THE WALL OF FACES

In 1965, Catfish Outposts I, II, and III were located on hills west of the under-construction air base at Chu Lai in Quang Tin Province, RVN. The outposts were manned by platoon-sized Marine contingents from 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines to secure the Chu Lai area while Navy Seabees constructed the jet-capable airfield. LCPL Virgil G. Cruz was a mortarman serving in the 81mm section from Headquarters & Service Company, 2/4 Marines, on top of Catfish II. Cruz died at daybreak on September 28, 1965, after reportedly pulling the pin on an M67 grenade and setting his head on it. The flash of the explosion was seen by the perimeter guards who believed they were under attack. The rest of the Marines grabbed their rifles and fired illumination flares. When Cruz’ body was found, a helicopter was called and took his remains to the Battalion Command Post to be identified. They were later transferred to Graves Registration for processing back to the United States. The Marine Corps employed deceit when generating the casualty report for this incident, coding the loss a grenade “accident.” Furthermore, the Marine notification team that visited Cruz’ wife told her he had jumped on top of a grenade when a new Marine froze after pulling the pin during weapons training. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Jerry Branson (April 2019), Jim Mazy (May 2019), and Sylvia Limon (August 2022)]

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

Semper Fidelis, Marine.

Lance Corporal Virgil Galan Cruz, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

In 1965, Catfish Outposts I, II, and III were located on hills west of the under-construction air base at Chu Lai in Quang Tin Province, RVN. The outposts were manned by platoon-sized Marine contingents from 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines to secure the Chu Lai area while Navy Seabees constructed the jet-capable airfield. LCPL Virgil G. Cruz was a mortarman serving in the 81mm section from Headquarters & Service Company, 2/4 Marines, on top of Catfish II. LCPL Cruz died at daybreak on September 28, 1965, some thirty-six hours after receiving a “Dear John” letter from his wife. A distraught Cruz reportedly laid down on the hill, pulled the pin on an M67 grenade, and set his head on it. The flash of the explosion was seen by the perimeter guards who believed they were under attack. The rest of the Marines grabbed their rifles and popped some flares. When Cruz’ body was found, a helicopter was called which took his remains to the Battalion Command Post to be identified. They were later transferred to Graves Registration for processing back to the United States. The casualty report the Marine Corps filed after the incident coded the loss a grenade “accident.” [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Jerry Branson (April 2019) and Jim Mazy (May 2019)]