THE WALL OF FACES

Tony Baker was a friend and classmate from Jr. High right up to our high school graduation in 1966.
After high school I was kept bust with work and college so I did not see much of Tony/, We had discussed joining the Marines but had not moved forward with the idea and then after I was sworn and getting ready to report for USMC Recruit Training I found out that Tony had already reported to MCRD San Diego. At the time I do not think there was anything more important to Tony than earning the title US Marine.
Tony was one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He and I attended El Camino High School in South San Francisco. We were even in the same home room for all 4 years and 6 of us ended up enlisting USMC
Tony was a member of the school's football team and after school he also worked at the local Mc Donalds. He continued to work there until he was finally accepted as a Marine Recruit.
I hoped that one day while serving in our Corps we would run into one another but that all ended when I was advised that Tony had been KIA. on 7/5/.
Tony was laid to Rest in Golden Gate National Cemetery in San Bruno Ca. where it is that I see his grave still receives the special attention of his youngest sister Nancy
Semper Fidelis Tony
Cpl Mike Belmessieri USMC
B Co 5th Tank Battalion 68 and 3rd Tank Battalion 69 - 70

Private First Class Tony Anderson Baker, Served with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your friend Mike is especially poignant. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

Here it is 51 years later and you still cross my mind from High School. When you told me good luck when I joined the USMC in my senior year at El Camino High School 1966. I was in Qu?ng Tr? Province in 68 not far from you when you died. Never even knew you were in the core. Such a waste my friend. Ken Kramer

DEAR PFC BAKER,
THANKS FOR BEING A GRUNT. SEMPER FI. HALLOWEEN IS APPROACHING, AND ALL SAINTS AND ALL SOULS' DAYS - THE DAYS WE HONOR THOSE WHO LEFT US. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS GUIDE YOU. REST IN PEACE.