THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You died at 28 years of age on my 18th birthday. I am now 73 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

Captain Ralph Hines was one squared away Marine! He was my platoon commander at The Basic School, Quantico, Virginia. Our "Skipper" was respected by every 2nd Lt. in his platoon. He molded us to be the best we could be--and he succeeded.
Semper fidelis, Skipper!

Dear Captain Ralph Hines, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer. This week is Flag Day, and there is no better way to respect the flag than respect all of you. Watch over the USA, it still needs your courage. Rest in peace with the angels.

I was very much saddened to read that the son of RADM John Fore Hines, Jr., and grandson of Capt. John Fore Hines, both US Navy, was KIA in Vietnam. His grandfather graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1892 and was appointed Ensign 2 years later (as was the custom, then). He served many years, in many different capacities, including several stints on the faculty of USNA. The class of 1910 dedicated it's annual "The Lucky Bag" to him. John Fore Hines, Jr. graduated from USNA in 1927. I can only imagine how proud the family was of young Capt. Hines, USMC. He and his family's contribution to the defense of the USA has rarely been equaled!

I served with Ralph and called him friend. I still think of him often.