THE WALL OF FACES

Your family still loves and remembers your heart.

On February 6, 1967, two armored personnel carriers (APC’s) from 2nd Battalion, 2nd Infantry, were preparing to embark on a combat mission during Operation Williston when non-electrical blasting caps accidently detonated in one of the vehicles causing the detonation of explosives aboard. The explosion resulted in the second APC being set ablaze and both vehicles became flaming infernos, causing the deaths of seven soldiers. They included PFC Max E. Brown Jr., PFC Kenneth J. Fletcher, 1LT Richard D. Shepard, SSGT Russel L. Watson, SGT James A. Dickens, SP4 Michael C. Newman, and SP4 Roger L. Tanner. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear SSGT Russel Lee Watson, 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

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Russell is buried at Pleasant View Cemetery, Post Falls, Kootenai Co, ID.