THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just six days before your 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear Sgt Ronald Wilkinson, Thank you for your service as an Observation/Scott Helicopter Repairer with the 1st Cavalry. The 54th anniversary of the start of your tour was 4 days ago. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. 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.

On February 23, 1969, the Viet Cong and North Vietnamese launched mortar and rocket attacks on Saigon, Da Nang, Hue, Bien Hoa Air Base, and other key targets throughout South Vietnam. In this offensive, Communist forces relied heavily on the use of standoff firepower in hit and run attacks. During the attack on Bien Hoa Air Base in Bien Hoa Province, RVN, the installation received 54 rounds of mortars and rockets. Two U.S. soldiers were killed in the assault. They included PFC Earnest W. Graham and SGT Ronald J. Wilkinson. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, vietnamwar50th.com, and c-7acaribou.com]

My dearest friend and neighbor Ronnie, I will always remember you. I still miss you and it's been 48 years. Thank you, Ronnie, for your service. With love, Jeanne

Dear Ronnie,
It's memorial Day weekend, 2014. I am 70 years old now. But my memories of you, of us, are so clear. We spent so many days playing in the dirt with our marbles and cars; you were so generous in letting me play with your toys, as if they belonged to both of us. I remember the stories you would come home from school and tell me, after you changed from your uniform. I was always amazed that you knew the names of every car that would drive by our street, even when you were only three years old! I loved your Hopalong Cassidy bedding set! Your Mom, Rita, was so pretty, and your Dad, Jimmy, was so handsome. I even remember your grandparents and the day your Meme brought her needlework over and gave my mother one of her doilies! She did beautiful work! and I remember the day you told me your parents were going to move after they bought a house on the other side of town. I really missed you, my little friend. Remember the day you came over to my house before you left for the Army? You met my dog Blitzer. He went to Vietnam, too, and we lost him the same year as we lost you. give him a hug for me, please, Ronnie. I miss you, Ronnie, and I love you.
Your forever friend, Jeanne