THE WALL OF FACES

LCpl Jeffrey C. Crouse was an Aircraft Cryptographic System Technician serving aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Okinawa (LPH–3). In the summer of 1967, the Okinawa carried Sikorsky UH-34 helicopters from Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 362 (HMM 362). Crouse’s job was to maintain and repair the airborne computers that processed and displayed mission data. At 4:30 PM on July 25, 1967, he was found semi-comatose in his living compartment on the Okinawa bleeding from his neck, nose, mouth and head due to a self-inflicted gunshot. A .38 caliber revolver lay close by. One source suggests the injury was the result of a game of Russian roulette. Following treatment by navy corpsmen to restore respiratory function, he was flown to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital at Da Nang in Quang Nam Province, RVN. His condition deteriorated, and naval doctors performed a craniotomy revealing intracranial bleeding. Respiratory failure followed, and Crouse expired at 8:50 PM. Marine Corps investigators lacked evidence to report the loss as a suicide and subsequently coded Crouse’s death “accidental self-destruction.” He was 20 years old. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and popasmoke.com]

that you for what you did for this country

Jeff,
I have stood over your grave several times over the years. I have watched both your mother and father being buried next to you. I shake my head as you had so much to live for. Fair Winds and Following Seas

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace LCPL. Crouse, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to your family.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us....