THE WALL OF FACES

Dearest Paul,
I will always remember the fun times we had, with you always doing something crazy to make me laugh or scream! The last thing you said to me before you left for Vietnam was, "I don't want to die." We embraced and just sobbed our hearts out.

When I returned home from college classes in early April 1970, my mother was in the basement ironing, where she called me to come down. She said she had some "bad news" and that she received a call from your mother, saying that you had been killed in Vietnam on April 5, 1970, sadly, my 19th birthday. From that moment on, my life changed forever.

During your time in Vietnam, you wrote to me just about everyday. In fact, I had a whole shopping bag full of letters. Your letters described the country, the war situation and the men and friends you met, in great detail.
I saved all the letters and they remained in a closet in my old bedroom. When I would return home, I would go up into my old bedroom and read your letters, usually ending with tears. One day, my mother came up and found me sobbing and told me to throw the letters out. " In my crazy state, I did just that, which I have always regretted.

I will always remember the fun times we had, with you always doing something crazy to make me laugh when I shouldn't be. The last thing you said to me before you left for Vietnam was, "I don't want to die." We embraced and just sobbed our hearts out.

Now, almost 50 years later, I was visiting my sister Sarah in Punta Gorda, FL, where we visited the Vietnam Wall. I couldn't recall the date and thus had to call her when I returned home to Maine. I called Sarah and told her it was 4/5/70. She said , "Oh, my God, that's your birthday."

My life has gone on and I've been blessed in many ways. April 5th will always be my birthday, but it will also always be the day I lost my soul mate and the love of my life.

Today you would have been 68 years old. We've missed
So much time together. There is not a day that goes by
That I don't think of you and say a prayer. I love you to heaven
And back.

Forever????????
Your sister Cindy

Specialist Four Paul Matthew Cahill, Served with Company D, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Infantry Brigade, Americal Division.

Paul and I were friends and classmates at Framingham North H.S. Class of 1968. I was in-country in Pleiku 1970 when I heard of his death.

I would like to present a member of Paul's family with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Medal of Liberty. Please contact Town of Framingham Veteran Service Officer, Peter Harvell, at 508-532-5515 if you know how I could reach a family member. Thank you

http://www.mass.gov/veterans/cemeteries-and-honors/medals/massachusetts-medal-of-liberty.html