THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever.

Dear Sp4 Carl Wieneke, Thank you for your service as a Light-Wheel Vehicle Mechanic. 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.

Carl and I grew up together in Jerseyville, IL. We raised pigeons, and were charter members of the Jerseyville Pigeon Club. At that time were were 11-13 years old. I joined the United States Marine Corps in 1959 and lost track of Carl, until I returned home at my retirement in 1979, I was shocked to learn of his passing. He was a good friend, has been sadly missed, and I will continue to hold our friendship in my heart. God bless my friend. I miss you!

At 3:45 AM on February 6, 1968, the 178th Maintenance Company at Camp Radcliff, three miles northwest of An Khe in Binh Dinh Province, RVN, received an unknown number of 60mm mortar rounds. One U.S. soldier was killed and one wounded, and one 5-ton wrecker and a 3/4-ton truck were damaged. The lost American was diesel mechanic SP4 Carl J. Wieneke. Wieneke suffered fatal fragmentation wounds to the left side of his neck as he sought cover during the barrage. He was memorialized at a service held two days later in the 5th Maintenance Battalion Chapel. The service was attended by officers and non-commissioned officers plus friends and members of his unit. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vvmf.org, and Lessons Learned, Headquarters, 1st Logistical Command, Period Ending April 30, 1968]

This letter mentions what Carl was doing at the time and the one item he wanted sent to him: film.