THE WALL OF FACES

When I arrived in Vietnam in 9-66 I was sent to Mass -2.Capt Ayers was the Oic for Comm Hill then.When I arrived at comm hill Capt Ayers came around an introduced himself to me.When does an officer come to visit new enlisted person! He left Mass-2 around March of 1967,as I think he extended his tour to go back to division. I was very sorry to her he was killed after leaving Mass 2.He was a very easy going and pleasant man to be around.

I served with Capt. Ayers in Guantanamo and aboard ship during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Being a enlisted marine, I found Capt. Ayers to be a terrific leader who showed compassion and understanding torwards the marines assigned to his command.
During the CMC, while aboard ship, Capt. Ayers pinned my corporal stripes on me while myself and others marines pinned his captain bars on him.
Before President Kennedy spoke, outlining the “Blockade”, it was our understanding that we were to invade Cuba. Most of the marines began cleaning their equipment with exciteful anticipation.
I felt differently. Having parents both being born in Cuba, being newly married, and only having four months left in my enlistment, I wasn’t thrilled with the situation. I discussed this with Capt. Ayers. Being a truly dedicated marine, he couldn’t understand my hesitancy. We parted no longer friends. I don’t remember ever speaking to him the remaining four months of my enlistment. This misunderstanding bothered me for many years. Then, a few years ago, I learned that Capt. Ayers had been killed in Viet Nam. This haunted me for the next few years. I knew that I wanted to visit his gravesite. This year in June, 2019, I drove from North Carolina to Moncks Corners.
After some local assistance, I found myself sitting in front of Saint Johns Baptist graveyard on Sugar Hill Rd. After some time, I found Captain Ayers’ gravesite. I can not describe the emotions that came over me. But, after some talking and crying, I felt a sense of closure because I came to show my respect for an “Outstanding Marine” and to say “Captain Ayers - you were right!”
Rest In Peace “Captain”,
Corporal Rick Lopez

Was stationed with Captain Ayers in Pensacola at Corry Field where he and I were students in the NAVSECGRU. He loved the Corps and could not wait to serve in Vietnam. What a waste!

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. You gave everything you had to give. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.

It was almost exactly 50 years ago today. Jim was the Comm Officer and I was the S-3 Operations Officer of 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines in Chu Lai, Vietnam. On the morning of 26 May '67 we were helicoptered into a "hot" zone in the Que Son Valley that opened Operation Union II. We immediately encountered heavy fire from well-entrenched NVA troops. As evening approached our companies had fought through much of the initial enemy resistance but our command group was still getting sporadic enemy mortar fire. Just as darkness set in I was wounded and evacuated by helicopter. Jim was killed by mortar fire later that night. Our CO, Colonel Esslinger, was also wounded. It's heart wrenching losing your friends in combat and Jim was one of the best. I think about him often. My deepest thanks for his service and sacrifice. Semper Fi brother Jim.