Gifts Left at the Wall

An artifact left at the Vietnam Memorial, 1988. They are boots, OG-107 tropical combat style, commonly referred to as "jungle boots."

A Native American dream catcher left at the Wall in 1993, originally with a wolf pelt that had been removed by the MRCE collections staff.

A 1969 aerial photograph of Phu Loi, Vietnam. The reverse side of the photograph writes "enroute to graves registration in Saigon." This was left at the Wall in 1993.

Originally attached to a flower vase, the note reads: "To the Vietnam Veteran: / I think of you alot [sic]. / I hope you're doing okay. / You are special. / _________ / "Jenny" / American Red Cross Girl / VN '68 - '69".

A canteen left at the Vietnam Memorial in 1995. Writing on the exterior surface of the canteen is addressed to "Rick" and signed ""Fredrick W. Pepper / USN / 1969 - 1973."

Left at the Wall in 1990, the assemblage is dedicated to U.S. Marine Corps Private First Class (PFC) Donald Gary Detmer. A baby sweater accompanies a handwritten envelope, in which a there is an enclosed letter from PFC Detmer's mother.

Robert S. McNamara's "In Retrospect," was left in a used condition at the Wall in 1997. The book had been left with 9 bullet holes and bound by adhesive tape.

A bottle of San Miguel Pale Pilsen beer, along with a letter, left at the Wall in 1990. The letter, originally enclosed in the bottle, is addressed to U.S. Army Specialist 4 (SP4) James Malcolm Arbuthnot.

Dedicated to U.S. Army Sergeant (SGT) James Robert Pantall, the dog tags were left at the Memorial in 1992. The reverse side of the tags are stamped "POW*MIA / PANTALL, JAMES R / E3 USA / 3 NOV 70 VS / CLYMER PA".

The military-issued M1 combat helmet was left at the Memorial in 1990. Handwritten both on the exterior and interior of the helmet is the name of U.S. Marine Corps Lance Corporal (LCpl) D.L. The helmet was originally left at the Wall with a full-sized US Marine Corps flag.

A framed painting by Robert E. Hornocker had been left at the Wall in 1993. . Originally, a typed artist's note accompanied the painting. The note dedicated the painting to all nurses serving in Vietnam.

Left at the wall in 1995, this color photograph taken in Vietnam depicts the brotherhood between a group of soldiers.