THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lcpl Gilberto Garcia,
Thank you for your service as a Mortarman. 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.

LCPL Gilberto Garcia was a lifelong resident of Corpus Christi. He graduated with the W.B. Ray High School Class of 1969, and enlisted in the Marines on April 30, 1969, prior to graduation. Upon arriving in Vietnam on November 6, 1969, he was a mortarman assigned to 1st Combined Action Group (CAG), Combined Action, III MAF., Late in his tour of Vietnam, LCPL Garcia attempted to jump out of a helicopter while enroute to the Da Nang brig after his apprehension for murder and aggravated assault. Upon examination by a psychiatrist, he was found to be “dangerously psychotic.” No legal judgement was ever made in the murder case against him as Garcia had hanged himself September 1, 1970, while in pretrial confinement. [Taken from findagrave.com and the book Fragging by George Lepre]

Dear LCPL Gilberto Garcia, 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

Semper Fi, Marine.

Gilberto is buried at Rose Hill Memorial Park,Corpus Christi,TX.