THE WALL OF FACES

Corporal William Elliott Gooden, Served with the 3rd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Tiki O is poignant and reflects his admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

PFC Michael E. Hicks was a rifleman serving with 1st Platoon, A Company, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, 3rd Marine Division. A Company was assigned to Quang Tri Combat Base where they lived in twelve-man hooches (sandbagged bunkers) at the rear area of the base. They frequently operated in eight-man Recon teams, conducting surveillance and reconnaissance to determine the extent of enemy activity at selected points adjacent to Quang Tri base. On the morning of June 11, 1969, Hicks was a member of a team inserted by a CH-46 helicopter to perform observation in an area approximately four miles southwest of Con Thien (Hill 158). The terrain consisted of moderately steep hills with scattered brush providing poor cover and concealment. During the mission, the patrol reported seeing five North Vietnamese Army (NVA) or Viet Cong (VC) in a northeasterly direction 150 yards from their location. The enemy were wearing camouflage utilities, helmets, packs, and carrying AK-47’s. At 10:30 AM, Hicks was with another member of the team in some brush when an NVA marksman fired a three-round burst in their direction. Hicks was killed instantly when the three rounds hit him in the face and head. Grenades were also tossed at the Marines, who returned fire, causing the enemy to break contact. The team then moved southwest and were picked up by helicopter at 11:12 AM. Because of the tactical situation, the team, with three wounded, were unable to bring out Hicks’ body. The following day, Echo Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines was sent to recover Hicks. One of the Recon Marines was flown out to accompany and direct them to the location. As they approached the body, 3rd Platoon, E/2/3 came under enemy fire. Several men were wounded and two were killed, CPL William E. Gooden and PFC Alfredo Ochoa Jr. After the dead and wounded were medevacked, Hick’s remains were recovered. The body was found stripped of its gear and uniform. It was placed on a poncho and carried approximately one mile south. As night fell, E/2/3 set in a night defensive position. The following morning, Hick’s body was placed on a helicopter and flown to Quang Tri. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology, 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, June 1969” at ttu.edu; also, from information provided by Norwood Jatho (December 2020) and Bob Chaney (June 2022)]

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

Dear Cpl William Gooden,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Happy New Year. 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.