THE WALL OF FACES

First Lieutenant Carl Douglas Shirley, Served with the 919th Engineer Company, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, United States Army Vietnam.

Our family appreciates your willingness to serve and give your life for our freedom.

Our family appreciates your willingness to serve and give your life for our freedom.

Dear 1LT Carl Douglas Shirley, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

In early January 1968 two platoons of enlisted soldiers arrived at Fort Belvoir Virginia to begin training at the US Army Engineer Officer Candidate Regiment. Carl Shirley was among them. Twenty three weeks later he graduated as a second lieutenant, Corps of Engineers. Half of those who began with him did not graduate with him. Because of his excellent leadership skills his first assignment was to the Regiment as a tactical officer. In May 1969 he deployed to Viet Nam. It is with great regret this fellow officer candidate of Class 526E recalls his sacrifice. Visiting his grave at Arlington is most painful. A life cut short. A talent lost. A friend gone. Survivors guilt. He will always be honored. Never forgotten.