THE WALL OF FACES

May those who served never be forgotten. Rest in peace HM3. Grachtrup, I salute your brave soul "Doc". My heart goes out to you and your family. From a Coast Guard vet.

I REMEMBER WHEN YOU JOINED THE NAVAL RESERVES IN GR WHILE ATTENDING GRAND VALLEY COLLEGE. LOOKED FORWARD EACH MONDAY AFTERNOON WHEN YOU ARRIVED AT THE RESERVE CENTER TO WORK FOR ME. I WAS LEAVING FOR SURVIVAL TRAINING AND VIETNAM WHEN I RECEIVED WORD THAT YOU WERE KILLED. UNABLE TO ATTEND YOUR FUNERAL. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS, I STILL THINK OF YOU AND VISIT THE VVA WALL TO SPEAK WITH YOU!!!!!! THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE.

Petty Officer Three John N Grachtrup was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for Valor for his exemplary courage under fire. He served as a Hospital Corpsman and was assigned to H & S Co, 3rd Bn, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Div.
See https://navy.togetherweserved.com/usn/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=414001

Dear HM3 John Grachtrup,
Thank you for your service as a Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class with the 3rd Marine Division. Semper Fi. Thank you for the lives you saved. 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.

Petty Officer Third Class John Norbert Grachtrup, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.