THE WALL OF FACES

Never forget.

HOOAH

According to his S.O.G team mates who were interviewed (Heroes Under Fire; episode
"Jungle Ambush", original air date 11/11/2005. SSGT. James D. Stride jr remains were recovered in 1997.
Thank you SSGT. Stride jr for the supreme sacrifice on behalf of the people of this great nation. From a Coast Guard vet.

Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

SSGT James D. Stride was assigned to Command and Control North, MACV-SOG in Vietnam. On October 5, 1968, Stride was the team leader, SP4 Steven D. Engelke, assistant platoon leader, SP4 Lynn M. Black, Jr., radio operator on a reconnaissance patrol in Saravane Province, Laos near the border of South Vietnam, and just about 10 miles south of A Shau. The platoon, in addition to its Special Forces members, consisted of an unspecified number of indigenous personnel. Upon the team's insertion into Laos, the team made contact with enemy forces. SSGT Stride ordered the team off the landing zone in order to break contact and to continue the mission. A hundred yards from the LZ, the team was ambushed. In the initial burst of fire, Stride was mortally wounded. The team recovered the body and formed a perimeter. Two hours later, the team was forced to exfiltrate, but Stride's body was left behind. Because the area was hostile, it was not possible to return for Stride. [Taken from pownetwork.org]

Dear SSGT James Daniel Stride Jr, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter