THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

SGT William A. Kekahuna was a Shore Fire Control Party Man serving with Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 13th Marines, 1st Marine Division. The 13th Marines artillery units provided supporting fires for 1st Marine Division reconnaissance teams, Combined Action Platoons, units of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, Civilian Irregular Defense Groups (CIDG), Republic of Korea Marines, and Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN) units, and forward observers accompanying these units while operating within the Division area of responsibility. During May 1968, enemy attacks on artillery positions had increased markedly. At 4:27 AM on May 6th, Kekahuna was at a firebase four miles northwest of the hamlet of Dien Bien when it received 30-35 rounds of enemy 81 or 82mm mortar fire. Reportedly, Kekahuna was secure in a bunker during the attack but attempted to leave the fortification to check on his men when a round made a direct hit on the roof. He sustained fatal fragmentation wounds to the back of the head and body. A second man was wounded. The Marine battery responded with countermortar fire on suspected enemy firing positions. Five secondary explosions were noted, ending the enemy bombardment. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology (11th Marines), May 1968” at ttu.edu; also, information provided by Fred Moravec (September 2009) at thewall-usa.com]

SGT William Antone Kekahuna is buried in Section J, plot 353 of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in Honolulu, HI.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Dear Sgt William Kekahuna, Thank you for your service as a Shore Fire Control Party Man. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Veterans’ Day. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Sergeant William Antone Kekahuna, Served with the Headquarters Battery, 2nd Battalion, 13th Marine Artillery Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.