THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class William Bertus Esslinger, Served with Company L, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Bill and I were friends in Cheyenne and Laramie, and we drank a lot of beer together. I know that Bill was killed near Con Thien, and that The Marines had a brutal time along The DMZ in June of 1967. Ironically, I spent a lot of time at Con Thien in 1968. I was in The Army 5th Infantry Division, and we were attached to the 3rd Marines. I have Bill's 9th Grade school photo on my "Vietnam Wall" in my cave. Looking at Bill's photo still upsets me. Bill was a great guy.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…..

Dear PFC William Esslinger,
Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. It is important for us to remember all of you. 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.

I went through boot camp with Bill, one of the nicest and funniest man I knew. Found memories and late night talks of a ranch in Wyoming. Bill went to Vietnam a couple of months before I did. I heard of his death while serving with 3rd Battalion, 11th Marines on hill 55.