THE WALL OF FACES

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions and spends himself in a great worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end triumph of high achievement and, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while caring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

Dear Sgt William Silva, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. The 55th anniversary of the start of your tour is soon. 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.

Dear SGT William Gregory Silva, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

I was just a 19 year old kid and was scared. You were my squad leader. That is a night. I will never forget. You made the ultimate sacrifice that night for your country. I salute you and you will never be forgotten

It has been 47 years and I still remember that night . I don't remember the details but I was scared. It was dark and you really couldn't see what was happening except for the intermitten flares that were going off. Charlie had got inside the perimeter and using foliage to camoflauge his movements. I don't recall what transpired but you got your squad together and we started moving out.. You moved ahead of us in the dark and we lost contact and were unable to link up with you because we got pinned down by fire every time we would move so we got stuck behind a berm that's where we ended up staying til morning keeping our heads down. Did not learn you had paid the price til we got lifted out and back at basecamp. I wonder to this day if your squad had made it with you would we be here today or paid the price too. That is a question that will be left unanswered. Even as my squad leader I didn't get to really know you. I was just a 19 year old kid just trying to stay alive to come home.