THE WALL OF FACES

When I was a child growing up in Santa Monica, Rick was a friend of my parents. He was always strong and kind. They would have poker nights and he would always take us to the store to get some treats for the night. He was the only soldier I personally knew and I still think of him lovingly as one of the good guys.

I remember day well. You were my best friend in Viet Nam. We had only just become team leaders a month or so before so we were no longer together in the same squad. They didn’t tell me it was you that had been hit until the medi-vac had taken off.

I still see a few of the guys every now and then at reunions and you are remembered. We’re all getting older now and I’m sure we’ll be seeing you soon. ..... Kraut

The war may be forgotten but the warrior will always be remembered. All gave Some-Some gave All. Rest in peace Sky Soldier.

On behalf of those who served with you in the 173rd Airborne Brigade (Separate) and all who followed, we offer our respect and remembrance of your ultimate sacrifice. May you never be forgotten and your family and friends take comfort in your valor in serving.

Eric was my best high school friend, in Westwood and Malibu, California. He was a good frind, a good guy and a gifted artist. His free hand sweeping ink drawings of many masted ships at sail in stormy seas are still imprinted in my mind. Also imprinted are the many hours we talked about girls, school and innocent escapades

His buddy, who lost both legs from the same land mine that killed Eric has recorded a piece about their time together in country and the explosion that took Eric's life. Whether the mine was theirs or ours was never determined. He spoke of Eric's modesty and his nickname "The Greek".

His parents, Mary Jane Croft Lewis and step father Elliot Lewis, "adopted" me from a tough personal family situation. Mary Jane was then next door neighbor on the Ozzie & Harriet TV show. She would get me a personalized autographed copies of Ricky Nelson photos when I was chasing a girl. Her warmth and humor were real. She went on to be Lucille Ball's side kick in her TV shows.

Elliot was a radio performer and radio/tv writer and producer. We would all go out on Sunday's in Elliot's Jaguar sedan to "scout" locations.

In part to escape, as many did, I had enlisted in the Army at 17 years & 5 months, from Santa Monica High School on 2/16/1962 and was discharged early for college in Dec 1964.

Eric was killed on January 22, 1967, a few months before my graduation. That broke Mary Jane's strong heart. At Elliot's request, for her sake, I had to severe personal communications, too painful to her. Later, she remerged to attend many comedy fan reunions.

One of the most moving times of my life was visiting Eric at the Wall and getting a rubbing of his name, engraved there. Eric's buddy is apparently one of the 60 or so names on the Wall, in error. He sounds like a great guy and went on to a good life.

Eric, Mary Jane and Elliot have all now passed and are finally together, at a peaceful rest.