THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Spec 4 Bridenbaker,
Thank you for your service as a Crane Operator. This is Independence Day weekend, and it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On November 30, 1970, enemy gunners fired about twenty 100-pound 122mm rockets into the U.S. Americal Division headquarters at Chu Lai Air Base in Quang Tin Province, RVN. At least one rocket hit the 16th Aviation Group dispensary, killing seven. The rocket struck the dispensary after sick call when the medics were relaxing and playing cards, as was their usual practice to occupy time. The lost medical personnel included corpsman PFC Douglas S. Bridgers, lab specialists SP4 Robert A. Bojanek and SSGT Dennis M Smith, and medical NCO’s SGT Clarence E. Baker, SSGT Donald L. Golden, CPL Benjamin R. Nelson Jr., and SP4 Kenneth L. Robertson. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, thewall-usa.com, and the Chicago Tribune, December 1, 1970, p. 1, section 1A]

I remember the day. I remember going to mail call and seeing the package that had arrived from his parents. I remember Pat as a friend, both at Fort Belvoir and when we got to Viet Nam. I remember the pain felt by our CO when he wrote the letter to Pat's parents. I deeply regret he didn't get a chance to bitch about being old! He would have!!!!

Patrick is buried at Greenwood Cemetery, Stockton, Chautauqua County, NY.

Dear SP4 Patrick G Bridenbaker, 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