THE WALL OF FACES

Dear SGT Robert Smeal, 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

Little Brother, They told us the pain and grief would lessen with time. It hasn't. We have learned to live with the reality of never hearing your voice or seeing your face again. We cherish our memories of the loving and caring young man that we were blessed to have as our little brother. All we have left is the flag that covered your coffin, your hat, and the many medals awarded to you, which we proudly display in our home. We will miss you every day of our lives until we meet again. Love, Ron and Carol

Robert is buried at Morningside Cemetery, Dubois, PA>

Uncle Bobby,
So young, so sad. You had your life ahead of you. To you and the other Smeal brothers and other military brothers and sisters who have served, Thank You

A grateful niece,
Cindy Smeal Flowers

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heros you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heros lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers