THE WALL OF FACES

"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again, who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at best, knows the triumph of high achievement; and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-Theodore Roosevelt, "Citizen in a Republic", April 23, 1910

Sergeant First Class Elmer Robert Lee Ables Jr., Served with Detachment B-34 (Song Be), Company A, 5th Special Forces Group, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Sergeant 1st Class Ables,

I hate that you were killed the day after your 30th birthday, but then, dying so young is something that I wish did not happen.

REST IN PEACE.

Sergeant First Class Elmer Robert Lee Ables Jr., Served with Detachment-34 (Song Be), Company A, 5th Special Forces Group.

Dear SFC Elmer Robert Lee Ables Jr, 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