THE WALL OF FACES

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Private First Class Alvin Peter Christensen, Served with Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division.

Dear PFC Alvin Christensen,
Thank you for your service as an Infantryman. Happy Thanksgiving. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember you. It is so 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 PFC Alvin Peter Christensen, 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

Alvin Peter Christensen was born May 10, 1945, to Audley and Clara (Delaney) Christensen on a farm in Spring Valley Township, South Dakota. His siblings are Elizabeth, JoAnn, and Joy. Until fifth grade, Alvin went to country school; when the family moved, he started school in Viborg, South Dakota. He was in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Prior to starting his own carpentry business, Alvin worked on various farms. Alvin Christensen was drafted into the army on November 21, 1967, and was trained at Fort Lewis, Washington. Alvin was a Private First Class, Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry, 1st Infantry Division. He was sent overseas on May 4, 1968, after spending a couple weeks home with his family on leave. Private First Class Alvin Peter Christensen died in Vietnam on June 18, 1968, “due to gunshot wounds received during hostile ground action on the previous day.” Alvin was 23 when he died and had been in Vietnam just over a month. His body was returned to the United States and he was buried with military honors in the Spring Valley Baptist Cemetery, on July 1, 1968. He received a Bronze Star with a V and first Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Army Commendation medal, Good Conduct medal, National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, Vietnam Campaign ribbon, Combat Infantry badge, Sharpshooter’s badge with rifle bar and Marksman’s badge with machine gun bar. At the time of his death he was survived by his parents, Audley and Clara Christensen, and his sisters, Elizabeth, JoAnn, and Joy. Rest in peace with the warriors.