THE WALL OF FACES

Francis is buried at Arlington Nat Cem.

You can read about CSM Dowling, LTC Terry Allen and the men they commanded on Oct 17, 1967, in the book "They Marched into Sunlight" by David Maraniss. It tells the story of the "Black Lions of the Big Red One and the events in the ambush that was the last battle of so many good soldiers.

Francis Dowling was the Command Sergeant Major(CSM) of the 2d Bn, 28th Infantry Black Lions, Ist Infantry Division. He was a brave and loyal soldier, tall, handsome and professional.He died next to his Battalion Commander, Terry de la Mesa Allen. He was always at his commander's side. He was a good man with a strong sense of humor and a love of soldiering. I miss him. Jim Shelton BG, USA, (Ret)