THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your brave service while serving with the Marines during Vietnam. Semper Fidelis

PFC Richard E. Cronk was a rifleman serving with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. On August 23, 1965, Cronk was fatally wounded in an accidental shooting incident at a waterhole near the village of Cam Ne, eight kilometers (4.8 miles) southwest of Da Nang in Quang Nam Province, RVN. E Company’s Company Commander requested a helicopter evacuation for Cronk after he had been shot by another Marine. The shooter, 18-year-old PFC Kenneth Wheeler, had been acting as “shotgun” for a fire team going to the waterhole. His M14 rifle reportedly slipped, and he discharged two rounds, hitting Cronk. He was dead by the time the medivac aircraft arrived. A later After-Action report in the 2/9 Marines Command Chronology detailed the occurrence in this way. During a subsequent general court-martial, however, an alternate narrative emerged. It revealed Wheeler and Cronk were best friends, went on liberty together, and lived in the same squad bay. Additionally, Wheeler had dated Cronk's sister. On August 23rd, they had been in combat, and afterwards, were relaxing with their unit. As Cronk floated on an air mattress in a shallow stream, Wheeler, thinking it was unloaded, pointed his M14 rifle at Cronk in jest. Cronk died almost instantly from a bullet that pierced his throat. Wheeler arrived at the battalion aid station in shock, unaware of his surroundings, unable to walk nor speak. Forty-seven days later, before the court-martial, he pleaded guilty to negligent homicide. Wheeler offered neither defense nor excuse and made no plea for mercy. The defense counsel offered a letter from the mother of the victim who requested his acquittal. The court-martial took only two hours and thirty-five minutes: confinement at hard labor for 12 months, forfeiture of all pay and allowances for a year, and reduction to private. The Staff Legal Officer wrote: “…confinement would be of no benefit to the United States or to the accused." The convening authority agreed and reduced the sentence to forfeitures of $60 a month for six months and reduction to private. Two weeks later, Wheeler required psychiatric care, and on November 18, 1965, suffering from severe depression, was admitted to the psychiatric ward of the U.S. Naval Hospital in Yokosuka, Japan. After six months' hospitalization, he was administratively discharged from the Marine Corps. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Marines and Military Law in Vietnam: Trial by Fire” by LTC Gary D. Solis]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your friend Robert Perry is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace PFC. Cronk, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Semper Fidelis!

Private First Class Richard Edward Cronk, Served with Company E, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.