THE WALL OF FACES

AC2 John Cole, Jr. is buried at Calvary Cemetery in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. .

I remember our start on August 4, 1964 in Philadelphia as we took the oath. It was off to the airport where we flew to San Antonio Texas for 13 weeks of boot camp. We had fun even when it was rough but we made it. It was then we were assigned to McConnell AFB Kansas guarding Titan 2 missiles. We partied , laughed and just hung out. It was then I got shipped to Nam and we said our goodbyes not knowing it really was. I love you Bro. And keep you in my heart always. The letter to your mother was the hardest but her response I Cherish always. Rest in peace.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from fellow soldier Thomas Haynes is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Honoring John Cole Phila Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Ref. group pictures of our 2014 ceremony at the Phila Veterans Memorial ~~ i, Arnold Lillie was the master of ceremonies and my assistant was Fred Adrience Jr. We are in front facing the assembled veterans. Fred was John Cole's roommate in Vietnam when John was killed. I was a co-worker of John before he went to Vietnam. We guarded a missile site in Kansas and I tried to convince him not to volunteer for Vietnam duty. After my Kansas duty I went to Maryland to the wing that transports the President and dignitaries and next to Vietnam at the same unit John was assigned when he got killed. They had an engraved plaque in the lobby of the Base Chapel highlighting his actions when the base was attacked in December,1966. I regret not taking a picture of that display. My coworkers told me it was 'bad luck' to photograph that wall display and I just went there often to meditate and pay my respects to John. He was a quality human with a bright future that was snuffed out by the enemy. Such a shame that his life ended so soon under those conditions. He was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. He is my hero! Best wishes! Respectfully, Arnie...