THE WALL OF FACES

War drew us from our homeland
In the sunlit springtime of our youth.
Those who did not come back alive remain
in perpetual springtime -- forever young --
And a part of them is with us always.

Dear PFC Laffey Strait, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Memorial Day is soon, and we honor you. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Platoon 166. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on June 27, 1967.

Thank you for your service to our great country my brother. Semper Fi.

I was bored and the browser I was using was set for "photo" for some reason. I typed my name and BAM, my photo along with many, many other photos popped up including "The ship that wouldn't die" (the US LAFFEY), and your picture. It kind of looked like my high school picture so I figured we'd be the same age. We are/were. Upon further investigation, I found that we were in the service about the same time except I was shipped to Germany and you to the Nam where you lost your life and became a Hero to us all. As a fellow vet, my branch was the Army, I wanted to thank you for your service and the supreme sacrifice you made when you gave your life protecting ours. I've not been to the "WALL" yet but I hope to soon. I have four friends that are listed there, and from now on, you will be listed as my fifth. Hope to see you and my other buddies soon. Jerry Laffey

Laffey is buried at Oak Grove Cemetery, Ripley County, MO.