THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PO1C Francis Zinda, Thank you for your service as a Radioman 1st Class on the USS BRISTER. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is spring and Lent. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

RM1 Francis J. Zinda was a radioman serving aboard the USS Brister (DER-327). He became ill and was medivacked to the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon, Gia Dinh Province, RVN, where on January 14, 1967, RM1 Zinda died as a result of acute renal failure and severe anemia. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear RM1 Francis John Zinda, 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

I was an 18 year old Fireman on the Brister. I remember very clearly seeing Zinda, looking very ill, waiting to leave the ship for some advanced medical care. I heard sometime later that he had died.

My sincere condolences to his family.