THE WALL OF FACES

I thought of you today and the bracelet I've worn and still have in remembrance of you. I'm glad I found this site to see you are still remembered.

Major Ariel Lindley Cross, Served with Marine Composite Squadron 1 (VMCJ-1), Marine Aircraft Wing 11 (MAG-11), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), Third Marine Amphibious Force.

I wore your bracelet PROUDLY, but sad that you weren't coming home. My father and brother were in Vietnam at the same time. I have a granddaughter named Ariel and can't help but remember you. Thank you for your service as well as your family.

We visited the traveling wall in Eureka IL yesterday. I found my MIA, Ariel Cross. When I received the bracelet bearing his name over 50 years ago, I wore it with personal love and admiration. I never knew Ariel but I loved him just the same, I loved his name and what he stood for…. and I loved and prayed for his loved ones who had to bear this burden of grief. My tarnished, well-worn bracelet ended up in a small treasure box with other priceless items from the past. Continued prayers for God‘s peace and blessings for all!

I roomed with ARIEL at Saufley (primary flight training) and we were in the same preflight class (39-65). He was quiet and studied a lot. We had one hard weekend in which my father and his grandfather passed away. I remember he cut his forehead at preflight but just kept going. We talked a good bit about Iowa and Nebraska where my family is from. A REALLY GOOD guy and a fine Marine. We kept in touch until Advanced Jets. I believe he went to Beeville and I was at Kingsville. I hated to hear he was missing when I was at Chu Lai.