THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Rueben Espinoza is touching. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....

My brother Ray Espinoza and Efren Carmona were very close friends. They met while attending Casa Grande Union High School. My brother Ray joined the Marine Corp in 1964 and was sent to Vietnam. Efren was a 1965 graduate of CGUHS and he attended Mesa Community College for 2 years. After a bad breakup with his girlfriend, Efren entered the Army on March 7, 1967. He died in combat on April 7, 1968. On January 12, 1970 the Republic of Vietnam posthumously awarded Spec. Carmona the Military Merit Medal and the Gallantry Cross with Palm. The two medals were added to a long list of honors Spec. Carmona received for his actions in the war zone. Carmona was one of only six soldiers listed to receive the medals. The order was signed by President Nguy?n Van Thi?u.
Specialist Carmona was born June 18, 1944 in Santa Maria de Cuevas, Chihuahua Mexico. He lived in Arizona for 12 years and in Casa Grande for 10. He is survived by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Guillermo Carmona of Casa Grande, his brother Adam, and his sisters Mrs. Irma Aguero and Mrs. Lupe Espinoza all of Casa Grande. On April 22, 1968 Spec. Carmona was buried with full military honors at Mt. View Cemetery in Casa Grande, Arizona. My brother Ray never got over the death of his friend Efren. My brother went on to serve two tours of Vietnam as a gunship gunner. Ray passed away in 2011. Thank you to all those who served and to those who are now actively serving.

Dear Spec 4 Efren Carmona,
Thank you for your service as an Airborne Qualified Medical NCO. Thank you for the lives you saved. 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear SP4 Efren Carmona, 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

I am part of the Pinal County Veteran Memorial Foundation. Pinal County has selected Casa Grande, AZ to place a memorial for all fallen soldiers in all wars. We are trying to notify family members to let them know that we are doing this as well as needing their help in making sure we have the correct spelling of names, dates, etc. If you have any photos, stories or Letters that you would like to share we will also be placing a Kiosk near the Memorial. Please notify me at [email protected] if you have any questions. Thank you for your help. Nancy