THE WALL OF FACES

Nor shall your glory be forgot; While fame her record keeps, Or honor points the hallowed spot; Where valor proudly sleeps.

Specialist Four Wilbert Walton, Served with Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 16th Artillery Regiment, Americal Division, United States Army Vietnam.

PVT Wilbert Walton was an artilleryman serving with C Battery, 3rd Battalion, 16th Artillery, Americal Division. In late 1969, Walton was court-martialed for falling asleep on guard and failure to appear at his post. On January 3, 1970, he disappeared from his artillery unit in at Chu Lai Airfield Complex in Quang Tin Province, RVN. Others in the unit speculated that Walton might have disappeared because of a minor incident that had occurred about a month before at the battalion’s motor pool. Walton had already been reprimanded once and may have been apprehensive about future punishment because of this minor incident; however, according to his superiors, no punishment was planned. For the next month, the Army, Walton’s parents, and U.S. Congressmen tried to locate Walton without success. The Army removed him from its rolls in February 1970, and the last notation in his record was that he deserted. At the time, the Army could not find any record indicating where or by whom Walton was last seen. They did not know if Walton was involved in combat, or simply on leave at the time he was lost. Furthermore, there was no evidence that he contacted his family after being reported AWOL (Absent Without Leave), and his commander indicated there was no evidence of intent to desert or indication of mental instability. In 1981, an administrative review was conducted of Walton’s case, and his deserter status was changed to Missing in Action, Presumed Dead. In November 1989, Walton’s name was added to the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. Two years later, in November 1991, remains believed to be those of Walton’s were repatriated to the United States. They were positively identified in September 1992. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and pownetwork.org]

Dear PVT Wilbert Walton, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Direct Fire Crewman. The 53rd anniversary of the start of your tour was 5 days ago. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart . Halloween is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Cousin, I am so proud of you.