THE WALL OF FACES

Carver was my big brother. I was only 7 when he died, as he was 15 years older than me. I couldn't imagine having a better brother than he was, even though he was not happy when I was born (he wanted a brother, he already had 2 sisters), and subsequently, he didn't speak to my Mom for almost a month after I came along. But that didn't last. My memories of him were these.... he would have water gun fights with me anytime I asked, he painted clown makeup on me, he took me on some of his dates (and I sat between him and his girlfriend). He was in college, then went into the Army. He had bad asthma and missing part of his lung. He never let that stop him though. He loved to run, he would run to his college classes and back home (somewhere around 10-12 mi. roundtrip), he loved to scuba dive and once got to go on Jacques Cousteau's boat. He loved underwater photography and scared my Mom half to death when he told her about his encounter with a shark. He was a beautiful person inside and out. I was the only one home with my Mom when the official car pulled into the driveway to tell us the news. Ours lives forever changed. I have always wondered how different my life would have been if he had still been in it. I'll never know, but he lives in my heart and I miss him every single day of my life.

Dear Sgt Carver Vaughan, Thank you for your service as an Armor Reconnaissance Specialist. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart . Autumn has begun. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

SGT Jack W. McCann, SGT Raymond C. Holt, and SGT Carver J. Vaughn served with K Troop, 3rd Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry. On December 27, 1970, the three soldiers were on a dismounted patrol in Binh Duong Province, RVN. At approximately 6:58 PM, while setting up a night defensive position, one of the men stepped on a hostile land mine place there by the Viet Cong. McCann, Holt, and Vaughn were killed after suffering abdominal and head injuries from the blast. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear SGT Carver Joe Vaughan, 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

Honoring those Texas Veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. May their sacrifice not be forgotten.