The Wall was not well-received when it was dedicated. Many felt it was too abstract and did not reflect military concepts; others felt it was not "human" enough. The committee that sponsored the Wall raised additional funds to erect this statue, known as "Three Servicemen."

The sculptor, Frederick Hart, was himself a combat veteran of World War II so he was able to capture realistically some of the experience of serving in a combat zone. The three servicemen are dressed in battle dress uniforms, carrying weapons. One is struck by their youth -- the average age of soldiers in Vietnam was 19. They are positioned so they are looking on the names of their lost comrades which appear on the Wall.

Most Vietnam veterans who view this statue feel it accurately depicts their experience.