THE WALL OF FACES

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Rocky’s fellow alumni from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Maj Duncan Padgett Smyly, on what would’ve been his 84th birthday - 13 May 2018. Maj Smyly was the son of a West Point graduate (USMA 1927) and the younger brother of a West Point graduate (USMA 1950).

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Rocky’s fellow alumni from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Maj Duncan Padgett Smyly, on what would’ve been his 83d birthday - 13 May 2017.

Maj Duncan Padgett Smyly was an alumnus of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY. He selected Air Force and received his commission as a 2nd Lt in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation. He was one of 335 men from West Point who died or are MIA in Southeast Asia/Indochina during the period October, 1957 – September, 1972. “Well done; Be thou at peace.”

My name is Duncan Stubbs Smyky and someone finally said he was a hero.
Dad was KIA when I was 9 years old. It also made a big impact on the lives of my 2 younger brothers and little sister, My mother never recovered from his death. She passed away and finally joined my father again in Arlington Cemetary just down the hill from the Unknown Soilders Tomb. My mom often said dad did die doing something he had a passion for. Serving his country to the best of his ability to provide ground support to save his fellow soilders and kill all those Vietcong he could in the process. Mom said dad would tell her his most favored weapon was nalpalm. He was KIA oa a nalpalm pass.

Dear Major Duncan Padgett Smyly, 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