THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You died at 18 years of age. 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.

As your birthday approaches, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

Semper Fi, Marine.

Cousin Allan, please know that your service and death are not forgotten. Like your brother Jerry, I still fly the Marine Corps flag in front of my house in tribute to you daily. Your sister Josie gave me two photos taken of you at MCRD San Diego when you graduated Boot Camp. The photos are both proudly displayed with your name and dates of service in my home. I don’t know if you knew this but your dear sweet mother, my Aunt Katherine, wrote me letters , at least one letter arrived every week when I was in Boot Camp at MCRD. I STILL HAVE RVERY LETTER SHE SENT! Your mother had beautiful hand writing, she was quite the gifted writer. She wrote the kindest words of encouragement, and in one letter she enclosed a small photo of you in blues like they do when you get ready to graduate. I taped the photo to interior lid of my foot locker. One day in 1989 the G Co First Sgt asked about you and where you served. I told him you were a mortermen with A/1/7 KIA 3 May 67 . First Sgt said he was a 0311 with 1/7 in late 1967. Clifford or Alan as others called you, honestly you and your mother motivated me to excel in the Marines, I did not want to disappoint anyone.
In 2003, I had the privilege to write your name and unit, Alpha Company 1st Bn. 7th Marines, on one the first 500lbs JDAM Bombs that was dropped in Iraq during the invasion/OIF. I sent the photo home to your brother Jerry , and brother in law Jim and Uncle James got a real kick out of it when all met up in Texas. They miss you, I never had the opportunity to know you and I miss you. Maybe one day you will be standing guard at the parley gates when I get my orders to go heaven, maybe you can show an old boot around, help me find my old USMC Working dog Robby, last time I saw him he was at PMO Kennel at Camp Pendleton. In 2003 during the OIF I found out he had died from another dog handler. In any case when I came back I brought daughters to stay with your brother Jerry and Fran in Southern California , and they showed me old super 8 movies they took of you in Yosemite. Your were a bright young man who volunteered for the Marines, when so many others were scared to enlist. You were one tough Marine.
One day we will meet, hopefully share some old sea stories and beers, don’t let me drink to much , or be cussing up in heaven, Grandma Meral is up in heaven now , she just got up there this last year she was 99. So until we see one another, Semper Fi!

Dear PFC Clifford Jones, Thank you for your service as a Mortarman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Tomorrow is actually Columbus Day. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.