THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just two days after your 20th birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Platoon 161. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on June 3, 1968.

Thank you for your service to our great country my brother. Semper Fi

Dear Lcpl John Kaawa, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Halloween is tomorrow, happy Halloween. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On January 29, 1969, G Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 1st Marine Division, was at a location approximately three miles south of Hill 55 in Quang Nam Province, RVN. The Marines were formed up in an L-shape line which spread out over a significant distance. All throughout the day they were being harassed by enemy sniper fire which had carried over from an engagement the previous day. A resupply helicopter was dispatched near their position, however, terrain and the tactical situation on the ground required it land approximately 1000 yards away. Members of 2nd Platoon were sent out to retrieve the resupply material. It is believed they failed to carry a radio with them. While they were at a long distance from the Marines’ line, a PFC forward observer (FO) noticed their movement. Apparently uninformed of 2nd Platoon’s assignment to retrieve the resupply’s goods, the FO called a fire mission on what he believed was a hostile force. Two rounds of 81mm white phosphorous and four rounds of 81mm high explosive mortar fell near 2nd Platoon’s location. Five Marines were killed in the incident, including several who had taken shelter in a large crater when they heard the incoming rounds. Another eight were wounded. The FO was immediately removed from the field for his own protection. The lost personnel included PFC William R. Douillette Jr., LCPL Cal T. Hammack, LCPL John R. Kaawa, PFC Frank M. Koerner, and PFC Samuel Rodriguez. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org, Command Chronology, Ninth Marine Amphibious Brigade, January 1969, and information provided by Anonymous (October 2018)]

On January 29, 1969, G Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marines, 1st Marine Division, was in a location approximately three miles south of Hill 55 in Quang Nam Province, RVN, when it was hit by several rounds of friendly mortar fire. The Marine position was struck by two rounds of 81mm white phosphorous and four rounds of 81mm high explosive. The friendly fire incident resulted in five Marine deaths and another eight wounded. The lost personnel included PFC William R. Douillette Jr., LCPL Cal T. Hammack, LCPL John R. Kaawa, PFC Frank M. Koerner, and PFC Samuel Rodriguez. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]