THE WALL OF FACES

Remember how you stopped many mornings and picked me up for school? You also brought me home numerous times as well. I remember that you let me drive your 1952 ford home from school. You were absolutely brave cause I had very little driving experience in those days!! I also remember your burial at Ft. Logan Cemetery. They played taps and I cried!! Thank you for your sacrifice Freddie! xoxoxoxo

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I am 73 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

PFC Fred Howard Horton (18) was born on July 15, 1947. According to our records Colorado was his home or enlistment state and Denver listed as the city. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1965 and was assigned to I Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment as a rifleman. India Company had landed with 3rd Battalion in Vietnam at the end of January during Operation Double Eagle. On March 4, Operation UTAH was launched under the command of Task Force Delta in the Son Thinh District of Quang Ngai Province where the Marines would encounter elements of the 21st NVA Regiment. India Company was helicopter-ed to the area of operations the evening of 4 March, and the Marines moved forward on their search and destroy mission at first light on March 5. While sweeping through the Chau Ngai village complex, India Company engaged elements of the 21st NVA Regiment in a battle that would last for more than 8 hours. The enemy was in well prepared defensive positions with fields of fire that prevented the forward movement of Marines without taking casualties. By nightfall the fighting slacked, 17 men of Company were killed during the battle and many more were wounded. Pfc. Horton died through hostile action, small arms fire". Incident location: Chau Ngai 3 E of Hill 50, South Vietnam, Quang Ngai province. He is interred at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Denver, Colorado and is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall, Panel 05E, Line 118.

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

Forever 18.

Semper Fi, Marine.

Dear PFC Fred Horton, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Your 72nd birthday was 2 days ago, happy birthday. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.