THE WALL OF FACES

Great sadness fills our hearts today
As pipes and drums, in slow march play.
A comrade’s fallen by the way,
And now we say goodbye.

This hero to the very end
Was more than just a casual friend,
Who would a stranger’s life defend,
And now we say goodbye

But we shall cherish, all our days,
The character this life portrayed
With sacrifice so freely made,
And now we say goodbye.

The hand salute, o’er Stars and Stripes,
And distant skirl of highland pipes,
Bid last farewell with hero’s rights,
And now we say goodbye.

While here on Earth, you gave your best.
Now in the Master’s arms you rest.
T’is by your memory we are blessed.
And now we say goodbye.

Dear Sgt James Witherspoon, Thank you for your service as an Armor Crewman, Your 76th birthday is soon, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Valentine's Day is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

SP4 James M. Witherspoon was an Armor Crewman serving with B Company, 1st Battalion, 69th Armor, 4th Infantry Division, which was based at LZ Uplift in Binh Dinh Province, RVN. At about 9:00 AM on July 28, 1969, SP4 Witherspoon and several other soldiers were at the service area for their armored vehicles. One of the soldiers was making a dog yelp by stepping down on the dog’s paw. Another soldier admonished him to release the dog, but he continued to press down with his boot. Witherspoon next told the soldier three times to get off the dog’s foot. The soldier finally released the dog, then kicked the animal. Witherspoon and the soldier moved between two tanks where they exchanged heated words. Witherspoon turned away when the other soldier came from behind and hit him with a mechanic’s grease gun. Witherspoon was fatally injured when the pump handle on the grease gun penetrated the right front portion of his skull. Military Police from the Office of the Provost Marshal of the 173rd Airborne Brigade investigated the incident and interviewed a number of witnesses. It is unclear, however, if the case resulted in a court-martial. Witherspoon was posthumously promoted to Sergeant. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and CID investigation documents]

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

Dear SGT James Martin Witherspoon, 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