THE WALL OF FACES

Private Dennis M. Stoppleworth was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, with Combat Distinguishing Device V, for his exemplary gallantry in action. He was also awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Merit for his sustained meritorious service. He served as an Infantryman and was assigned to B CO, 1ST BN, 8TH CAVALRY, 1ST CAV DIV.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org

Dennis was a high school classmate and someone I got to know better in college. War is senseless, even more so when it takes someone you know.

Dennis was always a kind, conscientious, and gentle person. I knew him as a young boy when he lived across the street from me, and I met him again several times when we were in 11th grade. He wanted to study Latin. I often think back on him. He died too young.

PVT Dennis M. Stoppleworth was an infantryman assigned to B Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. The 1st Battalion, 8th Cavalry Operations Log for June 20, 1970 identifies PVT Stoppleworth by name and describes his death in following entry: 0915 hours: “One aircraft was at flight idle in the pick-up zone when subject individual [Stoppleworth] ran out of the wood line directly into the main rotor blade. Body is being taken to B Med at FSB Buttons." The accident occurred just within Cambodia about 8 miles west-northwest of Djamap Airfield, or about 20 miles north of Phuoc Binh (aka Song Be). [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and virtualwall.org]

Dear PVT Dennis M Stoppleworth, 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