Shadow box

Dear SP4 Frank Ronald Manello, sirAs an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned. May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you. With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir Curt Carter

I remember Frank as a fellow tanker assigned to B Co, 2nd/34th armor in Lai Khe, Vietnam. Frank and I were from Baltimore. Frank was a soft spoken and pleasant young man who longed to return home to teaching at Baltimore City College, one of the oldest and venerable high schools in Baltimore. Frank was transferred to another unit and I was wounded and returned home. It was there that I learned of his sacrifice. Forty years later I still recall Frank's quick smile and his longing for home. He was one of our finest and I'm proud to have known him and humbled to have served in his shadow. Rest in Peace Frank

"If you are able, save for them a place inside of you....and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go.....Be not ashamed to say you loved them....Take what they have left and what they have taught you with their dying and keep it with your own....And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane, take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind...."Quote from a letter home by Maj. Michael Davis O'Donnell KIA 24 March 1970. Distinguished Flying Cross: Shot down and Killed while attempting to rescue 8 fellow soldiers surrounded by attacking enemy forces. We Nam Brothers pause to give a backward glance, and post this remembrance to you, one of the gentle heroes lost to the War in Vietnam: Slip off that pack. Set it down by the crooked trail. Drop your steel pot alongside. Shed those magazine-ladened bandoliers away from your sweat-soaked shirt. Lay that silent weapon down and step out of the heat. Feel the soothing cool breeze right down to your soul ... and rest forever in the shade of our love, brother. From your Nam-Band-Of-Brothers

As one of the 1046 Marylanders who made the ultimate sacrifice we are honored to post your photograph. Operation Remember will continue until we have recovered the photos of all our fallen brothers from the State of Maryland. Visit www.vva451.org and click on the Operation Remember banner for more details about this project of remembrance. Jim Gerity Chairperson Operation Remember Vietnam Veterans of America Baltimore, Chapter 451www.vva451.org - See more at: http://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/32162/FRANK-R-MANELLO

manny g
Fellow Veteran 69-70 An Khe
Union Gap, WA. 98903
“You are Remembered”
Peace and condolence to the family and friends. “He which hath no stomach, to this fight, let him depart. But we in it, shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers!! For he today, that sheds his blood with me, shall always be my brother.” Rest in peace brave soldier, you have not been forgotten. (W.Shakespeare) May God Bless you, for your Sacrifice!!!
Feb 21, 2007

Manuel Pino B/2/8th Cav 68-69
mpjr54@msn.com
Fellow Vietnam Army Vet
C Trp/3/4 Cav Rgt, 25th Inf Div

Unselfishly, you left your fathers and your mothers, You left behind your sisters and your brothers. Leaving your beloved children and wives, You put on hold your dreams, your lives. On foreign soil, you found yourself planted To fight for those whose freedom you granted. Without your sacrifice, their cause would be lost But you carried onward, no matter the cost. Many horrors you had endured and seen. Many faces had haunted your dreams. You cheered as your enemies littered the ground You cried as your brothers fell all around. When it was over, you all came back home, Some were left with memories to face all alone Some found themselves in the company of friends As their crosses cast shadows across the land. Those who survived were forever scarred Emotionally, physically, permanently marred. Those who did not, now sleep eternally Beneath the ground they had given their lives to keep us free. With a hand upon my heart, I feel The pride and respect my reverence is revealed In the tears that now stream down my upturned face As our flag waves above you, in her glory and grace. Freedom was the gift that you unselfishly gave Pain and death was the price that you ultimately paid. Every day, I give my utmost admiration To those who had fought to defend our nation. ~Author Unknown~
Mar 18, 2008

Manello, Frank Ronald, SP 4