THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Richard E. Cronk served with E Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines. At 1321 hours on August 23, 1965, his company commander requested a helicopter evacuation for PFC Cronk who had been shot by the accidental discharge of a weapon by another Marine. The other Marine had been acting as shotgun for a fire team going to a water hole. The rifle slipped and he discharged two rounds, hitting PFC Cronk. He was dead by the time the medevac arrived. The incident occurred in the vicinity of Cam Ne, 2 miles southeast of the Tuy Loan Bridge, Quang Nam Province, RVN. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

I was there, on the bank, when it happened. I will never forget those moments and images. RIP, you were taken too soon.

Dear PFC Richard Edward Cronk, sir

As 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

He was a great friend and good kid. He would have been a great husband and great father.

Always a Marine

Semper Fi