THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Phill Vallelonga is moving and reflects his enduring love for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever.

I remember Vallelonga from my basic training company (Delta Company, 15/4, 4th platoon). We were in the same squad and I paired with him in the in the hand to hand combat training and got whooped. I remember our drill Sergeant calling out one day "Vallelonga; the First Sergeant wants to see you". He had talked about plans to get married before he got drafted. Seems that his family planned his wedding after basic training but the Army wanted to first send him to advance training before he would get his first leave. In the spring of 1968 the Army needed everyone they could get for the war in Vietnam and all of us knew we were "Going Army" before we would be allowed to go home. Seems that his future father in law wanted his daughter married after he completed basic training and he did what any respectful citizen would do; he called his congressman. The First Sergeant, commanding officer, and just about everybody else in the chain of command were upset that Larry didn't talk to them before somebody called Congress. In the end, Larry went home, got married, and 9 months later his son was born. His commander in Vietnam got him out of the field to a job working for the battalion S-2 that was supposed to be a lot safer so he could get back to the states and be with his wife and son. He died in a freak helicopter crash that wasn't supposed to happen. He was a really great guy and would would have been a great father. It is a great loss that his son did not have the chance to know him.

Dear Sp4 Larry Vallelonga, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. I researched you on the 54th anniversary of the start of your tour. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the end of 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.

I first met Larry in junior high school (wilkinson Junior High School) in Madison Hgts Michigan. He was a very happy and funny guy. He loved imitatingthe characters on th e Soupy Sales show. I always enjoyed the time I spent with Larry. We didn't share any classes at Madison High School. I think of Larry often, especially on Memorial Day and Veteran's Day. I love you brother! George Zathey Vietnam 1968

Dear SP4 Larry Cosimo Vallelonga, 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, Sir

Curt Carter