THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Marshall Callahan,
Thank you for your service as a Pioneer. 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.

SP4 John C. Kennebrew and PFC Marshall E. Callahan served with 19th Combat Engineer Battalion, 19th Combat Engineer Battalion, 35th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army Engineer Command. On August 21, 1968, their platoon was rebuilding an old French bridge on Highway QL-1 just south of Duc Pho. In the process of building the intermediate supports and abutments, SP4 Kennebrew, and PFC Callahan had been tasked to go pick up a load of stones from the rock quarry south of LZ Thunder Mountain. On the return trip their truck hit a command-detonated mine, gravely injuring both soldiers. SP4 Kennebrew lived one day and PFC Callahan died eight days later. It was reported that Kennebrew, despite being grievously wounded, managed to help extinguish fire and flames on Callahan in an attempt to save his life. Four other U.S. soldiers and five Vietnamese were also injured. When the bridge was finished it was renamed KC Bridge 414 in honor of Kennebrew and Callahan. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, ancestry.com, and vvmf.org]

SP4 John C. Kennebrew and PFC Marshall E. Callahan served with 19th Combat Engineer Battalion, 19th Combat Engineer Battalion, 35th Engineer Group, 18th Engineer Brigade, U.S. Army Engineer Command. On August 29, 1968, their platoon was rebuilding an old French bridge on Highway QL-1 just south of Duc Pho. In the process of building the intermediate supports and abutments, SP4 Kennebrew, and PFC Callahan had been tasked to go pick up a load of stones from the rock quarry south of LZ Thunder Mountain. On the return trip their truck hit a command-detonated mine, killing both soldiers. Four other U.S. soldiers and five Vietnamese were also injured. When the bridge was finished it was renamed KC Bridge 414 in honor of SP4 Kennebrew and PFC Callahan. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and ancestry.com]

Although I never got to meet you, I know you were a great person from how my dad ( Paul Edward Callahan) talked about you. He loved his little brother. I want to say thank you for your service and sacrificing your life for others. You are among the very few special people who are willing to lay down their lives for others. I seen where dad wrote a remembrance to you in 2004. And how he would see ya'll in glory one day. He had his reunion with you May 11, 2014. Oh how I would have loved to of seen it! I miss him so bad, but I know he is so happy to be back with you, granny, and paw paw! I know this is not a goodbye, it's i will see all of you soon!
Your niece, Lisa Callahan Fields

Dear PFC Marshall Eugene Callahan, 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