THE WALL OF FACES

Remember to save for them a place inside of you, and save one backward glance when you are leaving, for the places they can no longer go...

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Dear PO1C Frank Hogenmiller, Thank you for your service as an Engineman 1st Class. Happy Summer in heaven! Please watch over the USA, it still needs your strength. Rest in peace with the angels.

On the night of November 15, 1968, enemy swimmer/sappers struck the Mobile Riverine Force, a joint U.S. Army and U.S. Navy force in Vietnam's southern Mekong Delta. The Light Lift Craft Four (YLLC-4), and Landing Craft Utility (LCU) converted to salvage work by the addition of a large boom and miscellaneous salvage and diving equipment, was mined and sunk while at anchor on the Ham Luong River near the entrance to the Ben Tre River. Two explosions within seconds of each other were observed, and the craft sunk by the stern almost immediately. Two sailors, BM1 James M. Curtis and EN1 Frank Hogenmiller, were killed, and 13 wounded, including 4 crewmen of R-92-2 which was moored alongside. Investigation by Task Force-117 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team personnel revealed one large hole along the port side about 15 feet long and extending around the stern of the craft. Command detonating wire and other implements of mining were discovered on further searching. Almost immediately, the YLLC-2 was sailed to the scene and the craft was carefully surveyed to determine the feasibility and method of salvaging it. Because of the severe damage to YLLC-4 and the hazardous location, Commander Service Group Three recommended that the Medium Lift Craft (YMLC) not be risked in an uneconomical salvage effort. COMNAVFORV directed the destruction of YLLC-4 to eliminate it as a navigational hazard. Detonation of demolition explosives and the total destruction and clearance of YLLC-4 took place on November 26, 1968. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and rivervet.com]

My Mom and Frank lived together for a short time in 1966- 1968 (est).. I have fond memories of him...