THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

HOOAH

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I am 72 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

On the remembrance of your 72nd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

HOOAH

I first remember Donald from Ft. Campbell in late 1967 as we prepared to deploy to South Vietnam, we were in the 2nd platoon together. He was a good kid, full of youthful vigor and silliness, I believe I was about three years older than him so I had kind of lost it by that time. Donald was so upbeat that he even made the mindless agony of Vietnam some how not so bad (you really kinda needed somebody to make you laugh). After couple of hellish experiences in the field we were taking a much needed break in the rear at then base camp Cu Chi. On the night of 1/19/67 the company was watching a movie when we came under a rocket/mortar attack, everyone ran for the bunkers which were aligned with our barracks. I don't know what the projectile was but it went through the ground and into 2nd platoons bunker, hitting Donald and also killing Joseph Gerwatowski and James R. Moore on each side of him. I think it was at this moment that I realized that there wasn't anywhere safe in Vietnam. It is an understatement to say Donald was missed, he has never been forgotten.

Corporal Donald A. Coffin, Served with Company A, 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division.