THE WALL OF FACES

Dear dad
I never had to honor of knowing who you were
Only that when you died
You died because you served
I don't know what your last thought was or why you had to go
The Stories are all the same
You died with honor without question and became a fallen hero
I remember the medals we received
As a kid I did not understand
Why decorate this soldier now
But I know now it was the man
The man I never knew
But they say he lives in me
And I'm honored to to be like you

I love you daddy

Dear Sgt Cary Smith, Thank you for your service as an Armor Crewman. 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.

I was there that fateful day. I was on the 4th ACAV. Smithy as we called him helped
me, a newbie and farm boy, to become acclimated to the unit. He was a good friend
and I look forward to seeing him in Heaven. Thanks Smithy.

SGT Cary J. Smith was an Armored Cavalry Assault Vehicle Commander with Troop B, 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. On April 19, 1968, during a reconnaissance in force mission in conjunction with Operation Clifton Corral in Phuoc Long Province, RVN, his armored column was taken under intense rocket, automatic weapons, and small arm fire from a North Vietnamese Army force. When the lead vehicle was completely disabled and its crew sustained numerous casualties, SGT Smith immediately moved his assault vehicle forward to shield the wounded crewmembers as they were being evacuated. While directing a heavy volume of suppressive fire from his vehicle’s weaponry against the enemy fortifications, SGT Smith was mortally wounded by enemy small arms fire. SGT Smith’s personal bravery and devotion to duty were in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army. [Taken from SGT Smith’s Bronze Star citation]

Cary,

I will always remember your gentle ways, your soft voice, your kind heart, and wonderful sense of humor which kept me company on that old yellow school bus as you sat beside me to and from the basketball games. I can still see you running around the Hickory Tavern basketball court as we cheerleaders yelled, "Cary Cary, he's our man, if he can't do it nobody can!"

Our world dimmed to learn of your passing so far from home. You were oh so brave, and I thank you for your service. Linton Mann (your football co-captain) & I have you forever in our hearts...RIP sweet friend, we will meet again. <3