THE WALL OF FACES

It is hard to believe that 55 years have past. I will never forget our times growing up together playing basketball, baseball and football. Thank you for your service and making the ultimate sacrifice. Think of you often. R.I.P.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace PFC. Drake, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Semper Fidelis!

At 7:45 AM on January 30, 1968, a Marine platoon from G Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, was ambushed by approximately two companies or a reinforced company from the 31st North Vietnamese Army Regiment just below the Tuy Loan and Cau Do Rivers near the eastern bank of the Yen River in Quang Nam Province, RVN. G Company was conducting a search and destroy mission, patrolling along the banks of the Yen, when a heavy machine gun suddenly opened up on the point fire team. Firing from well-concealed and dug-in firing positions, the enemy machine gunners and infantry took a heavy toll on the Marines. With the enemy too close to call in artillery or fixed-wing air support, the Marines radioed for reinforcements. A second platoon from Company G arrived at the site and attempted to maneuver the NVA flank. The enemy then attacked, forcing the Marine platoons to fall back to more defensive positions. By 11:00 AM, Marine helicopters evacuated the most seriously wounded and brought in the rest of Company G into blocking positions on the western bank of the Yen. The Marines then counterattacked, supported by artillery and Marine gunships and fixed-wing aircraft. The North Vietnamese fought a delaying action as they began to withdraw. Later that afternoon, the 1st Marine Division heli-lifted a “Bald Eagle” reaction force from Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, east of the river in an attempt to close the circle around the NVA. Linking up, the two companies, under artillery and air cover, continued their advance until forced to halt because of darkness and then took up night defensive positions. The next morning, a sweep of the battle area by E Company, 2/3, and G Company, 2/3, revealed approximately 23 recently prepared fighting holes. Only two enemy bodies were recovered. However, there were multiple blood pools, blood trails, and drag marks. Assorted enemy gear left behind was collected. The area showed that U.S. artillery and air strikes had excellent coverage of target. Twelve Marines were lost in the engagement. They included LCPL Clifford R. Bennett, PFC Howard R. Bisjak, PFC Gary R. Carpenter, PFC Richard K. Drake Jr., PFC Cleveland Holmes, PFC Steven C. Odom, PFC Monte G. Pitner, PFC William J. Powers, PFC Kenneth A. Spilker, PFC Charles T. Tate Jr., and PFC Ronald E. Thompson. LCPL Gene D. Killgore died February 10, 1968, at the USAF Hospital in Tachikawa, Japan, where he had been evacuated for treatment of his injuries. One Marine listed as missing was recovered, and there was no loss of weapons or gear for any of the U.S. killed in action. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, “U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Defining Year 1968,” and Command Chronology [7th Marines], January 1968]

Charlie, You will always be etched in my mind forever. I'll always remember the fond times in High school along with your "hard nose" approach to getting the job done either in school or in sports.