THE WALL OF FACES

though i never met you, you are still carried in the hearts of our family and you won’t be forgotten

I am grateful for the many memories and fun times before he left for Khe Sahn and will always cherish the long conversations we had. The look of those blue eyes and joyous laughter are not forgotten. I still have all his letters including the one he wrote before he passed away. Every January 24 I still think of my brave hero. Rest in peace.

George was my best friend for the last 12-15 months of my senior year in high school, at Wagner HS, Clark AFB, Philippines, before I left 6/65 with my family. So many memories. Like most high school buds, I suppose, we went our separate ways, and I didn’t even find out about him until about 10-12 years ago. Usually on Veterans Day, (a vet myself) I have a good cry and then get back to life. Maybe his brother Herman(?) would remember me. Nobody would be silly enough to mess with George; he looked a little like Popeye with those biceps. We double dated with Judy(had a crush) and his sweetheart, Bette, a real beauty. I think George represented so many of the great qualities we all look for in others; that’s what made him such an appealing human being. I miss my best friend. Vince Valva

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Platoon 1030. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on August 5, 1966.

Thank you for your service to our great country my brother. Semper Fi.