THE WALL OF FACES

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotions and spends himself in a great worthy cause; who at the best, knows in the end triumph of high achievement and, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while caring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold, timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat. Theodore Roosevelt

Dear Cpl George Snodgrass, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. I researched you on your 77th birthday, which was the day before your 56th anniversary, too sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Spring , and Lent. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

George grew up on the same street as my dad Peter Guide in Pompton Lakes NJ, the street that now bares his name. We used to take care of his memorial down at Hershfield for many years, and with the help of his fellow soldier Bill, his grave was found and is now well taken care of, too. George, you were gone decades before I was even born but I feel like you are part of the family. I hope that you and my dad are looking down from heaven and are proud that we have never forgotten.

SP4 George E. Snodgrass was an infantryman assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry, 25th Infantry Division. On March 15, 1966, his unit was participating in Operation Honolulu, a 2nd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division search and destroy operation. During combat operations, SP4 Snodgrass received a non-life threatening wound to the leg. He was placed on a stretcher and put in a medical evacuation helicopter (“dustoff”). As the aircraft lifted away, it came under hostile enemy fire. SP4 Snodgrass received a fatal head wound when an enemy round entered the cabin of the helicopter. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 1-5th-m-25th-inf-1966.com]

Dear SP4 George Edward Snodgrass, 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, Sir

Curt Carter