THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Larry Rankens is touching. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

Corporal James Frederick Baucom, Served with Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152), Marine Aircraft Group 15 (MAG-15), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing (1st MAW), Third Marine Amphibious Force.

DEAR CORPORAL BAUCOM,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS AN AVIATION ORDNANCE TRAINEE. SEMPER FI. ADVENT IS HERE, AND CHRISTMAS IS APPROACHING. WE ARE THANKFUL FOR YOU. THE NEW YEAR IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WATCH OVER THE U.S.A., IT STILL NEEDS YOUR COURAGE.. GOD BLESS YOU. MAY THE SAINTS AND ANGELS BE AT YOUR SIDE. REST IN PEACE.

It seems like yesterday we were rooming together at Michigan State and not much beyond that when we played across the field from each other in high school football. I will always remember the good times we had.

I always respected your commitment to our great country and your willingness to put your life on the line for all of us. You were a good man and a great friend.

We will never forget you and what you sacrificed.

God be with you.

Larry Rankens