THE WALL OF FACES

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

HOOAH

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Melioidosis is an infectious bacterial disease endemic in parts of southeast Asia including Vietnam. Humans are infected by contact with contaminated soil or water when the bacteria enters the body through wounds, inhalation, or ingestion. During the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1973, 343 American soldiers were reported with melioidosis. PFC Benny L. Smith was an artilleryman serving with C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 13th Artillery, 25th Infantry Division. During July 1966, Smith was one of several cases of melioidosis to affect 25th Infantry Division soldiers. A total of eight cases occurred in Division personnel, three of which were fatal, including Smith. After being infected with the bacterium, he developed pneumonia and expired July 28, 1966. Smith was twenty-one years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Operational Report-Lessons Learned 25th Infantry Division for the quarter ending 31 October 1966” at ttu.edu; death announcement from The Commercial Appeal (date unknown), Memphis, TN, courtesy of Na'Chel Shannon, Marshall County Library System, Holly Springs, MS]

Dear PFC Benny Smith, Thank you for your service as a Field Artillery Basic. The 55th anniversary of the start of your tour is in 5 days. 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.

Dear PFC Benny Leon 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