THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your cousin Barbara Guardino is touching and reflects the anguish experienced by so many families that lost loved ones in this war. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Sgt James Starkey, Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. Your 54th anniversary is this month, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The 47th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

On May 21, 1968, a group of nineteen M113A1 armored personnel carriers (APC’s) from F Troop, 17th Cavalry, 196th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division, was conducting a search and clear operation in Quang Nam Province, RVN. While returning to their base camp, the lead track, operated by members of 2nd Platoon, arrived at a stream where they looked for a safe area to cross. The lead track was ordered to cross at a previously used crossing, however, they refused because of the fear of a buried land mine placed there by the enemy. The command track, driven by SP4 James W. Starkey, was then ordered to cross the previously used crossing point. As it traversed the stream, a violent explosion occurred. Starkey and gunners SP4 Richard E. Biesiada and PFC Robert David were killed in the blast. Two others were critically wounded, including SSG Alton L. Singletary, who was medivacked to a U.S. Navy hospital ship where he later succumbed to his injuries. Singletary was posthumously promoted to Sergeant First Class. Starkey and Biesiada were promoted to Sergeant, and David was promoted to Corporal. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by James Sursely (May 2018)]

Dear SGT James Wayne Starkey, 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

You visited at our home often when you and our son Dennis Collins were in high school. Remember the talks we had. Visited the wall years ago and found your name. We have spoken of you many times remembering!