THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear Sp4 Donald Wielkopolan, Thank you for your service as a Personnel Specialist with the 1st Cavalry. Your 55th anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 9th Day of Christmas. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear Lcpl Donald Wielkopolan, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 9th Day of Christmas. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Sir Donald Wielkopolan You and WO Johansen were protecting my Uncle CPL Kerry Geddes over the skys of Binh Dinh province that day I will not forget God Bless You!

I remember Donald from LZ English on the Bong Son plains of Vietnam. He was known and liked by all the members of our assault helicopter company. Donald was the guy that kept us in touch with the "World". He hand delivered our mail as soon as it came off a Huey. I can still see him dragging that bright red nylon mail bag off the flight line and me anticipating getting news from home.

An assigned door gunner became ill in the wee hours of the morning and Donald stepped forward to take his place. A dangerous night mission, "Lightening Bug". He was in the "Low Bird", flying just feet above the winding river below. Looking for "Charlie" moving supplies by night. We lost Donald and a pilot, James Johansen, that night.

It took decades, but thanks to Eugene Beyer, his commanding officer, Donald's parents received his Purple Heart for the actions of that evening.