THE WALL OF FACES

My name is Matt McGarry. I go to Bishop Hendricken High School and I'm researaching James E. Smith as part of my Vietnam Experience class. This project will culminate with the addition of his name to our own memorial wall at Bishop Hendricken. The project also includes gathering biographical information. If any of his friends, relatives, or fellow servicemen wish to contact me to relate his story, I would be most grateful. Finally, I wish in this remembrance to thank Corporal Smith for his sacrifice. It is because of brave men like this that the rest of us can live in freedom.

You died so young, yet we had so much in common. It is scary to think that in two years I could be in your position. You were from Providence and you graduated from LaSalle, two places that are only a half an hour drive from me. It is odd to think that two people with similar backgrounds could grow up to be so different. You gave your life in the service of our country at such an early age of 19, and for that I would like to personally thank you for. You will not be forgotten.