THE WALL OF FACES

I was with Hazel Humphries in Mike Company, 3rd Bn. 5th Marines in 1967. Our company was guarding a series of bridges on Hwy 1 as the VC and NVA continued to blow them up at night. My position was maybe a quarter mile down the road from his. I liked "Hump" that's what we called him. Tall, slump shouldered with a deep voice, he'd laugh about his first name "Hazel." How would you like to go thru life with a name like that, he'd say. The local VC Battalion would mortar our positions late at night. One night the team up the road got hit, (Hazel's team). Didn't think too much about it at the time, as this was a normal occurrence. The next day word came down that Cpl Humphries, my friend took a massive amount of shrapnel in the head and died. I was sick to death of losing friends. He was a nice guy and everyone in the company who knew him, liked him. God Bless, you, Hazel. And I think you have a beautiful name. Semper fi, Denis Flood.

Dear Cpl Hazel Humphries, Thank you for your service as a Mortarman. Your 53rd anniversary is in 2 days, sad. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Corporal Hazel Hampton Humphries III, Served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear CPL Hazel H Humphries III, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Semper Fi, Marine.