THE WALL OF FACES

Dear PFC Gary Griswold,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. 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.

Gary C. Griswold

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Private First Class
Battalion: 2d Battalion
Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Private First Class Gary C. Griswold (MCSN: 2289655), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action as an Assistant Machine Gunner with Company G, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division, in the Republic of Vietnam. On 14 October 1967 the battalion was assigned the mission of protecting a newly constructed bridge approximately 3000 meters south of Con Thien. The battalion came under heavy rocket and mortar attack, which was followed by a human wave assault of North Vietnamese soldiers. The enemy penetrated Company G's most forward position and was charging directly toward Private First Class Griswold's machine gun. The attack was a savage and vicious one, and the enemy had the machine gun pinpointed with heavy automatic weapons and rocket fire. With complete disregard for his own safety he exposed himself constantly while feeding ammunition to his gunner so as to deliver a heavy and accurate rate of fire on the enemy. The machine gun took a direct hit with rocket and automatic weapons fire wounding Private First Class Griswold and also putting the machine gun out of action. Although wounded, he refused to abandon his position, thus allowing other Marines of his company further time to prepare for the vicious battle yet to come. Again with complete disregard for his own personal safety he, along with this squad leader and gunner, attacked the oncoming enemy in fierce hand-to-hand combat, inflicting several casualties before he was mortally wounded by enemy automatic weapons fire. His courage, devotion to duty, and inspiring valor in the face of great personal risk were a major contribution to the success of Company G in continuing to defend its sector of the battalion perimeter. Private First Class Griswold reflected great credit upon himself and the Marine Corps, and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.

I went to high school with Gary, What a great guy, also star athlete Would do anything for you. We both joined the Marines and both went to Vietnam. He was in the fourth Marines and I was in the ninth Marines. I came home, he didn't. Semper Fi Marine.

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Platoon 2029. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on August, 1966.

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

I'm not sure if I should say this, it has always haunted me. Before he was killed, I was up at Uncle Cliffs visiting,I remember we were sitting at the table talking, one of his sisters said to me, I dreamed Gary came home in a box, I was horrified, but she hastened to say oh no, not that kind of box, it was a wrapped Christmas present. It wasn't long after that he heard he'd been killed. I'll never forget his funeral. It was gray dreary day. RIP Gary.