THE WALL OF FACES

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, Platoon 108. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on March 4, 1966.

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

Without people like you our great nation would not exist. Rest in peace PFC. Hammerschlag, I salute your brave soul. Semper Fidelis!

PFC Walter L. Hammerschlag was a cook serving with Headquarters & Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. On the early morning of November 18, 1966, PFC Hammerschlag was on duty at the Battalion mess area. He and another cook had just lit the cast iron burner on the fire unit for a M1937 Field Range and were preparing to place it inside the range cabinet. The tanks on the unit were filled with gasoline and had been pressurized to about 60 psi. As the two cooks set the unit on the concrete floor of the dining facility, the brass cap on the steel fuel fill pipe broke free. Hammerschlag, who was bending over the unit, was hit in the chest with what amounted to a huge blow torch. His t-shirt and hair became engulfed, causing him to run in panic. The Sergeant of the Guard on duty that morning chased him down, got him to drop and roll, and was pulling the burning shirt from him when a blanket was used to extinguish the flames. Hammerschlag suffered 2nd and 3rd degree burns to the face, head, neck, chest, back, and both arms. The other cook was critically burned on both arms. Medics arrived on the scene and treated the two food service workers. They reportedly had Hammerschlag sitting up and talking before they were medivacked to a medical facility in Da Nang. Hammerschlag was later transferred to St. Albans Naval Hospital in Queens, NY, where he succumbed to his injuries on December 8, 1966. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by William Corder (March 2020) at thewall-usa.com]

Dear PFC Walter Hammerschlag,
Thank you for your service as a Cook, Happy St. Pat's. The war was years ago, but we all need 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.

Semper Fidelis, Marine.