Yes, you can readily look up a name of a service member honored on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. While the physical Wall in Washington D.C. is a powerful experience, there is a comprehensive online resource, the Wall of Faces, that allows you to search for and learn about each individual listed.
How to Find a Name on the Virtual Vietnam Wall
The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund (VVMF) provides an accessible online database known as the "Wall of Faces," which serves as a virtual companion to the physical memorial. This platform allows you to find specific names and often includes photographs and personal stories of the service members.
To look up a name:
- Visit the Wall of Faces: Navigate to the official website at www.vvmf.org/wall-of-faces.
- Utilize Search Options: Once on the page, you have two primary ways to search for a name:
- "Search The Wall" Bar: For a quick lookup, enter the name directly into this search bar.
- "Advanced Search" Option: If you have more details or want to refine your search (e.g., by service branch, hometown, date of birth, or date of death), use the "Advanced Search" feature for more precise results.
This online tool provides a vital resource for family members, friends, researchers, and the public to connect with the legacies of those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.
Understanding The Wall of Faces
The Wall of Faces is an ongoing project by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund to put a face to every name etched on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The goal is to collect a photograph for each of the more than 58,000 service members listed, creating a more personal and vivid connection to their lives.
This digital platform does more than just list names; it aims to:
- Humanize the Memorial: By pairing names with photographs, it helps visitors connect with the individuals beyond just their names.
- Provide Detailed Information: For each name, you can often find:
- The specific panel and line number where their name is located on the physical Wall.
- Their branch of service.
- Hometown and date of birth.
- Date of death or casualty.
- In many cases, a submitted photograph and personal anecdotes or stories from loved ones.
- Serve as a Historical Archive: It compiles a rich collection of data and memories, preserving the legacies of those who served.
Whether you are looking to locate a specific name, learn more about a veteran, or contribute a photo or story, the Wall of Faces is an invaluable resource that extends the reach and impact of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
