THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Hi Lesly Adele (Urban) Mahnke,

I am a former US Marine Vietnam Vet. My friend Gordon White and I went to Vietnam together. We are Canadians who went south to volunteer. He was KIA on March 12th 1969. His name is on the Wall in DC and the Missoula Montana Wall. Gordon was on your wall as we both joined the marines in Montana.

While looking at the Montana Wall I saw you father's name John Robert Urban. Given my father's large family, Montana's proximity to Canada and my last name, I wonder whether your family has any Canadian heritage?

Dana Urban
[email protected]

Dear WO John Urban, Thank you for your service as an Utility & Light Cargo Single Rotor Helicopter Pilot. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. 9/11's anniversary is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Warrant Officer John Robert Urban was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as a Helicopter Pilot and was assigned to the 68TH AHC, 145TH AVN BN, US ARMY SPT CMD VIETNAM.
See http://www.coffeltdatabase.org/detreq2.php

I found an old photo and went to take it out of the frame, behind it I found a letter from my father to my mother written they day before he was kia. She must have tucked it away, perhaps to read later as the letter came after the news from the guys with the big white star on the green car, my memory. The letter spoke of not much rest and for a change a new movie to watch, "Cleopatra" with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. At the end, he expressed his personal feelings for his wife, (he was her true love till she passed, Sept 15th 2018) he told my mother to be sure and thank me for my last letter, said my letters were improving. My proudest moment! Thanks Dad and GOD BLESS ALL the fallen Fathers and Brethren we've lost. We remain strong, because of ALL of YOU!