THE WALL OF FACES

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

Taken from the Spartanburg Herald (Spartanburg, SC), November 17, 1966, courtesy of Andrew M. Jordan, Local History Assistant, Spartanburg County Public Libraries, Spartanburg, SC.

SP5 Charles G. Oberle was a Heavy Vehicle Driver serving with the 512th Transportation Company, 54th Transportation Battalion, 8th Transportation Group, Army Support Command Qui Nhon, 1st Logistical Command, U.S. Army, Republic of Vietnam. On November 15, 1966, Oberle was the driver of a military vehicle when he reportedly lost control and it overturned near Pleiku, RVN. He suffered fatal injuries in the incident. Another 8th Transportation Group personnel, SP4 James W. Cantrell, was a passenger in the same vehicle. He suffered fatal head and chest injuries in the rollover. Cantrell had been in Vietnam only sixteen days. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Viet Accident Kills District Man.” The Pittsburgh Press, November 22, 1966, courtesy of Erika Hedin, Information Services, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA]

Dear Spec 4 James Cantrell,
Thank you for your service as a Heavy Vehicle Driver. It is another autumn, and time has passed since this war. 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 SP4 James Wesley Cantrell, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter