THE WALL OF FACES

On May 16, 1971, a New York Times article described heroin use by American troops in Vietnam had reached epidemic proportions. The piece reported that 10 to 15 percent of lower-ranking enlisted men were heroin users, and military officials working in drug‐suppression estimated that as much as a quarter of all enlisted personnel, more than 60,000 men, were hooked. They added that some field surveys reported units with more than 50 percent of the men on heroin. In Vietnam, the drug was plentiful, cheap, and 95 percent pure. Its effects could casually be achieved through smoking or snorting, as compared to the U.S., where the drug was impure, only about five percent heroin, and had to be main-lined or injected into the bloodstream to achieve a comparable high. The habit, which cost $100 a day to maintain in the U.S., cost less than $5 a day in Vietnam. PFC Clifton E. Callahan was a Duty Soldier assigned to the 544th Transportation Company, 7th Transportation Battalion, 48th Transportation Group, 1st Logistical Command. A Duty Soldier was the title given to soldiers who, following basic training, demonstrated behavior or conduct problems, or failed to pass training courses on specific military occupations and were instead given menial assignments in units with manpower needs. On his arrival in Vietnam in May 1970, Callahan was placed with the 48th Transportation Group. In their “Operational Report – Lessons Learned” dated November 1971, the 48th Transportation Group cited a “drug problem” within the command which “continued to be a problem.” The document enumerated several steps being taken to combat the illegal use of drugs. On the evening of February 5, 1971, Callahan was in the Enlisted Men’s club at the 80th Group Command at Marble Mountain Airfield Complex in Quang Nam Province, RVN, when he collapsed to the floor unconscious. He was taken to the 501st Medical Dispensary where he was pronounced dead from an overdose of heroin. Callahan was 22 years old. His remains were forwarded to the U.S. Army Mortuary at Tan Son Nhut Air Base and turned over to Graves Registration personnel. After processing, transportation was organized for their return to his family in South Carolina. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam.” New York Times (New York, NY), May 16, 1971; also, “Operational Report-Lessons Learned, Delta Logistical Support Activity (Prov) & 48th Transportation Group, Period Ending 31 October 1971” at archive.org]

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Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us…..

Thanks for your service. According to John 5:28,29 we will see him again. Any questions you can email me at jamesbarbee@hotmail. Com.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers