THE WALL OF FACES

Article from the South Coast Today, by Linda Andrade Rodrigues, 16 January 2008:

http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080116/NEWS/801160330

NEW BEDFORD — This month, the 425th flag to fly atop Old Glory Tower honors the memory of Army Pvt. Gary M. Cohen, formerly of Dartmouth. Pvt. Cohen, 21, was killed in South Vietnam in March 1971.

A graduate of Dartmouth High School, Pvt. Cohen would not accept money for college from his father, according to his brother Allan Cohen of Centerville.

"That was just one of the many things I admired about him," Mr. Cohen said.

Drafted in August 1969, Pvt. Cohen was sent to Vietnam the following January. Three days before his 22nd birthday, he was in an explosion while on guard duty. He was reported missing in action on March 11, 1971 but was confirmed dead by the War Department on April 5. He died a few days before he was to be rotated home, after having previously extended his tour of duty.

He was the 39th Greater New Bedford resident to lose his life in Vietnam.

"Gary had a great sense of humor, even as a boy," his brother recalled. "He was well-liked, and many people in their letters of condolences commented on how they loved to hear him laugh and how good natured and calm he was."

Pvt. Cohen spent his first five years living on the family farm on Hixville Road in Dartmouth. A square at the corner of Hixville and Faunce Corner Roads, just north of the Dartmouth Mall, was dedicated to his memory on April 30, 1972.

"Gary was bright and perceptive with a true, intellectual curiosity," his brother said. "He loved good discussions, good literature and the poetry of Bob Dylan. He was an excellent writer and displayed talent as an artist and poet. His maturity, sincerity and caring for others were all outstanding."

Joseph Theodore, 90, a World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient, began the practice of flying veterans' flags above Old Glory Tower 36 years ago. He has enlisted the help of Linda Ferreira, a marketing representative at Ashley Ford in New Bedford, to research the life histories of area veterans, and Paul Neary, general manager of the dealership, to raise the memorial flags on the veterans behalf.

Contact Linda Andrade Rodrigues at [email protected]

a short note, Gary, to let you know that your supreme sacrifice will always de remembered and honored by freedom loving people everywhere. rest in eternal peace, Gary Martin Cohen.