THE WALL OF FACES

Captain Ayers was my Platoon Commander H&S Co, 3rd Bn 5th Marines. We had been after the 2nd NVA Div for a time in April and May 67. At the conclusion of Operation Union we returned to our FOB which was Tam Ky to resupply and regroup. Most of us in Cape Ayers platoon were spread out throughout the different Companies in the Battalion. I normally was assigned to Kilo co. Captain Ayers asked to speak to me the evening of 25 May 1967. As I was nearing the end of my 2nd tour Capt Ayers told me to remain in Tam Ky with Kilo Company as the Battalion was going back out to the Que Son Valley after the 2nd NVA Bn on 26 May. I shook and with the Captain for the last time. They flew out to a hot LZ as the were hit with mortars, Capt Ayers was killed instantly as he was hit directly by one. I remember helping to remove the 38 guys that were Kia'd from choppers and flown back to Tam KY, putting them on mules and transporting them to a tent that was set up to receive them. Most were already in body bags. I couldn't look at the name tags as I knew most. After the last of the were received I was walking back to Kilo's area when I looked down at a dog tag on the ground. It belonged to Cape Ayers. I was stunned.
What a great guy. I always felt That the Captain saved my life that day by letting me stay back with Kilo Co and go home alive. That was 56 years ago today and it was my birthday. He was the best and I will never forget him. Semper Fidelis

JW's Mother, Ennis Ayers, was my Granddad, Lawton Murray's sister. Growing up I lived down the street from JW. Don't remember JW very well due to the fact that he was 17 years older than me. I do remember the stories about what a great person he was. I know he would ask that his Mother send him care packages for the kids in Vietnam. I remember going to his funeral. A scholarship was set up in his name at the Citadel and my husband, Bob Jones, received it when he attended the Citadel. I proudly call him my cousin.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances posted by those who knew and served under you are truly inspirational. Such a tragic loss.

He introduced my parents, who have both passed, in return they gave me his middle name. It was touching to read these stories about him. Unfortunately I did not ask my parents enough questions. Am honored to carry on his name.

We can never truly repay the debt we owe our fallen heroes. Semper Fidelis!