THE WALL OF FACES

Private First Class Frank Michael Koerner, Served with Company G, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force. Montani Semper Liberi !

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You died at 18 years of age. I am 74 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

On the remembrance of your 70th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

Semper Fi, Marine.

Dear PFC Frank Koerner, Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. Your 51st anniversary is soon, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Happy New Year in heaven. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance 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)]