THE WALL OF FACES

On May 23, 1969, the guided-missile destroyer USS King (DLG-10) was underway in the Gulf of Tonkin, conducting Vietnam support operations. At approximately 9:50 PM, a fuel oil line in the after fireroom ruptured, causing a fire. The blaze resulted in the death four boilermen and injuries to another fifteen crewmen. The lost men included BT2 Kenneth W. Grubb, BT2 Gene L. Ware, BT3 Martin Brown, and BT3 Joseph D. Fischer. In the aftermath of the mishap, the King made for Subic Bay, Philippines, where it remained until repairs were completed. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and uss-king.com]

Dear BT3 Joseph Dennis Fischer, 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

Thank you BT3 Fischer for your leadership and courage,

Joseph is buried at St Andrews Catholic Cemetery in Zeeland,ND.

Photo