As Vietnam War Veterans Day nears March 29, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund’s Wall of Faces is nearly complete but needs help from the public to track down the last few dozen photos.
Of the 58,279 names inscribed on The Wall, there’s less than 80 photos needed to complete the Wall of Faces.
The virtual Wall of Faces features a page that honors and remembers every person on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Each page has a photo to go with each of the more than 58,000 names on The Wall. The Wall of Faces allows family and friends to share memories, post pictures and connect with each other.
Additionally, over 1,400 of the photos are poor quality. Anyone with better photos can upload them. A list of those are at located here.
Remaining names
The remaining names, listed in alphabetical order, are below. The list has name with a link to the Veteran’s page, service, date and location of birth, and date and location of death.
(Last updated Oct. 6, 2021)
UPDATE: Found. Hector M. Alcocer-Martinez, Army, born Feb. 11, 1941, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, died Jan. 13, 1967, in Binh Long
UPDATE: Found. Antonio Barbosa-Villafane, Army, born Sept. 4, 1946, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 4, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Ronald Lee Bellinger, Army, born July 8, 1947, in Jamaica, New York, died July 3, 1968, in Long An
UPDATE: Found. Jose Emilio Benitez-Rivera, Army, born April 26, 1947, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, died June 22, 1968, in Thua Thien
Enrique Bermudez-Pacheco, Army, born Sept. 9, 1947, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, died Aug. 9, 1967, in Binh Long
Roger Brown, Army, born June 13, 1949, in New York City, died April 9, 1969, in Tuyen Duc
UPDATE: Found. Angel Luis Burgos-Cruzado, Army, born March 14, 1945, in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, died May 6, 1968, in Gia Dinh
UPDATE: Found. Miguel Antonio Bynoe, Army, born Oct. 3, 1948, in Jamaica, New York, died Sept. 17, 1971, in Quang Nam
UPDATE: Found. Henry John Caballero, Army, born Dec. 27, 1950 in New York City, died July 3, 1969, in Hua Nghia
Steven Brian Calhoun, Army, born Feb. 12, 1947, in New York City, died May 18, 1969, in Pleiku
UPDATE: Found. Gladston Callwood, Army, born Nov. 12, 1947, in New York City, died June 11, 1968, in Binh Duong
Ramon Castro-Morales, Army, born Sept. 10, 1947, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, died Dec. 17, 1968, in Quang Tin
Miguel Angel Diaz-Collazo, Army, born Nov. 13, 1947, in Corozal, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 13, 1968, in Sa Dec
Juan A. Diaz-Domenech, Army, born Oct. 30, 1948, in Santurce, Puerto Rico, died Sept. 23, 1969, in Pleiku
UPDATE: Found. Gilbert Dowell, Army, born May 4, 1951, in New York City, died March 5, 1971, in Thua Thien
Eugene Edwards, Air Force, born Feb. 27, 1950, in New York City, died Nov. 30, 1970, in Quang Nam
UPDATE: Found. Jose I. Garcia-Maldonado, Army, born March 18, 1947, in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, died April 30, 1967, in Hua Nghia
Manuel Gonzalez-Maldonada, Army, born Jan. 1, 1944, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, died Oct. 22, 1965, location unknown
Angel L. Gonzalez-Martinez, Army, born Jan. 23, 1947, in Hormigueros, Puerto Rico, died June 9, 1968, in Quang Tin
UPDATE: Found. Ramon Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Marine Corps, born Dec. 21, 1946, in Villa Palmeras, Puerto Rico, died May 19, 1967, in Quang Tri
UPDATE: Found. Joel Humbe Gonzalez-Velez, Army, born March 27, 1946, in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 2, 1968, in Binh Long
UPDATE: Found. George Richard Green Jr., Army, born July 25, 1945, in North Babylon, New York, died May 5, 1969, in Pleiku
UPDATE: Found. Jorge Luis Guzman-Pagan, Army, born June 28, 1948, in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, died Jan. 26, 1969, in Dinh Tuong
UPDATE: Found. Norman Winston Hassell, Army, born April 14, 1943, in New York City, died June 1, 1968, in Binh Duong
UPDATE: Found. Daniel Irizarry-Acevedo, Army, born March 1, 1948, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, died March 8, 1969, in Binh Duong
UPDATE: Found. Angel Irizarry-Hernandez, Army, born Oct. 2, 1943, in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico, died Oct. 13, 1967, in Binh Duong
Jorge Luis Isales-Benitez, Army, born Dec. 10, 1942, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died June 3, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Leroy Johnson, Army, born Jan. 21, 1942, in New York City, died Feb. 1, 1968, in Phong Dinh
UPDATE: Found. Jerry Jones, Army, born July 4, 1946, in Springfield Gardens, New York, died Sept. 30, 1968, in Quang Tin
UPDATE: Found. Rogelio Lebron-Maldonado, Army, born April 18, 1936, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died Oct. 25, 1968, in Hua Nghia
UPDATE: Found. Jerry Lennon, Army, born Nov. 19, 1947, in New York City, died May 4, 1968, in Gia Dinh
Juan Antonio Lopez-Colon, Army, born May 12, 1942, in Loiza, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 17, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Frank Anthony Madison, Air Force, born Nov. 16, 1945, in New York City, died April 12, 1967, in Quang Tin
Benjamin Maldonado-Aguilar, Army, born Oct. 27, 1947, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 5, 1969, in Lam Dong
UPDATE: Found. Walter A. Marable Jr., Army, born Oct. 6, 1944, in New York City, died Oct. 27, 1967, in Quang Tin
UPDATE: Found. Walter Xabier Mendez, Army, born Aug. 18, 1951, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, died Feb. 1, 1971, in Thua Thien
UPDATE: Found. Ismael Mendez Jr., Army, born Jan. 15, 1950, in New York City, died Dec. 28, 1968, in Bien Hoa
Jose Luis Miranda-Ortiz, Army, born Jan. 28, 1936, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died Nov. 30, 1967, in Binh Dinh
UPDATE: Found. Luis Ernesto Muniz-Garcia, Army, born Oct. 17, 1949, in New York City, died Nov. 9, 1970, in Quang Nam
UPDATE: Found. Thomas Wayne Myers, Army, born Dec. 13, 1946, in Jamaica, New York, died May 7, 1968, in Ong An
UPDATE: Found. Ramon Oquendo-Gutierrez, Army, born Aug. 10, 1947, in Jayuya, Puerto Rico, died June 9, 1968, in Binh Duong
Ulises Ortiz-Colon, Army, born Nov. 3, 1947, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died Oct. 29, 1966, location unknown
Jose Juan Ortiz-Negron, Army, born Oct. 4, 1948, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died Nov. 24, 1968, in Vinh Long
Juan Ortiz-Rivera, Army, born June 24, 1942, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, died Dec. 28, 1967, in Bac Lieu
UPDATE: Found. Anibal Ortiz-Rivera Jr., Army, born Dec. 9, 1947, in New York City, died April 25, 1968, in Binh Duong
UPDATE: Found. Angel Ortiz-Rodriguez, Army, born May 1, 1941, in Puerto Rico, died March 9, 1967, in Phu Yen
Hector David Oyola, Army, born April 13, 1949, in New York City, died Aug. 14, 1970, in Quang Ngai
Evangelis Pagan-Rodriguez, Army, born March 23, 1945, in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, died Nov. 26, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Walter Palmer, Army, born Aug. 9, 1948, in New York City, died May 17, 1969, in Quang Tri
Raul Pena-Class, Army, born Jan. 5, 1948, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died March 13, 1968, in Quang Tri
UPDATE: Found. Alberto Perez-Vergara, Army, born Feb. 27, 1940, in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico, died March 13, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Marcos Pizarro-Colon, Army, born July 17, 1950, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died Aug. 11, 1970, in Phuoc Long
UPDATE: Found. Antonio Quiles-Hernandez, Army, born May 10, 1950, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died April 18, 1971, in Quang Ngai
UPDATE: Found. David Quinones, Army, born Oct. 13, 1946, in New York City, died Feb. 3, 1968, in Thua Thien
UPDATE: Found. Raul Ramos-Jimenez, Army, born Nov. 14, 1944, in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, died June 13, 1968, in Gia Dinh
Carlos Manuel Rivera, Army, born June 18, 1939, in New York City, died Aug. 10, 1968, in Long An
UPDATE: Found. Miguel Angel Rivera, Army, born June 29, 1948, in New York City, died March 21, 1969, in Phuoc Long
Cristobal Rivera-Cruz, Army, born Feb. 14, 1951, in New York City, died June 7, 1970, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Confesor Rivera-Martes, Army, born Nov. 24, 1928, in Utuado, Puerto Rico, died April 1, 1967, in Tay Ninh
UPDATE: Found. Sylvester Roach, Army, born Feb. 5, 1943, in New York City, died Dec. 26, 1968, in Binh Dinh
Angel L. Rodriguez-Cotto, Army, born June 15, 1949, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico, died July 30, 1969, in Binh Long
Jaime Rodriguez-Rivera, Army, born Aug. 27, 1948, in Caparra Terrace, Puerto Rico, died April 27, 1970, in Vinh Long
UPDATE: Found. Pedro Rodriguez-Rodriguez, Army, born Dec. 6, 1948, in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, died July 16, 1969, in Binh Duong
UPDATE: Found. Harvey F. Rountree Jr., Army, born Feb. 3, 1950, in New York City, died July 15, 1969, in Binh Duong
UPDATE: Found. Cesar Ernesto Sanchez, Army, born Oct. 26, 1938, in New York City, died Feb. 26, 1967, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Marcelino Santos-Vega, Army, born June 2, 1922, in Fort Buchanan, Puerto Rico, died June 17, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Vernon Parr Smith, Navy, born Jan. 17, 1947, in Los Angeles, died Feb. 5, 1968, in Quang Tri
Carmelo Sosa-Hiraldo, Army, born Jan. 27, 1947, in Carolina, Puerto Rico, died Aug. 24, 1968, in Dinh Tuong
UPDATE: Found. Henry James Stuckey, Army, born Dec. 6, 1946, in New York City, died Jan. 10, 1967, in Kontum
UPDATE: Found. Grady Thacker, Army, born Oct. 4, 1945, in Norcross, Georgia, died April 13, 1968, in Quang Tin
UPDATE: Found. Fred L. Thomas, Army, born May 26, 1943, in Athens, Georgia, died Aug. 15, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. William Matt Thompson, Army, born Feb. 12, 1919, in Jamaica, New York, died April 6, 1968, in Tuyen Duc
Rigoberto Torres-Lopez, Army, born Oct. 5, 1947, in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico, died June 16, 1968, in Binh Duong
UPDATE: Found. Jose R. Torres-Rodriguez, Marine Corps, born Feb. 15, 1949, in Guayama, Puerto Rico, died May 1, 1969, in Quang Tri
UPDATE: Found. Alberto Vadi-Rodriguez, Army, born March 4, 1950, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, died March 17, 1972, in Bien Hoa
Hector Manuel Vega-Diaz, Army, born Nov. 10, 1948, in New York City, died March 8, 1969, in Binh Long
Victor R. Velazquez-Lopez, Army, born July 14, 1947, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, died Nov. 10, 1967, location unknown
Clarence Albert Whitehead, Army, born May 19, 1935, in Atlanta, Georgia, died March 25, 1966, location unknown
UPDATE: Found. Reinaldo Zayas-Castro, Army, born Feb. 10, 1941, in Trujillo Alto, Puerto Rico, died May 4, 1966, location unknown
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Submitted the story of cause to establish March 29th Vietnam War Veterans Day, why was it not allowed to be shared here. it is a story of remembering the service and sacrifice of those who serve/served and their families, especially those who lost a loved one during their war or afterward plus givng inspiration and guidance for the 21st Century troops and its veterans to champion for a special day to remember their eras service and sacrifice.
Who are the moderators? is this a Facebook. Twitter operation
did 2 deployments (I guess thats what the call it ) 1966- 1968 navy sea-bees. northern part of viet-nam both times. landed 3 days after start of tet offensive. send to Hue city. there was no such thing as race. maybe its time for this country to get a wake-up call. one of my best friends named “greaser” took a pic with me in our foxhole. loved the guy. god bless and god help America. I would do it again. willy-p MCB 62 rifleman A co. 1st platoon.
It’s amazing how todays mentality surfaces from something I never saw so long ago. Race never even came into account as we all fought side by side in some really bad situations. We covered and had every “MARINES BACK EQUALLY” never leaving “ANYONE, DEAD OR ALIVE”, BEHIND I was with Kilo Company /Third Battalion Seventh Marines/ First Marine Division as a Riflemen/ Combat Radio Operator
and what ever else was needed, from Sept. 1966 to the end of Dec. 1967. We took turns walking point, tunnel ratting, and every thing else, learning, (if we were lucky) through OJT (on the job training) Just like almost everything we did. All the training we had meant Very Little! Nothing could have prepared us for what we actually ran into in the Field. I, as many of us, was Out in the field for over Eleven straight Months before any type of a break (so called R&R). I SAW NO TYPE OF RACIAL THINKING AT ALL IN MY SIXTEEN MONTH FIGHTING IN VIETNAM FOR SURVIVAL. We fought with and for each other. There was no room for the above said “maybe” garbage.
What is Moderation? Is it another type of censorship?
I joined the Marines in high school and was in Paris’s Island at the end of May 67 and landed in Vietnam Jan 1st 68. Went to Phu Bai to a CAG unit, 3 months later went to Cam Lo to Charlie Co 3rd Tanks, while in Charlie Co I drove, loaded and then become Tank Commander. I returned home on special leave Jan 68 and back to Vietnam in February 68 for my 6 month extension. When arrived back in Vietnam I was notified that Charlie Co 3rd tanks was standing down and was being sent to Okinawa but that notified that I was selected as a CPL and was assigned to Alpha Co 3rd Tanks at C2 for my 6 months. I stayed with Alpha 3rd Tanks until Aug 1st 69. We lost CPL Ronald Ingram in Charlie Co 3rd Tanks, then we lost Captain Michael Wunsch and PFC Stephen Dowdell in Aplha Co 3rd Tanks at the end of July 68. I was amazed when I found all were on the Wall of Faces with pictures. I was married to my late wife Deborah on Mar 19th 1970 who I meet the after I return home Jan 69 and her brother SSGT Donald James Fawcett Special Forces was killed on July 3rd 1966 and his photo is also shown. What a honorable and wonderful thing to put faces to names, I salute all involved that put this effort in motion and made it happen..
CPL James E Gray USMC Semper Fi
Sounds almost my story, only only one member of our unit was killed. Semper fi!
Jim, Semper Fi
Need to correct a a typo concerning a date, (lost Captain Michael Wunsch and PFC Stephen Dowdell in Aplha Co 3rd Tanks at the end of July 69).
268th Pathfinder Det., 1at Aviation Brigade; Phu Hiep RVN 1970-1971
Nothing makes me happier than seeing how our service men are treated with respect upon their return to this country…
Sgt John Sutton
The memory’s never fade, the faces are still as vivid as yesterday’s warm sun, and never be forgotten. I served my time in Viet Nam 71-72 to come back to states to be totally disrespected and shamed for being over there, by the same people who sent me there in the first place. I hardly talk about it still after after all the years, but it’s still on my mind every single day. I got to come home, still remember the ones who didn’t, watching all the body bags coming into Bien Hoa AB from up country they are the real heroes. Like so many others I for filled my duty and honor to this country, in an unjust war . I left the USAF, now found out I was exposed to agent orange , the war never gave up it’s still here, after 50 years it will finally get me.
Vietnam 68-69
We could look around
and see the blood-soaked ground.
To see our friends there by our side,
knowing that many will have died.
Some will never see the morning sun,
when it was over, relief for everyone.
I was so happy to see all the posts and they brought back memories, happy and sad, of those who went to Vietnam. Quite a few women Marines served during this time, and although we were not “in country” we supported our brother Marines while staying on base. I was at Camp Lejeune and at HQ Marines during this time and I unfortunately, as a Personnel clerk had the responsibility of sending our Marines to Vietnam. I would see some on them when the Bob Hope shows were on and I couldn’t feel more proud of our fighting Marines and guilty that I had send some of them there. I don’t feel I have the right to be counted as a Vietnam Marine, but as someone else pointed out, I signed the blank check as well, not knowing where or what I would be led to. My young brother joined the USMC during this time as well and I am so proud of him. He suffered several hip and shoulder problems being a paratrooper and now the VA will not honor his medical claims – so be it. He is a proud Airborne Marine. I honor all those who served in country and those who stayed behind as well.. Semper fi, my Marines! And all our military who lost their lives serving our country.
I absolutely love this project. I will follow this and pursue a lot more knowledge of this Memorial. May God’s Blessings be with you as you push to achieve your goals.
I was in Vietnam from the fall of 1964 through spring of 1966. I was Navy Reserve serving on USS Princeton LPH-5. My rating was ABH-3, so I worked deck support for UH34D Helicopters. We transported supplies and Marines. I as well did encounter Agent Orange, but in 55 barrel drums.
Carl Fulton
Sometimes I think we forget that this is just not about else, but also our families. I wrote this years ago and I still think it fits today.
The true casualties of any war is our families. They suffer when we leave. They suffer wondering if we will ever return. They suffer when we come back, because we are never really the same people as when we left. – Everyone suffers -. Will we ever be able to enjoy our lives, family, friends and peace of mind. Combat is a family casualty. Putting not just a life together, but all those effected in your life. Vietnam, it will never be forgotten, nor should it be. For those of us in true combat, it can never be just a passing memory in our minds or a photo album you show people. Combat means, it happened, never forget what happened, and never let it happen again.
Written back in 2005 – Peter Guzzardo CoA 2nd Battalion 16th Infantry – Big Red One – Iron Triangle
Very humbling to read this list of our hero’s that fell in RVN………… SALUTE !
Good morning – my husband David P. Sisk was in Vietnam I believe in 1966. We have been happily married for 33 years now and David did encounter Agent Orange as a result of being in Vietnam. He was part of the 11th Air Assault. If anyone from this era is still around, please feel free to get in touch.
Thank you for making this a special day for our Veterans.
Donna Sisk
John….I often wonder that as well. US Army, Vietnam 68-69. My wife passed away from Multiple myeloma/Amyloidosis which is on the Agent Orange list of diseases. Welcome home.
Any special reason it is mostly PuertoRican faces that are missing?
Wondered the same….and New York City.
I was thinking the same thing-and a lot of them were lost at Binh Duong too-seems like Tropical Lightning had a hella time there.
We were a very small percentage of the population but a very high percentage of the casualties.
Eloquently put! Salute to you!!
It was such a honor to read all of the comments made about our Vietnam soldiers that lost their lives in that country. This is good stuff – may we continue to lift them up because they made the ultimate sacrifice. We that survived should be grateful to read/listen and never forget. Continue to walk in your blessings. Oscar J Walker, III (1969-70)
Dear Americans (who don’t believe it worthwhile to commemorate our soldiers of the Viet Nam war, who have died, and or suffered due to their unwavering service to the United States of America),
Many who did their jobs by serving during years of war, even if they did nothing evil (as portrayed in movies and the press) were treated very poorly when they returned “home”. Many were made to feel “homeless” by the actions of citizens who have no idea of what “service” truly means.
Now I am reading comments that I assume are from similar ill-informed individuals. It turns my stomach. War is a terrible thing. All war. If you have some great insight on how to stop politicians from being political (ours and those of other nations) or how to stop all conflicts from boiling over into loss of life, share that. But please don’t continue to punish those who serve or served. It isn’t right, regardless of whether or not a war is “just”.
Some chose to serve. Others had no choice. Many young men were able to use their college education as a reason to delay serving (student deferment). Other young men, who came from financially strapped families were already working, trying to make a living when their draft notices arrived. They could have chosen to give up their citizenship and not served… but thankfully, that was not their character. The poorest of our nation were the most punished by the draft. And now, you can read comments here, by a few who will never salute the flag which represents our Nation as it was founded (perhaps not as it exists today). They will never drink a toast to those lost or wounded who did serve.
Please don’t blame those who served. Be proud of them. Try listening to Taps with thoughts of their sacrifices in your heart, and maybe you can shed a tear for the loss.
I wish you all the best.
Salute!
~JLB
I came back and landed at El Toro Marine base so I didn’t see any demonstrations. I really think you for your heart felt comments. I was over there from September 1966 to October 1967. I spent about 75 days at Khe Shan. I don’t think I want to go back.
Why is it worthwhile to commemorate all us vets who were made to fight in a made up war for profits, an atrocity of the first order, and a holocaust as if we did some good deed? It should be totally made up front that it was a disaster of our making. It is easy to understand why the Vietnamese call it the American War.
We commemorate their life not your selfish opinion of why and how the war was fought. They died in service regardless of the reason. There is no dishonor in that.
I joined the Marines in 1970, and served 4 years — without distinction, awards, or even being able to fight in the Vietnamese conflict, which I thought was being handled wrongly, but I would have been proud to serve my country. When my 4 years were over, I felt I did not deserve the title of “veteran”, because “veteran” and “hero” were synonymous in my mind. And I never was given the opportunity to be a hero.
As a result, for more than 20 years, when there were accolades (such as in church when they would want “all veterans to please stand up so we can thank you”), my wife would have to push me to stand up, because I didn’t feel like I deserved to be thanked (I hadn’t accomplished anything worthy of being thanked!).
That changed one day. In my local VA clinic, they had a sign which read:
WHAT IS A VETERAN?
A veteran is any person who, at one time or another, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, signed a blank check, made payable to “My government and the people it represents”, for “whatever amount it takes, up to and including limb and life”.
A veteran is such a person, whether the check was ever cashed, to whatever extent was needed, or never cashed.
A HERO is a veteran whose check was cashed subject to the maximum value of his or her life.
From that point on, I realized that I had signed the check, and by good fortune or Providential design, I had been given my check back, uncashed, with a notation that “debt is paid in full with our gratitude, signed the People of the United States”.
The War, the skirmish, the conflict and the rightness or wrongness of it, was not the point of focus. The point of focus was the signing of the blank check.
Please be PROUD of anyone you know who, whether they had a choice in the matter or not, SIGNED THAT BLANK CHECK. You can be extra-proud of those whose checks were cashed, but be proud of ALL who signed the check in the first place.
God Bless America!
Thank you for your comment. I also signed the check that was never cashed. I felt the same way. It took me until I was nearly 70 to even sign up for VA med benefits because I felt I was not deserving. After engineering college I joined USAF for a career to fly, but I kept growing and was too tall for flight school. So I stayed enlisted as a crew chief/Flight engineer on VC-118 flying general staff officers and other VIPs around the world.
Though I volunteered for Viet Nam numerous times, I was somehow stuck in a base flight support squadron and never got assigned anywhere. It was a small squadron where they parked short time senior NCOs and officers facing RIFT, so basically there was dismal management, and a whole bunch of BS. In my three and half years there I saw the entire squadron rotate in and out 8 times while I never left. I knew the difference between our unit and the real Air Force because I flew to many bases around the world. I tried everything to get out of there and into the real Air Force to no avail. So in ’72 after my first four I got out. I was not alone in how they mismanaged talent, and our unit suffered four suicides while I was there. One was a RIFTed E6 two years short of retirement shot himself on his separation day. The others were short-timer retreads returning from Nam with PTSD. I knew them all. The harassment from the public as well as incompetent senior NCOs proved too much.
I always did the best job I could. I was always sought after by pilots to be in their crew, They always preferred to use the aircraft assigned to me, and I do hold some pride for that to this day. But still, I will not stand when asked to as a veteran. One of my closest friends in high school joined the Marines and after three days in country a rocket qualified him for his place on the wall memorial. 8 months later his son was born. After my days of service, my next best friend was a former Marine I met through motorsports. He had spent 9 years in Force Recon, 6 tours in Viet Nam before he sectioned 8. He passed a couple years ago. An incredibly benevolent human being, yet his occasional violent venting caused him to struggled to be successful in marriage and life to the end. To this day at motorsports events when they ask for Vets to stand, I do not, instead I think of those two friends, two Marines, and so many other true Veterans.
I expressed this to my oldest son a few years ago when he asked why I never rise to the call, and he said, “Yeah Dad, but you did serve.” That made me feel better, like the sign you saw in the VA did for you. But I still won’t stand for recognition. The war was wrong, the war was terrible as are all wars, and those that served deserve all the credit they can get. But im=n my case, I went in gung ho, but being privy to many in-flight conversations between VIPS, it only took four short years for the graft, profiteering and incompetence I witnessed for me to want no one to remember me as having a part. To this day at motorsports events when they ask for Vets to stand I do not, instead I think of and pray for the families of those two Marines that were my closest friends, and the tens of thousands of combat Vets during and since Viet Nam that are true war Vets. I was just a wannabe caught in catch22.
Today I am a soldier for Christ’s Kingdom fighting the most important and righteous war. In this war I am proud to serve, and foresee hope in a victorious future for me, my family and all others that I continue to serve along side. For this I will proudly stand to be recognized.
I wondered the same thing. Why all the Latino names? The government doesn’t have their pictures? I was US Army 67-68. Bong Song, Phutai and Qui Nhon.
Side Note: Thomas Heiokkala…”Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die”…
When you joined, it did not say on your agreement, “Do you agree with this war?” It just said report and we did. Our Country called and we answered. PERIOD! That is why we need to be commemorated. Yes, hindsight being 20-20, I understand your anger but that doesn’t negate our sacrifice. Maybe we were young, dumb and naive but we were also Patriotic and Courageous. That’s what matters. I’m sorry you’re so bitter. Good Luck to you.
My adopted brother was born in Korea, his mother is Korean & his father was an American GI. The father was stationed in Viet Nam shortly after my brother’s birth. His father was KIA shortly after arriving in VN. The American grandparents sent a family member & a legal representative to try to bring my brother home to his family, but his mother would not allow it. If you know of a family that has experienced this type of situation, PLEASE contact me. My brother would love to know his biological family. Thank you.
This horrendous, ill conceived venture of our military makes my heart pray in consolation for the 58,000 men and women who died in Vietnam. And, too, for their loved ones and the 600,000 men and women who served there- half of whom whose flesh egregiously suffered, and most of whom lost pieces of their souls to ongoing retained nightmares to this day.
.
I will never forget mustering out of the army, in January, 1963, when we were lined up outside the orderly room in Vassincourt, France, during the Berlin Crisis, when the CO spoke to us: “Those who would like to re-up, we need skilled advisors to the indigenous military in a place called Vietnam where we are trying to help the locals ward off a massive communist insurgency. If you are interested, please remain behind when I dismiss. A re-enlistment bonus of $10,000 comes with it.”
He barked: “Fallout,” and 15 of 15 of us jumped on the bus for departure to the ZI.
I have nothing more to say.
Allen Braithwaite.
.
My husband was a 100 percent disabled Vietnam era veteran who passed away February 7 2014. Branch of service:Air Force.
During our 26 years of marriage he rarely spoke of his experiences there…but they haunted him incessantly.
His biggest slap in the face as a black veteran returning from Vietnam was how America had very little support for these veterans and appeared to treat them as outcasts.
During his treatments at our local va Ed made it his business to socialize and talk to as many vets as he could..sharing stories and giving encouragement when he could.
My husband Edward James Blackwell Jr. from Pittsburgh Pennsylvania served honorably.
In closing I agree with the gentleman who stated what about the other vets who survived that terror ….but it was only through God’s grace and mercy..
Recognition is long overdue. ” Rest in peace Eddie B.”
Mrs Darla C Reid Blackwell
God bless Eddie your patriotic husband. My tour was 70-71 Marine Corps. I’m in therapy 3 times a week here at local VA. I’m grateful that the American people thru taxation haven’t abandoned us Vets. It was nice to hear of Eddie’s chance to catch up with his VA buddies.
How do I see the photos of the Virtual Wall? I don’t know if my brothers photo is there..
my comment is this. can a vet who served in nam and was exposed to agent orange possilby pass on a desease that is recongized by the v a to his spouse ? i served 1967-68 in the marine corps up around quang tri , cua viet , dong ha . thank you .
No, Agent Orange issues do not transfer from a soldier to anyone else. Issues are yours alone. Welcome Home.
My husband was in the Army and served from 68 to late 70’s in Vietnam and passed away in 1979 of lung cancer due to Agent Orange exposure. I have no clue if he is honored on the Wall? Can anyone tell me who to contact? His name was William C Timmons.
I have most all the POW and MIA photos , I am the person who give the DIA all the photos from the Inside Hanoi’s Secret Archives back in 1992, And I have there photos before they went to War also, I am Gene Brown from Fort Bragg NC area, Tell me what you may need
We would like to see your photos from Inside Hanoi’s Secret Archives. Wife’s brother is still MIA DONALD LEE HARRISON. ALSO BACKSEAT MIA STEPHEN BENZOLD missing Oct. 29, 1968. Steve and Susan LEATHERS COVINGTON, Ga.
I’ve never been to D.C. so I don’t know if my husband’s name and picture are there. Is there someway I can find out? A website to go to maybe? His name is Harry Koch, he was in the Marine Corps 1963-1967, served in Vietnam in January 1967- September 1967. He was in a VMA unit. Due to exposure to Agent Orange, he now has Parkinson’s and dementia and lives in a memory care facility.
Not sure what you’re asking, but the Wall in Washington, D.C. is for soldiers who were killed in action. It doesn’t address those who served and survived. Sorry for your husband’s condition. I lost mine to Agent Orange related lung cancer nearly 6 years ago.
. If your husband was ever at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more from Aug1958 to Dec 1987, he is eligible for
healthcare from the VA for 15 qualifying health conditions; Parkinson’s and possibly dementia. You may have to fight the VA, as they are hardnosed until backed into acceptance http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejune/.
Attn: Maribeth Koch.. I was exposed to toxic water at
USMC base, Camp Lejeune, NC in 1967. I was not diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2016 as stage 1 . I am now at
stage4>5. If your husband was ever at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more from Aug1958 to Dec 1987, he is eligible for
healthcare from the VA for 15 qualifying health conditions; Parkinson’s and possibly dementia. You may have to fight the VA, as they are hardnosed until backed into acceptance–email: http://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/camp-lejune/.
I served in the Air Force from 1966 to 1970 as a jet mechanic. Had standby orders to go to Phan Rang (?) but was considered 3rd tier (married with kids), so didn’t go. However, met my buddies at the airport after their 12 month tour. It was horrible. Didn’t even know them anymore let alone communicate with them. Flight line mechanics faced VC snipers quite often. Yet they were baby killers. Proud to have served. God bless those boys that served honorably for our country.
Why are you not able to get their enlistment photos. Those should be on file somewhere. I agree with whomever was mentioning the large amount of pr nationalities that are on this list however what are the names and photos of the ones already on the wall?
I served in Nam in 1968-69. I too have noticed an alarming number of casualties from Puerto Rico. I take into consideration that it’s just a grouping that’s missing a photo, not the actual ratio from this island of patriots. However, one must conclude there’s some amiss with sheer number of PR deaths on the battlefield. Was there some sort of hidden/unknown agenda that sent these youngsters to their deaths? Was men of color or ethnic backgrounds ordered to the front lines or sent out on the riskiest missions? Or could it be ascertained that these guys were poorly trained. And they can’t even vote? I.G. needs to get involved. Congress too.
I am a Viet Nam Combat veteran with 1st Recon (Camp Reasoner) USMC and have to ask, the majority of pictures needed are for Army veterans who gave their lives in VN. Do you have any missing pictures for the Marines?? And as mentioned in one of the comments, there is a graduation book provided to those who went to Paris Island and I still have my graduation book and multiple photos from my tour 1969-1970 in Vietnam
A basic training recruit from Puerto Rico in my company in 1967 was approached by other Hispanic NCOs about training as a tunnel rat. That was a highly specialized and extremely dangerous MOS and recruits of small stature – mostly – Hispanic it seemed were the right size. They were above and beyond brave. Those men were real heroes. I suspect most did not survive.
How dare you try to take away these PR veteran sacrifices by insinuating they were improperly trained and sent to front lines to die based on where they were from. You, as Sgt, should be ashamed of yourself. These PR vets were brave and doing their duty right next the vets from all the states. People like you bring discredit upon all of us veterans. Thanks for serving.
I agree with Randy Blythe and Steve Unger. The guys from PR were trained right alongside everyone from everywhere else and they got the same drill instructors (some of whom were also PR) as the rest of the guys. To say they were ill equipped and/or improperly trained or not perfectly capable soldiers and patriots is a disservice to the PR guys who served just as honorably as anyone. In fact, sgt Schofield’s comments regarding any preferential service or mission orders of soldiers from Puerto Rico were the first such remarks I ever heard regarding ANY partiality towards ANY soldier as to what their duties were or where they were sent. The US Army didn’t do things that way. To the Army, everyone was equally GI and that was that… And, the Army sent you where you were needed. I’m not Air Force so I don’t know what things were like in the USAF hierarchy, but I can’t imagine it being that different than the Army.
Tony Underwood, HHT 3rd recon sqdn 7th cav.
You are way off base, Sgt. Check the statistical records of casualties and you will see it mirrors the population percentage. The old stories of only the poor being the ones who died were typical antiwar propaganda, don’t get sucked into that old line.
You’re absolutely right bortel. That’s including the ones from New York. Mr. Stump: Lost my hometown buddy Andrés Ortíz Lebrón in An Khe in 1970. Please send me the list with the addresses and I will do the best I can. Also suggest to get in contact with the Puerto Rico Veterans Procurement Office. They may be helpful with this important issue too. Thanks for your Service Sirs.
Brother Andres Otiz Lebron is listed in the Wall-of-Faces with a picture.
To perform a search for him or others who are listed on the Vietnam Wall go to the below URL and perform a search.
https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/search/
I found it best to use the surname to find less common names like Lebron (8 were found). With a common name like Smith first names will help reduce the number found.
The wall provides details about the fallen brother, allows for more pictures to be added, and has space to leave a remembrance note.
I understand the problem of no votes for Puerto Rico and voting is that the protectorates do not have statehood and no vote. I was surprised by the number on your list from Puerto Rico and New York City that don’t have pictures. Are there no veterans service organizations in either place willing to step up to get this information?
Where can I find out more about this project? Is it just fir those who fell in Vietnam or for any who served there?
Wonderful work, Thank you!
I all so would like an answer to the question by Daryl, why so many from from Puerto Rico have give so much but yet still unable to vote, also are those listed as LOCATION UNKNOW the our brothers that were in a country that we where not suppose in. More power to Adam for his efforts to complete his mission.
I have a photo of my brother in uniform that may be of better quality than the one you have.
How do I send it to you?
Agreed.
OK something going wrong with your leave a reply.
I have posted two (2) already to no vail. Where do
my comments keep disappearing to? I give up.
WHAT? My CAPTCHA Is Empty?
Do You Have A Photo Of JAMES ROBERT WALDEN?
U.S. Army, KIA Vietnam War, TET Offenses February 6,
1968?
I Get It… I Understand… I Have Read The List Compiled
With The Names Of Servicemen From Puerto Rico And
Then Some. James Robert Walden Is My Brother, He
Paid The Ultimate Sacrifice With His Life While Serving
In Vietnam, Vinh Long Province. IF You Need His Pic I Will
Proudly and Gladly Send You One.
L. A. Walden
Vietnam Veteran 1970-’71
Brother James Robert Walden, DOD 2/6/68, is listed in the Wall-of-Faces with a picture; https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/search/results/?search-term=James+Robert+Walden
To perform a search for him or others who are listed on the Vietnam Wall go to the below URL and perform a search.
https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/search/
The wall provides details about the fallen brother, allows for more pictures to be added, and has space to leave a remembrance note.
Rest in Peace my brothers. I will never forget you.
Don Wolfe
NMCB-10
1970
may God bless all Viet nam veterans
I wonder how involved the Puerto Rico VA System or service members working/living on the island have been involved with this project. Seems like a great project for some NCOs or JOs to work on. Far too many PR / US citizens lost their lives to be excluded from this awesome project. Perhaps a few calls to local PR and NY military commands will help turn this around.
I would like to how I can add my husband name and photo to the wall. He past 2019 and served in Nam in 1968
Abigail
I also served in Vietnam 68-69 marines, I am 100 % p&t. the wall is for those who died
in country (Vietnam) . But remember he is a hero. An we thank him for his service.
Don
Daryl I noticed that too and agree something needs to change in regards to Puerto Rico voting rights.
Any events known to be scheduled in Nevada on March 29th?
Does anyone else find it ironic that all the deaths recorded here for 1965/66 are shown as “location unknown”? Makes me wonder if I had died while I was there in that period would my location have also been “unknown”?
Rick,
during those early years most were of an Advisory status and were all over the place.
Has anyone thought of checking with the military Basic Training as there should be graduation photos?
Yes … Your post would be mine if you did not do it first.
I love the fact that this is being done. I personally know someone whose name is there so I hope you have his photo. His name is Broadus Alfred Whitt from Honea Path SC. He was killed in 1969 if I remember correctly. He was a neighbor. Also my husband is a Veteran from 1970-1971. He was a Recon Scout with the Army. His name is Jack Trenton Patterson. Every time someone asks what his MOS they shake their heads and says he’s lucky to be alive or how did you get that? He had a couple of friends there whose names are on the wall. He also has some that he wonders if they are still alive. Thanks for this great service to our Vietnam Veterans and their families.
Carolyn Coker Patterson.
I agree with Daryl Bortel. I served alongside some fine Puerto Rican soldiers in Vietnam. If Puerto Rican’s are fighting for the United States, they should have the right to vote for those who send them into harm’s way.
We are a Gold Star Family, my brother was killed in Vietnam and his name is on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC but for some reason his name is not being honored here. As a veteran myself, I would like to honor his memory. Ronald Keith Grooms, 1/27/1948 – 6/18/1968. Vietnam.
https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/search/results/?search-term=Ronald+Keith+Grooms
DOB is conflicted but DOD matches. Is this your brother?
What about those that served during that era & survived. Everyone did not fight on the, “Front Line”, but we are equally important. How are we being recognized???
ML Taylor, please respect that the men & women that died in country never again saw a loved one, this country, a VFW BBQ, or another Veteran’s Day discount. My point being, we who served in this era, or any other, & survived, have a duty to honor our fallen comrades, without envy or a thirst for recognition for ourselves. Let us speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. We honor the living by helping one another, & their families, get through difficult times. Our participating & socializing in veteran evenents, clubs, or just listening to a Vet are all powerful tool & recognition. Our nation did not give us the respect and honor we deserved, for serving during the Vietnam era. So, let’s not do the same by taking away from the intended honor, this token of appreciation, bestows upon our fallen. God Bless. Respectfully, a Fellow Vet
Very well said my Brother. I have been glued to this blog for almost 6 hrs today. I find great comfort and personal peace when reading about the similarities, as well as the great differences, of experiences my Brothers in Arms had also.
How can I learn whether one of the missing photos is my roommate from pilot training school (UPT67B). He was killed flying an F4 in 1967 o r 1968. I learned of his death in a letter from his mother who wrote me a very poignant letter. The photo I still have is of the day we first sat in the cockpit of a T-38 trainer.
What a great project. God bless all those service people for their ultimate sacrifice.
My father is Ralph Robert Wensinger. We have not submitted a photo and want to ensure you have one. Who do we contact. My Dad was KIA 10/21/68. Dad’s name is not on the list of those who lack a photo, so you may have gotten one from (somewhere??). Please advise.
Respectfully his eldest daughter,
Elaine Wensinger (Knowles)
Check this link;
https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/search/results/?search-term=Ralph+Robert+Wensinger
Believe your father is the 3rd picture listed.
Adam or someone associated with this effort. Can you please email me with more information on this project and how companies can help with finding the photos and other support? We are strong supporters of our veterans, including our internal “We Value Our Vets” fund-raising campaign. Thank you. Tim
Hi, I’m wondering if you’ve had any involvement with any of the various family tree/ancestry organizations? If they could somehow cross reference your list of names with their databases, they might at least be able to identify possible relatives and let them know about your project. Just a thought.
Has anyone noticed how many were from Puerto Rico and yet those living in Puerto Rico still can’t vote. They can die for their country but not vote, that’s just wrong.
Yes, I too have wondered the same. It is both saddening and heartbreaking.
We love this wall of faces and the stories their loved ones leave. Thank you
I agree 100%, Paula
Agreed!