THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Dear Sp4 James Tuttle, Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. I researched you on your 74th birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Labor Day weekend. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall (mobile) April 22, 2022 in Knoxville TN. I found James Walter Tuttle's name Panel# 26W Line #80. I vividly remember riding the Powell Valley High School bus as a sophomore when it stopped at the railroad tracks in Arthur near James's parents house. I saw the deep community outpouring with the news of the loss of James. It has been itched in my memory all these years, just as the loss of my brother, David, to a tragic automobile crash at the age of 17. I got my US draft card two years latter but was never called. My father was a career US Army soldier, having served in Panama, World War II and Korea. He was a Charter Member of the 82nd Airborne. I was born at Fort Bragg NC and traveled with him to Fort Benning GA, Fort Walters TX and Linz Austria. I grew up near James in the community of Harrogate/Shawanee. James is buried (Shoffner Cemetery) near where I learned to swim and fish in Indian Creek. I visited James's and his parents' grave 4/25/22 to pay my deep respects. It is hard to express my sorry for James's family and relatives as he made the "ultimate sacrifice" for the Freedom that all Americans enjoy. I summitted photos of the VV Memorial Wall (mobile) and the Tuttle's Headstone.

Walter as I remember my family called him was my momma’ aunt Willa Mae brave nineteen year old son was referred to was lost by giving his ultimate sacrifice in a war many never understood ! I always heard of the greatest sacrafice that he made but my aunt willie as I called her never spoke much of this! I am so sorry I didn’t get a chance to know you because of our age difference but you are one of the heroes I always had growing up as my dad also served in Nam! I am so proud to call you family and I just know that our family will have a glorious reunion one day where I can hug you and thank you for being a true American hero! I love you Walter until we meet again! Melissa

Walter and I were school classmates - graduated high school together.
I not only called him a classmate but he was a friend to all. He could make you smile and laugh.

He was and is a hero

Thanks just don't seem enough for what you gave