THE WALL OF FACES

Firebase Gela was a U.S. Army firebase located northwest of Lai Khe in Binh Duong Province, RVN. On November 21, 1968, an artillery fire mission directed against enemy forces fell short and landed near U.S. positions at FSB Gela. Two Americans, PFC Donald R. Wentz and SP4 James L. Brooks, suffered fatal injuries in the blast. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

I remember the day the phone rang. It was Ray Wentz (father) telling my Mom that Don was dead. Thanksgiving. My parents delivered turkey platters to Don's parents. Don is not my cousin by blood but by family events. We traveled many places and did things together as family. Vacations to Maine;Jersey Shore and Chesapeake MD. I was the youngest of the three of us Don my brother and I. I will never forget all of us. Don sacraficied his life for all of us.

My Dad, Richard Williams worked with Donnie's Dad Ray, at Bell Telephone. His Mom Fran and Grand Mother, Whippie were favorites of my Mom's. My first recollection of eating crabs were with them at Hack's point, Maryland on the Bohemia River off of the Chesapeake Bay, In high school, Donnie worked as a waiter at Linton's restaurant. He was an only child, as were his parents. Such a are loss as they all were. Love and remember you Donnie! Thank you for your service to our country.

Dear PFC Donald Ray Wentz, 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

Donald is buried at Emanuel Cemetery in Lewisberry, York County, PA. BSM ARCOM PH