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

I met Gerry when we were kids, maybe 12. We lived near each other and would play waffle ball and touch football together; on Sundays these games were usually interrupted around 2:00 when all the Italian kids had to go home for dinner. Gerry and I went to different schools so we lost touch until high school. We probably met up again at the Cue Club. By then Gerry was known as “Doc” or “The Doctor”. He was a happy kid with something always funny and sharp to say. I’ve thought about “Doc” many times throughout the years and I’m grateful to be able to share this remberence.

Dear Cpl Gerald Sorrentino, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Palm Sunday, and Passover is soon, too. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Corporal Gerald David Sorrentino, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 52nd Infantry Regiment, 198th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Knew jerry same hs class in rvc.Our dads were both dentists.Was home from jr yr in college.My friend Tony Polizzi told me gerry was killed in nam and was going to the wake.14mos later Tony got us into Nat guard unit in upstare ny just when my draft physical notice came in the mail.