who can carry on in kind.

I send you now
To touch a name
So the vision can be passed
Remember there is honor still
It is for you to see it lasts.

They are not dead
And have a wish
As all old soldiers do
The reflection you see before you now
Is their wish to live in you.

Dear Sgt Jeri Seeman, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. The 55th anniversary of the start of your tour just passed. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy New Year. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

You are my uncle but I never got to know you. My dad still thinks about you every day and shares stories of the incredible man you were. Thank you for your sacrifice, we love you Uncle Calvin.