THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Ssgt Benjamin Castaneda,
Thank you for your service as an Armor Crewman. I hate that you died a day after his birthday, sigh. 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.

At 5:55 PM on December 24, 1964, Viet Cong terrorists exploded a bomb in the garage area underneath the Brinks Hotel in Saigon, South Vietnam. The hotel, housing 125 military and civilian guests, was being used as officers' billets for U.S. Armed Forces in the Republic of Vietnam. Two Americans were killed, LTC James R. Hagen, a 20-year army veteran working for the MACV, and SSGT Benjamin B. Castañeda, also serving with MACV and an army veteran of 20 years. Castañeda survived the blast, later succumbing to his injuries on January 23, 1965. Over 100 Americans, Vietnamese, and Australians were injured. Small buildings at the rear of the Brinks Hotel were completely destroyed by the force of the blast. [Taken from wikipedia.org]

Thank you for your service!

I miss you so much daddy...

Dear SSGT Benjamin Beltran Castaneda, 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