THE WALL OF FACES

I had the distinct honor of serving with Kirby in late 1967
He was S-3 and I was the S-1 of Support Command. We were both Infantry officers seeking a field assignment and spent hours talking about our families. His goal was to finish his service and go to medical school where he would continue to serve. He talked proudly of his new son. Kirby’s field request came through and he became an Infantry Company commander where he lost his life a short time later. Those of us still with Support Command held a memorial service for Kirby. I felt very close to him and think of him every day. He was a great human being.

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.” Franklin Delano Roosevelt

Dear Capt. Charles Kirby Wilcox

My name is Sam Lindsay, I seem to be your grandnephew. My grandfather was your wife’s 2nd husband’s brother Don Ray Lindsay. I am writing you this letter for a school project however have met your wife at some point in my lifetime I believe and my dad, William knew your son Curt from when he was a kid. Though I never got to meet you I wish I could because I have heard many kind and interesting things about you. I know you graduated West Point and I respect military soldiers especially those devoted to serving our country by fighting in war and going out to college to learn how to defend our freedom. I pray you are remembered for the rest of eternity by your friends and family. I have researched war and military history and great respect for those willing to go out in terrible conditions, risking their lives for the greater good of mankind. Commonly I doubt this country’s stability and sanity but when I think about you it reminds me how much this country is worth fighting for. I sometimes think about my future and sometimes wonder I’d make a good soldier (I doubt it) to fight for my country and my freedom. Recently we have had many problems in this country such as a pandemic, political movements, and a huge divide between political parties. Though we may have problems were not all dead or worse oppressed. I will always remember and respect you and thank you.

Dear Cap Charles Wilcox, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander with the 1st Cavalry, and for graduating from West Point. Your 54th anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 11th 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.

The “Friends of Rocky Versace” remember one of Bob Walters' USMA 1964 classmates - a brother Airborne-Ranger - Captain Charles Kirby Wilcox, on what would’ve been his 78th birthday - 4 June 2020.