THE WALL OF FACES

Lance Corporal Gilberto Garcia, Served with the 1st Combined Action Group (1st CAG), Combined Action Program, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Gil, your barrio buddy has not ever forgotten you. I know what you went through, I was there myself. But god had a plan for us. I am proud to have known you as kids and still brag about my buddy the jar head. My god hold you in the highest and until we meet again. I will remain you friend Peca from press street.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

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]