THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Dear PFC Monte Van Skike, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is the last full day 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.

SP4 James W. Nichols Jr., PFC John L. Stewart, and PFC Monte E. Van Skike were infantrymen serving with C Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division. Since December 1967, the 11th Infantry Brigade had been participating in Operation Muscatine, an Americal operation conducted west of Duc Pho in the lower tip of Quang Ngai Province, RVN, with its three battalions going after the 2nd and 22nd Regiments of the 3rd Viet Cong Division. On February 26, 1968, an old ammo box was located near some trees five miles southwest of Binh Son. While the discovery was being reported to their squad leader, Nichols, Stewart, and Van Skike, despite be admonished not to, decided to open the box. An explosion occurred as a booby-trap detonated, critically injuring them. A medic provided first aid and they were dusted off (medically evacuated); however, the three Americal soldiers succumbed to their injuries. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Craig Wentling (November 2008) at vvmf.org]

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear PFC Monte Eugene Van Skike, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter