THE WALL OF FACES

I have a cherished memory of Glen Bates from shortly before he left for Vietnam. Glen and I were neighbors; I was only four and Glen must have been 19 at the time. Glen's dad tended roses between our homes and I had gotten tangled in the thorns. I remember Glen coming to my rescue. I looked up in tears as he gently pulled me free and wiped my tears away. This is my only memory of Glen but it has never faded in nearly 40 years. Glen never got the chance to raise his own family, but today there is a small boy not much older than I was when Glen saved me from the roses. My only son carries Glen's name in honor of his memory. I hope this helps in some small way to repay the debt we each owe Glen and the many others who never came home as they tried to protect the rest of us from the thorns of this world. May we prove worthy of their sacrifice.

LCPL Glen D. Bates, USMC

From: http://www.njvvmf.org/return2cfm?UID=827

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Glen Douglas Bates, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you LCPL Glen Douglas Bates, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Dear Glen, i know we didn't hang together, but we went thru school together and i think of you often. The image I often see in my head is of you and your brother and the closeness you shared. You are still missed.
From a friend named Carol

I arrived in Nam a week or so before Glen we ended up in the same 60 mortars section. Within a month I became the section leader. Glen, my self and 4 other marines lived in the same bunker, which we built. I have the best memory's of him. We shared a lot of laughs and good times. Over the years he has never left my thoughts, and I will keep thinking of him until we meet again. Say hello to Will Amendola, Davey Jones, Melvin Decker, Lester Weber, Sgt. Spare, Sgt. Campbell and anyone I may have left out. I still love you guys. We'll talk more when we meet again and we will. Peace my brothers. Rich