04 Apr 2003 Dear Jeff, It has been 35 years since you were killed in Nam. I've thought about you almost every day. We went through medic training together at Fort Sam Houston and then were stationed at Fort Polk. We worked in the dispensary in Tigerland taking care of all of those recruits. Remember Sgt. Diaz our NCOIC? We had so many fun times together both working and playing. You always had such a great sense of humor. I still remember some of your funny sayings. We drank a lot of beers together talking about our plans for our lives after the Army. I remember when the orders came for you to go to Nam. We went out together your last night at Ft. Polk. I was right behind you getting to Nam as I joined the 50th Med Det (Hel-Amb) and was in Nam in October 67. We wrote to each other a couple of times. We told each other about our first combat experiences. And then my last letter to you was returned with a note from your CO telling me of your death in a firefight. He said you were a great medic and a brave guy, which I already knew. I wasn't better, just much luckier, as I returned from Nam without any physical injuries. I've been to the Wall in Washington DC more than 100 times in the past five years. Four of my Nam buddies are on the Wall on Panel 39E. Their Dustoff chopper disappeared on a night mission and they are still missing. I always give them a salute and then stand in front of your name on Panel 34E, Row 46, and give you a salute. Take care, Jeff my buddy, Neal A. Stanley nastanley@aol.com

 

26 Feb 2005 Dear Jeff, This is Luke Hare. You knew my father Eddie Hare. You guys grew up together in Morgantown and played baseball and football. I go to Saint Mary's Church where your statue was placed after you died. My dad loved you so much and misses you every day. He told me all kinds of stories about you guys growing up. You are truly missed, and are always in our prayers. God Bless. From a friend, Luke woah@aol.com

 

2 Mar 2005 Hello Uncle Jeff, I just want you to know that there isn't a day that goes by where I don't think about you. We never met but I am very proud to carry your name and to also be affiliated with you. I love you Uncle Jeff and I will carry your name on forever. Your nephew, Jeffrey David Straface jstraface@wvcars.com

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall Although formally assigned to Headquarters Company, Cpl Straface was in the field with Echo Company 3/47 Infantry when he was wounded. Visit John Dennison's Medics on the Wall memorial which honors the Army Medics and Navy Corpsmen who died in Vietnam.

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