THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It saddens me so few have left remembrances for you here...surely you deserve better. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear Cpl Larry Caldwell,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. As another summer comes to an end, it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear CPL Larry Eugene Caldwell, 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, Sir

Curt Carter

Larry is buried at City Cemetery in Bristow, OK. ARCOM PH

I met Larry Caldwell in 1969 after his brother became my roommate at McConnell AFB, Kansas. Archie had just arrived after basic training and I drove him home one weekend and met the entire Caldwell family. They all treated me like a son and said their doors were always open to me whenever I wanted to come to Bristow, whether Archie came with me or not. I'll always remember Larry as a happy, outgoing person who enjoyed every minute of his life. I knew his wife Cathy and his son too. If his son ever reads these words, I want him to know how proud he should be of his father. I had been in the Air Force for two years and had recently returned from the Azores when Larry told me how important it was for him to do his duty and do the best job he could while in the Army. He wanted to do his stint and come back home to be near his family that he loved dearly. It was a cold and sad day when I attended his funeral in Bristow. The Caldwells meant so much to me that Carl and Mary Lou, Larry's parents, stood up for me in Wichita, Kansas when my parents from Alabama could not attend my wedding in August, 1970. It must have been very hard for them to attend since I was married in my blues and the best man and ushers were all dressed in their blues too. We were all buck sergeants. Larry epitomizes the picture of the All-American boy from small town America. He was a very handsome young man and could have very well been the next Audie Murphy of the Vietnam War. I say he was a fine young man because, now at age 52, I was back then 2 1/2 years his senior. I'm sure Larry is not the only person I know who gave his life in Vietnam but as of this minute he is the only one I am aware of who did so. I never knew the specifics of his passing, just a general idea, but I know he was doing his best and making the most of each precious minute he had at the moment and was probably thinking of his family back home as he always did. I never had a brother but the Caldwell brothers, Larry and Archie, could not be topped by anyone I've ever met in my 23-year Air Force career and my 9-plus years as a State employee. Neither one was shy about engaging in a fight if anyone made any disparaging remarks about any member of the Caldwell family and that included adopted members like me. That also included Larry's sisters, Carlena and Faye, who I've heard many stories about their toe-to-toe fisticuffs while protecting the family's honor. What I remember most when I think of Larry is his great smile that made others around him happy and want to smile too. I pray that others will remember me as well when I'm gone. David E. Herd, Senior Master Sergeant, USAF Retired, June 5, 1999.