THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lcpl Sanford Shrout, Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Cannoneer. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Valentine’s Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Uncle Jr., I was less than 2 years old when you died fighting for our country. I wish I would have had more time to get to know you. Thank you for your courage and bravery. I hope we meet again someday. Your nephew, Steve Shrout

LCPL Sanford Shrout Jr. was a Field Artillery Cannoneer serving with Mortar Battery, 3rd Battalion, 12th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. On August 28, 1967, LCPL Shrout was on a detail to remove grass on the perimeter of Ba Long Airfield in Quang Tri Province, RVN. Shrout suffered second and third degree burns over 80% of his body when the grass around him accidently ignited. He died on the hospital ship USS Repose on September 2, 1967. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Jr, you were my Uncle, my Dad's little brother. I was just a little kid( real little) when you went away to fight for your country, our country. There were lots of pictures of you with me & my brothers & with my Dad, Mom & Grandma & Grandpa. I always thought you were so handsome. I just wish that I had gotten to have you around to get to know instead of only having the pictures. I know you must have been a really brave man to do what you did to protect all of us. I think of you often & wonder if you are now up "there" & still protecting us. I like to think you are. I love you Uncle Jr.

Yellow corvette.....