THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Dear Sg Richard Thomas, Thank you for your service as a Special Forces Qualified Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is another summer. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Sergeant Richard Alan Thomas 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 (Special Forces Qualified) and was assigned to DET B-50 (PROJECT DELTA), CCS, MACV-SOG, 5TH SF GROUP.
See http://www.virtualwall.org/dt/ThomasRA02a.htm

SFC Larry P. Bartlett and SGT Richard A. Thomas were U.S. Army Special Forces members assigned to Detachment B-50 (Project Delta), Command and Control South (CCS), MACV-SOG, 5th Special Force Group. On January 9, 1970, they comprised a CCS team led by SFC Bartlett with SGT Thomas as the One-One (assistant team leader). As they were moving toward a landing zone about 30 miles south of where another team (Recon Team Vermont) had been hit, a large NVA force attacked them, killing both Americans. Bartlett suffered a fatal chest wound and Thomas died as the result of fragmentation wounds. A Bright Light team (a reaction force that assisted reconnaissance teams in contact or trouble) was inserted, fought its way through an NVA force, losing a Montagnard fighter on their team, and recovered Bartlett’s and Thomas’ bodies. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and the book “The Secret Wars of America's Commandos in Vietnam SOG” by John L. Plaster]

Dear SGT Richard Alan Thomas, 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