THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You died at 18 years of age. I am 75 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

I do not know the family but I have a memorial bracelet for SSG James L Van Bendegom. See the comment that his remains were returned home in 2014 I would like to get his family his bracelet. Any help would be appreciated.

I knew the VanBendegoms from Trinity Lutheran Church in Kenosha. His mother was very involved there and I will never forget the day I saw her standing in the church hallway telling someone that Jimmy had been seen alive after his capture in Vietnam. She was so uplifted. It was heartbreaking through all the years for her not to have closure. I stood with hundreds of others in Kenosha lining the streets when his remains were finally brought home in 2014. His mother was there to see this outpouring and have her son back home. Welcome home Jimmy, we never forgot you either.

Staff Sergeant James Lee Van Bendegom, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear SSgt James Van Bendegom, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman, You are still MIA. Please come home. 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. Be at peace.