THE WALL OF FACES

Private Donald Lee White, Served with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Don and I went to school together. We were good friends. Don joined the Marines and I joined the Navy about the same time. We both went to Vietnam about the same time. I was never in country, but was off the coast on ships. I saw Don when he came home after his first tour of duty. He died in May 1967 I think. He was a wonderful friend.

Semper Fidelis, Marine.

I knew done when we lived in Rockvale, Co. His folks and all the kids moved to
Rockvale about the time I was going to High School in Florence, Co. He had a crush on me and I did not know it. When we would ride on the bus from school to home, he would throw cockleburs into my hair and boy you just can not get
them out unless you cut them out. My mom kept my hair short cause it was easier to get them out. He was a good friend and I know his family. I do not think there was a girl but there had to be 8 or so boys in his family. They were all hard workers and helped anyone they could. He loved my moms' cookies, fresh bread. I thought he just came for the cookies, little did I know. When he got killed in action, I was working communication in the Navy and it came through on my watch. I attended his funeral as his family would not bury him until I got home. They told the Navy I was his fiance'.

Dear Donald Lee White, 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