Comments (170)
TOMMY(BIRDSEED) JONES TOMMY WAS SMALL IN STATURE BUT HE WAS A BIG MAN IN SERVING HIS COUNTRY. A GREAT SENSE OF HUMOR AND FUNNY IN HIS OWN RIGHT. SOMEONE THAT SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF "65" WILL NEVER FORGET.WITH LOVE AND GODS BLESSINGS, HELEN MULL | ||||
My brother Michael Carroll I lost my brother Michael in the Viet Nam war on September 1, 1966. He was in the U.S. Marines. He was suppose to return home within 10 days, but he & his troop stepped on a land mine.I am so proud of him, but I miss him dearly. I watch your Memorial Day Concerts every year. what a wonderful tribute to all our Armed Forces. God Bless you all! | ||||
Thomas T. Hensley MAJ. Thomas T. Hensley was Pilot of a F-105, when he was shot down over Laos. Tommy was a childhood friend that gave his life for our Freedom. Rest in Peace Tommy. | ||||
my brother My brother, Cpl William n. Erling Jr USMC served in Vietnam in 1967. He was killed in September of 1967.My brother was a kind and gentle man, yet was willing to serve his country in an unpopular war. he felt that he would like to make a differnce in the lives of the people of Vietnam. I have a feeling that he may have done just that in whatever way he could. His last letter home to me was telling me how much he missed me and my 2 children and was looking forward to coming home. Well, he did come home but, in a gray metal goverment casket. I am proud of what my brother Bill didas a Marine. I miss him still after 42 years. Thank you for giving me a means in which to honor my brother Bill. | ||||
The brother I never met My half brother, Michael Lipsius and I never met. Through circumstances beyond our control, we grew up on seperate sides of the country. In 1968 my father, who had not seen his beloved son for years, received a letter from him. Michael was serving in the US Army, Air Cav. and was in Viet Nam. He was in Khe Sahn and would soon be going to A-Shau Valley. Upon his completion of his tour of duty he planned to come home to meet back up again with our father, and finally meet the 5 siblings he had never met before. Shortly after receiving that letter, Michael was KIA.I am proud of you Michael. Your death haunts me to this day - such a young man and full of so much promise. I have a few pictures that tell me nothing of your character, but show me how much like our father you looked. I will spend the rest of my life wondering who you were. But this is not about me, it's a tribute to you. Thank you for stepping up and upholding your duty in what was not a popular war. Thank you for being there for your brothers in arms. Thank you for being who you were. May God bless you and may you be at peace. I love you, Michael. Cynthia | ||||
Tom Behrens To my brother Tom Behrens. It was 40 years ago last Oct. 31 that you left us. Still don't understand why it was your turn. I guess it was all in the cards. I had so many things that I wanted to do with you when you got back from Nam.I attended memorial services on Memorial Day to pay my respects to you and the other sons of Iowa that never made it back. And yes I left a can of Skoal chewing tobacco for you. I remember you always like that disgusting stuff. I'm sure you would roll over in your grave if you need how much it costs now. But I rememeber you always enjoyed a good chew. Take care brother Dan | ||||
MIA 1972 Frank was a young man in his prime.I trained him as a Medic on Arty Hill Pleiku. I was called into the Commanding General's Office and told that I had spent enough time in VN and I was to go home,but, before I left I asked the CG to keep Frank from going forward to Ben Het,I was told that he had to learn sometime, and for me not to worry. That was the last time that I saw Frank.While stationed in FortKnox I met another NCO who new about both of us; and, he explained that in the evacuation of Bet Het that Frank fell out of the chopper. No attempt was made to retrive this Soldier. I have not been able to go to the WALL as yet;but, by God I will this year. I want his Bracelet to wear with Pride. I want to know if our Government are still looking for the remains of these Brave Men. Joseph Burkard - Arizona | ||||
CW2 Robert O Hill, JR Bobby.. I think of you all the time, and I know that looking back doesn't ever work, that we can't change the past.. but I still do it. I still wish our whole family hadn't been changed so much, the day you were killed in that helicopter in Vietnam. I have met MANY of the guys and girls you called brother and sister over there...met some of the loves, and they all remember you often, and speak SOO highly of you. You are missed by sooo many people. I know, you will NEVER be forgotten.. because of Bruce's girls, and because my kids have told there girls about you already. You'd be so proud of them!I miss you..sooo much! your little sis.. Mindy | ||||
Carl T. Funkhouser I was about 12 years old when my third cousin, Carl Funkouser, was killed. I remember the adults talking about him being killed. In 2003, I found Mr. Weisenour's poem on the web and contacted him to tell him how touching it was. He said Carl was actually killed by "friendly" fire when the munitions fell short of their intended target. Carl's father was so angry that he could never talk about it. Mr. Wiesenaur said that he now helps mentally ill veterans adjust in the community. The tragedy of Vietnam goes on long past the body counts, the funerals, the relatives who lost loved ones and lives on in the damaged minds of many who served. We thank Mr. Weisenaur for his poem and for his help healing the wounds that continue. This beautiful and touching poem is as follows:Irony, poems, monuments are not a cure. Merely futile expressions of Honor. The only cur for a Veteran is to never be one. Songs say Cpl Funkhouser's Spirit lives in the Black Granit Wall, Panel 10E, Row 13. Touch Carl's name with your fingertips What dose your mind feel? Perhaps his Father's rage undiminished 30 years later. Certainly not the rancid corpse of a twenty two year old Soldier in an Asian jungle. What did Vietnam take? Better still what did it leave? I only know who no longer am I Not who I am. The cool clear picture I had of myself, My world was rendered asunder. I was impotent as a human being Crouched next to Carl's body. I was a soldier, killer of and companion to the dead. Duty, Honor will starve your soul. My life became action not emotions. Sort Hell later. Are you dead, one who is fortunate. Dead soldiers give Memorial Day Meaning Heaven has nothing to do with it. There are no atheist in a firefight Yet who lives the words of Jesus. Written by Larry Wiesenauer who was a high school classmate | ||||
William (Bill) Tittle My second cousin Wiiliam(Billy)Tittle was in Vietnam in 1969 and was a helicopter pilot. He was a musician who finished his Christian record of his favorite songs the night before he left for Vietnam.I have the record on my wall today in a frame. I was four years old. I remember the day he left. We all grew up in West Palm Beach, Fl. As I sat in the back seat of the car to see him off my mom explained that he would be busy and would not have time to spend on a one one time with me. I remember him coming down to my eye level on his knee and telling me that when he returned, we would spend a day together. He was killed on Aug 16, 1969 during the Woodstock Fest. I remember so well the last time I saw him. | ||||
Michael W. O'Leary Mike was the love of my life. About a month before his scheduled return home, he made the ultimate sacrifice for his country in July, 1969. He, too, was 101st ABN--proud to be a Screaming Eagle. I have moved on but have never been the same. In the past 30 years I have visited D.C. at least 15 times and every time I visit the memorial and find his name and weep. We were so young & knew so little then.He believed in what he was doing but it doesn't make the hurt ever totally go away. His loss destroyed his parents as he was an only child. I empathize so much with the families of today's injured and lost warriors--I hope our government will see what needs to be done to help and then DO IT! | ||||
Capt. Heriberto A. Garcia Every Veteran's Day I bring my dad to my classroom. As a reading specialist, I introduce my third grade literacy group to The Wall, a picture book by Eve Bunting which follows a young boy and his dad looking for his grandfather's name on the massive black granite memorial. I give my students a history and geography lesson on the site. We decode words and talk about the figurative language in the book. We read the simple book over the course of two weeks. I ask them to bring me the names of veterans honored in their families. Then I take out my dad's dogtags, my etching of his name on the Wall, my picture of Capt. Heriberto A. Garcia in his military uniform. But I don't tell them of his death as a military advisor in Hau Nghia, Vietnam on November 8, 1964. One by one, they make the connection and look at me with different eyes, and I know I have given them a personal connection in honoring our veterans. I hope to do the same next November as well. | ||||
For The Love of Billy My brother Billy was only 20 years old and I was 21, when he was shot down a few miles east of Xuan Loc, III Corp, South Vietnam on March 24, 1978. He was an observer on an F Troop 1/9th Cav Scout helicopter. My parents came to LSU to tell me about his death and to bring me home to Lafayette. I remember curling up in his bed at home and crying in anguish, wrapped in some dark blanket of sorrow. After the funeral, I went back to LSU, I was in my 2nd year as a voice major, but I had no music left in me, so I quit school and drifted. I eventually married and had a daughter, So many birthdays, so many smiles were lost to me over the years. I am older now, my child is grown and I miss my brother so deeply, words could never express. I always thought that when we were playing so carefree as kids that we would grow old together. The heartbreak I felt those many years ago is still with me, it has never dimed, but has only ebbed and flowed through time. I am proud of his life and the joy he gave through all our growing up together. It should have been longer. He was gallant the day he died. He took the seat of another in that fateful helicopter, out of selflessness and honor. He always tried to do the right thing. He died that day while another was saved. He will always be my beloved HERO. His name is William David Smith. Panel 04W Line 74 on The Wall. | ||||
Denny Stiehler I send a salute to Denny Stiehler who died in Viet-Nam. He was just a kid when he was killed. I miss him and will never forget his sacrifice. | ||||
Presler I want to pay reverance to William(Billy)Petrosi USMC who was killed in Viet-Nam. I think about Billy often, especially on Memorial Day. He was a great Kid! The whole familly was great. Biily's parents and brother Dominic. I salute you today and every day Billy!! | ||||
Capt. Charles "Chuck" Getman Chuck, we will never forget you. A best friend and funny guy we loved. We still miss you and you will always be in our hearts no matter how long we live. Rest in peace. love janet and jim | ||||
Thomas Edward Joseph Remembering Thomas E. Joseph who was killed by hostile fire at Quang Tin on October 2, 1967. He was just 18 years old. | ||||
Vietnam My dearest brother died on May 1, 1968, after only being inVietnam...2 months...he was 24. It changed our family forever...at least for me, it did. He believed...We have been to the wall..in DC and all the moving walls....We hope for Peace....as the song by Trace Adkins....Pray for Peace. | ||||
In Loving Memory In loving memory of Lance Corporal Kenneth A. Seisser who gave his life for his country on July 11, 1965 in Da Nang, Viet Nam. You will never be forgotten. | ||||
Jack C. Duff Jr. Dec. 11 1966, well into the early hours of the morning I was awakened by a pair of strong arms as they encircled me with love and tenderness and what I now know must have been some fear as well. My loving brother had come to say good bye. Sgt. Jack C. Duff of the United States Marines was about to ship out for Viet Nam in a few hours. Little did I know this would be the last time I would ever hear your voice. On April 7, 1967 you were mortally wounded and on the 8th day of April, 1967 you went home to be with our Lord and Savior. Jack was the sweet one of all my brothers. To me he spoke volumes with the way he carried himself and the way he treated others. I remember how handsome he looked in his uniform and how proud he seemed. I remember waking to you calling my name. Waking me to tell me you loved me and you had to go now. For me to be good and you made me promise to write you. Which I did and I am so grateful that you found the time to write me back and that today I still have that letter from you.Jackie, I miss you. We are all so proud of you and of the sacrafice you made for our nation. You gave your life so unselfishly to save a group of men who served with you. You were so young yourself, just 26 years old, yet I know being where you were took away your youth and innocences. You left 2 little babies, a wife and an entire family that loves you and misses you to this day. Know that you remain in our hearts. I still can see that sweet smile and hear your soft words. Sleep with the Angels brother, I love you. | ||||
Page 1 of 9
Reply to HELEN MULL
Stop Replying