THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Sp4 James Walden, Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart . Halloween 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.

When news broke to the family on that fatal day of 06 February 68, that Specialist 4th Class James Robert Walden was reported MIA in Southeast Asia, Vietnam. I couldn't speak, I was overcome with silence. I didn't know what to feel, or what to say, I just thought well...they will find him and he will be okay. My mother had seven sons and I was number five (5) in that pecking order of boys. Mom too, had six (6) daughters and I was number eight (8) in the pecking order. We all prayed and waited, and hoped brother James would be found. We finally got word that he was KIA, and positively identified. James was serving with the 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division... his whole outfit was killed in a fierce fire fight, they was over run and fought down to the last man. James was killed flat out by gun wounds, and it took days to recover all of the dead soldiers. There would not be an open casket funeral because the remains was so bad they were not viewable. Today, as I write this remembrance, it is James birthday, he would of been 76 years in life. Gone to soon at 22 year of age, and with only 11 months on active duty after being drafted to serve in the United States Army. And so, Happy Birthday James, you're still that missing link in the family chain 53 years later. I am still caring for you head stone, keeping the over growth cleared back and your name readable in the City of Miami Cemetery in Miami, FL. Old soldiers are never forgotten, and for that cause they never die... they just slip away and leave. God bless your memory my brother.
Caringly,
Your brother LARRIO

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

You were one of the brave that answered the call. You honored us by your service and sacrifice. We now honor you each time we stand and sing the words “THE LAND OF THE FREE AND THE HOME OF THE BRAVE”. Rest in Peace and Honor James.

Specialist Four James Robert Walden, Served with Company A, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division.