THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC James Southey, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. I researched you on your 74th birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Holy Week, 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.

James, I hope you will remember me from our LCHS Class of '66. Like you I too served in Vietnam, but unlike you I was one of the fortunate to make it back home. I just want you to know that you will never be forgotten. Classmates and brothers in arms forever.

Private First Class James Russell Southey, Served with Company D, 3rd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division.

We rode the train together to the induction center. He said he would be out faster than me because he was drafted and I enlisted in the navy. I told him I didn't want to go to the front lines and he said it would all be ok and I said I hope you will be fine and he said no problem, he was going to be a firefighter when he got out. The next thing I got was a letter from home when I was at sea on a carrier (the Independence) with an obituary from the journal star stating that he was killed in a raid. He died from mortar and machine gun. He was my friend and I broke down when I read the letter and cried. I still remember Jim to this day. May God grant him peace thru out eternity. Thank you for your service Jim, you are a real hero to me.
David Hauck class of 66 Limestone hi. Also my birthdate is 3/23/48 like Jim.

Dear PFC James Russell Southey, 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