THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Kentucky was a multi-battalion operation in Quang Tri Province conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps in the area south of the of the highly contested Demilitarized Zone between North and South Vietnam. Kentucky was one in a series of operations to secure the Con Thien area from the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and ran from November 1, 1967, until February 28, 1969. In late 1967, the 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines had two companies of Marines on Hill 28, a slight rise 600 yards north of strong point patrol base A-3 in the eastern sector of Kentucky. On the morning of December 30th, CAPT Raymond W. Kalm Jr., commander of Company M/3/4, led a patrol to the southwest of the battalion perimeter where they came across six empty North Vietnamese Army bunkers facing east, about 2,000 yards from Hill 28. After destroying the enemy bunkers, the company advanced toward the northwest. About 1:30 PM that afternoon near a small stream about 1,500 yards west of Hill 28, the Marines ran into an enemy rear guard of about four to ten men. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Company M sustained casualties of one killed, rifleman CPL Henry L. Geddis Jr., who was hit in the head by enemy sniper fire; four others were wounded. CAPT Kalm called in artillery and 81mm mortar missions, and helicopters removed the casualties. After the skirmish, the Marines found the body of one North Vietnamese soldier. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “U.S. Marines in Vietnam: The Defining Year, 1968” by Shulimson]

Cpl. Geddis, I remember the day you left us to go to heaven. I remember it as if it was yesterday. I remember crying as I, along with 5 other Marines, carried you to the helicopter. I remember sharing my "hot chili" with you because it was the only thing, you said, that made Lima beans bearable. You will always be a hero in my heart. Semper Fi, my friend and brother. -Del

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Platoon 171. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on October 16, 1964.

Thank you for your service to our great country my brother. Semper Fi.

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace CPL. Geddis, I salute your brave soul. My heart goes out to you and your family. Semper Fidelis!

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers