THE WALL OF FACES

Van was a year behind me in High School. He was one of those people who likes everyone
and seems to never have any enemies. He always had a smile on his face. He was killed
20 days before I finished my tour in the Air Force. He was a great big guy with a great big
heart.

Van was a gentle giant. He was shy but always took care of his mother. I remember visits to his home and how proud his mother was of all his successes. I also remember her pain at his death - still proud but hurt deeply. We shall not forget this smiling face.

Semper Fi
Jim McKenney
Col USMC(Ret)

I remember Van as the guy who was already six feet tall in the sixth grade, and still growing! Even tempered, a little shy. He had the size, but never seemed to have the agility to play sports like basketball and football, although he gamely tried. It seemed he was just too big and got that way too fast. But when it came time to serve his country, he was "just right." Van, I've touched your name on the wall in DC and you are part of my memories of youth. You are forever young in my heart, and about TEN feet tall!

Van and I were in high school together. He was two heads taller than all the rest of us. And a star on the basketball team. He was truly a good person. I lost track of him after graduation. Me off to college and he off to war. I heard the news of his death and it hurt.

He was honorably mention at our 40th high school reunion this past year. He is the only one of our graduating class of 1961 to die in the Vietnam war.

Semper Fi

Just wanted you to know that it has taken a long time for me to find you. We have never met, but we are connected by our last name , I too am a "TRANTHAM" rest easy for I too have served "NAM 66-70"
"Charlie Mike Six - OUT"