THE WALL OF FACES

I think of you often Lt. Thanks for watching out for me

Dear Lt Wayne Gross,
Thank you for your service as a Basic Infantry Officer. 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.

2Lt Wayne W. Gross was the cousin of my mother (Jeanette Grote, Mount Carmel, IA) I never had the pleasure of meeting Wayne. I was 5 years old when this treasured Marine gave his life in defense of freedom. By all accounts, Wayne displayed the greatest love of God, Country, Corps through his actions and life he lived. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.(John 15:13) It was heroes such as this that inspired me to write the song "Heroes". "All gave some for country, some gave all so young... God bless the special heroes that never made it home." May the music video "Heroes" which includes 2Lt Gross, be a living tribute to all that have sacrificed for this great nation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZlNejyd3WI

Until we meet one day... Rest in peace for we know:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
(Psalm 23)
Semper Fi Brother.

https://www.mu.iastate.edu/gold-star-hall-kiosk/all-by-name/wayne-gross/

Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Second Lieutenant Wayne W. Gross (MCSN: 0-105109), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Platoon Commander with Company M, Third Battalion, Ninth Marines, Third Marine Division in connection with operations against insurgent communist (Viet Cong) forces in the Republic of Vietnam. On 19 August 1968, Second Lieutenant Gross deployed his squads to provide covering fire for another platoon moving toward a densely wooded hill in Quang Tri Province. When the advancing unit suddenly came under heavy enemy grenade attack and automatic weapons fire, Second Lieutenant Gross quickly established a base of fire and immediately came under accurate fire from the hostile force. Completely disregarding his own safety, he repeatedly exposed himself to intense fire as he fearlessly moved among his men to direct their efforts and ensure that maximum firepower was being delivered against the enemy positions. While performing actions that subsequently led to the defeat of the enemy, Second Lieutenant Gross was mortally wounded by the enemy fire. His resolute determination and bold initiative inspired all who observed him and contributed immeasurably to the accomplishment of his unit's mission. By his courage, aggressive leadership and unfaltering devotion to duty, Second Lieutenant Gross upheld the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life in the service of his country.
Action Date: August 19, 1968

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Second Lieutenant

Company: Company M

Battalion: 3d Battalion

Regiment: 9th Marines

Division: 3d Marine Division (Rein.), FMF