THE WALL OF FACES

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

Dear Sp4 Barry Smith, Thank you for your service as a Medical Supply Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Winter will end soon, and Lent has begun. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

SP4 Barry Lee Smith is buried at Prospect Hill Cemetery in York, PA.

SP4 Barry L. Smith was a Medical Supply Specialist serving with 1st Battalion, 32nd Medical Depot, U.S. Army, Republic of Vietnam Medical Command. On January 24, 1972, SP4 Smith had charge-of-quarters (CQ) duty at the supply depot at Camp Baxter in Quang Nam Province, RVN, where he worked. Essentially, it was like being an overnight security guard with an M16 rifle. Smith was reportedly found with a gunshot wound of the stomach and his discharged weapon lying beside him. Smith was taken to a military medical facility where he later expired. The Army coded his loss “Accidental self-destruction.” [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Ed Pawlowski (July 2018); also from “Yorker dies in Vietnam.” York Daily Record (York, PA), February 1, 1972]

Dear SP4 Barry Lee Smith, 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