THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class Michael Francis Dalton, Served with Company F, 2nd Battalion, 27th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I am 73 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

On the remembrance of your 72nd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

Semper Fi, Marine

PFC Michael F. Dalton was a rifleman assigned to Second Platoon, F Company, 2nd Battalion, 27th Marines, 1st Marine Division. On May 14, 1968, PFC Dalton was carrying the radio while on patrol in an area approximately four miles northwest of Dien Ban village in Quang Nam Province, RVN. Around mid-afternoon, an estimated four Viet Cong opened fire on the patrol, sending the Marines scrambling behind a dike next to a rice paddy. Dalton reportedly stood up to shake off the fourteen-pound PRC-25 radio he was carrying on his back when an enemy round struck him at the base of the neck. He was killed instantly. The patrol returned fire at which the enemy broke contact and fled. Dalton was carried back to the Battalion Command Post where he was later transfer to Graves Registration. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, “Command Chronology (2d Bn 27th Marines)” at ttu.edu, and the book “Valentine’s Day: A Marine Looks Back” by Charles A. Van Bibber]

Dear PFC Michael Dalton,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Easter is coming up. Happy Easter. It is so important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.