THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Charles Esbensen,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. 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.

On December 10, 1966 the 2nd and 3rd Platoons, Mike 3/3 Marines, were on the move. As they approached the Song Cam Lo River the 3rd Platoon formed a semi-circular perimeter through which the second platoon and the company command group passed. A capable swimmer strung a rope from bank to bank and the 2nd Platoon began to ford the swift-flowing, chest deep river. As the Marines were crossing, two F-4 Phantoms passed over heading downriver. A break was called with 2nd Platoon and most of the command group on the far side and 3rd Platoon and the remaining members of the command group on the near side. The two Phantoms returned from downstream and one dropped two bombs into the center of the perimeter formed by the 3rd Platoon. Thirteen men were killed outright and fourteen others were badly injured. Of the five corpsmen on the near side only one was uninjured. The blasts had severed the rope, preventing the corpsmen on the far side from recrossing the river. Although medevac helicopters were called in without delay, several of the wounded died while aboard the helicopters. The seventeen Marines and sailors who died in the incident were PFC John D. Gayman, HM3 John N. Grachtrup, HM3 Donald J. Rion, CPL Clifford R. Singleton, LCPL William H. Bator, PFC John H. Knudsen, PFC Jack W. Logan Jr., 1LT John S. Sayer, GSGT Joseph Clemons, SSGT Doyle A. McShan, SGT Owen F. Neumyer, LCPL Jerry K. Patrick, PFC Michael L. Crouson, PFC Charles J. Esbensen, PFC Martin Ruiz, PFC Robert D. Sage, and PFC Phillip T. Wiley. [Taken from virtualwall.org]

This remembrance is on behalf of my dad, Gene Bransfield. I was in the Army and volunteered to guard the "Moving Wall" as it made it's way through Washington State. When I told my father, a Vietnam Vet, that I was volunteering for this duty, which I considered an honor, he paused, drew in a tear filled breath, and asked me to touch the name of Charles J. Esbensen and say a special prayer for him. I did. I cried for a man I never knew and for his family and for my father. May you rest in peace having served your Country well.

Semper Fi, Marine.

Dear PFC Charles Joseph Esbensen, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter