THE WALL OF FACES

Dear 2LT Stephen Lee Braddock, 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

Steve was a member of C Co., 52nd Infantry Div. 716th MP Battalion, killed racing to rescue another 716th MP unit pinned down near the race track in Saigon, first day of TET offensive.

Steve and I worked together with his dad in the concrete business one blazing summer in the '60s. No one ever worked harder than Steve, and when he enlisted, I knew he would fight the same way he worked.

He introduced me to Roy Orbison's music, which remains my favorite of all time. He was so proud of his muscle car, which if I remember correctly was a Pontiac GTO.

Steve had tons of friends at North Jr. High and Abilene High. When we were in 7th grade, 'Leave it to Beaver' was big on Abilene TV, and Steve was universally known as 'Beaver' Braddock. He had this big toothy grin that you couldn't help grinning back at.

Steve was survived by his high school sweetheart and wife, Darlene, whom he loved with all his heart, as well as a broken-hearted extended family.

I was so upset and angry at news of his death that I tried to enlist and fully intended to go to Vietnam, but I failed the physical and never served.

Abilene should forever be proud of this great young man with a Texas-sized heart.

Picture is when he was enlisted. Commissioned 2 LT, Infantry after OCS.

Stephen is buried at Elmwood Memorial Park in Abilene, TX.

FOREVER REMEMBERED

"If you are able, 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.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....
Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."

Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell
KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces.

We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam:

Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother.

From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers