THE WALL OF FACES

A true American hero from the great city of Somerville. Remembered on this Memorial Day. You will not be forgotten.

Dear PFC Robert Silva, Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Radio Operator - Ranger. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy Valentine’s Day and Presidents' Day. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On the remembrance of your 70th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

HOOAH

I know I met you, probably more then a few times, maybe at those barbecues on the side lawn, out in "the country" as you city folk use to call my mothers house in the suburbs. Family get togethers were more common back then. I was 8 when you were taken from us at 18 years old, on your first mission, as I'm learning here, so my memories are not so solid. You've been missed, Rest in Peace Cousin.

Upon being inserted, R-8 silently moved towards a location further South than R-30 had ventured. The intent was to locate a site conducive to both communications and defense. R-8 was alert to the danger inherently present whenever increased helicopter traffic alerted the enemy to possible LRRP presence. While moving to choose a relay site, the team came upon what appeared to be a trip wire with a grenade attached. The TL instructed both Rangers PFC Ken Smolarek and PFC Robert Silva, both on their first mission, to remain at the booby trap while he and the ATL surveyed the immediate area for additional hazards. The TL reported that after moving 15 or 20M down the trail they heard the booby trap detonate. There were no witnesses to help us understand what happened, only the two mortally wounded Rangers. While we will never know what caused the detonation, we know they died our brothers. The unusual circumstances of their death cannot diminish the courage and heroism shown by these Rangers when they chose to become Rangers. Some Rangers are destined to die surrounded by expended brass and the bodies of their enemy, others will die many years after their service, unharmed and surrounded by their loved ones. All will be remembered as having been among the best this nation can send to war. All are heros. They never needed to show their courage with results, their decision to risk everything for the promise of nothing made that un-necessary.