THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever...

On the remembrance of your 70th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine.

A smile for everyone, a man with no enemies, he was right were he wanted to be. If he complained,he did it in a joke, which made everything better. If we went out on a patrol in the mosoons, he would say that we would not have to worry about running into the enemy. they had enough since to not be out here. your friend cpl hud.

On January 25,1970, at the Federal Bldg, Pittsburgh, PA, approximately 100 young men stood in a large room. In walked an Army Sgt, who announced, "The Marine Corp has not met their quota of recruits this month. Who would like to volunteer?" No one raised their hand. The Sgt said "Every 3rd and 7th man are now Marines." That was when I first met Fred. Twelve of us were on our way to Parris Island.
We were assigned to 3rd Battalion, Platoon 315. Fred had the misfortune to having his "rack" next to the Drill Instructor. On the first day there we learned "hygiene". To show us where we had to shave the Drill Instructor chose Fred, and with a black magic marker colored Fred's face where we were to shave. The coloring on Fred's face lasted about 10 days.
Fred was also the Platoon Weatherman. Every morning he would have to run outside in his"skiviez" to check the weather, and either announce, soaking wet, that the Eagle needs a raincoat - or a field jocket or tee shirt. The whole Platoon loved Fred!
When we graduated Boot Camp, and ITR at Camp Geigzr, we went on to different schools for training. I didn't see Fred again.
Around Jan. 30, 1971. at a check point at Camp D.M. Perdue, while on Guard Duty a convoy was passing and a driver, another Marine from Pittsburgh yelled out to me, "Fred was killed in action".
Years later, my wife and I went through my Platoon Book, checking each name and realized that Frederick Baldauf was the only Marine who perished in Vietnam from our Platoon - An Outstanding Marine - And A Hero.
Rest in Peace Brother, You Are Not Forgotten.

PFC Baldauf,

I had the honor reading your name aloud this evening at the 35th Anniversary of the Vietnam Veteran Memorial. I am eternally grateful to call you a brother.
Wayne Knutson
1SG(R), USA