THE WALL OF FACES

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.

Dear SP4 Eric Ward Zoller, 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

Photo courtesy of Jerry Hassler.

A portion of Sepulveda Boulevard/State Highway Route 1 in El Segundo near Los Angeles International Airport has been dedicated to the residents of Los Angeles County who served in Vietnam. This section of highway is now designated the Los Angeles County Vietnam Veterans Memorial Highway. Adopted by the California State Legislature in 2000, the highway honors the more than 350,000 California veterans who served in the Vietnam War, including the 5,822 killed or missing in action. Los Angeles County has the largest number of Vietnam veterans in California and 1,857 of its residents were killed or missing in action during that war. This memorial corridor provides a fitting and proper way for the residents of Los Angeles County to express their gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices these Vietnam veterans have made for their country.