THE WALL OF FACES

Dear HM3 Donald Ellis,
Thank you for your service as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class with the 3rd Marine Division. Semper Fi. Thank you for the lives you saved. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time 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.

Donald Ray Ellis
Date of birth: 10-Dec-45
Date of death: May 20, 1967
Home of record: Florence Arizona
Status: KIA

AWARDS AND CITATIONS

Silver Star

Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Hospital Corpsman Third Class Donald Ray Ellis (NSN: 7973694), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Corpsman with Company H, Second Battalion, Third Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in connection with operations against the communist (North Vietnamese) forces in the Republic of Vietnam, on 20 May 1967. During Operation HICKORY, the First Platoon was assigned the mission to search and clear a village located near the Ben Hai River within the Demilitarized Zone. As the platoon entered the village, it came under heavy enemy small-arms and automatic-weapons fire from North Vietnamese Regulars entrenched in strongly fortified bunkers. The point squad was immediately pinned down, and sustained several casualties. Although well in the rear of the point of contact, Petty Officer Ellis unhesitatingly rushed through the intense cross fire to answer the call of several seriously wounded Marines. Moving from man to man, he rendered first aid to each casualty from an exposed position only twenty-five meters from enemy emplacements before he himself fell mortally wounded. By his outstanding courage and selfless devotion to duty in the face of intense enemy fire, Petty Officer Ellis served to inspire all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Action Date: 20-May-67

Service: Navy

Rank: Hospital Corpsman Third Class

Company: Corpsman (Attached), Company H

Battalion: 2d Battalion

Regiment: 3d Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division

Thank you for your devotion to our Country and to your Marines.

Dear HM3 Donald Ray Ellis, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

It goes without saying,it's because many marines like myself are still alive because of heros like Donald Ellis.
Your family must be so proud of you.