THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The reprint of the article from the Camden Courier Post is especially poignant and attests to your father's love of you and our country. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Joe and I graduated from Eastern High School in 1967. I got to Parris Island on November 18,1967 and arrived in Vietnam May 01, 1968 assigned to the 3rd battalion 5th Marines 1st Marine Division ,India Company. Years go by in a hurry. Think of Joseph often. Semper Fidelis Marine

I was born in Puerto Rico and ever since I can remember my mom would always make me aware of my cousin Joey who was KIA in Vietnam.

I never got to meet Joey, as I was born the year after he was KIA. However his dad and mom, not only were they, my uncle and aunt, they were also my Godparents. My mom, Mary, was his aunt.

Uncle Joe and Aunt Cass moved to PR in the '70s and they were an integral part of my life until they had to move back due to health reasons in the late '80s. Many of my cousins and US-based family members would come down to visit all of us and we would remember Joey.

My mom passed in 2007 when my kids were 3 and 2 so she was not able to talk to tell them about their second cousin Joey, but I do, and today on the 52nd anniversary of his passing we were able to watch via Facebook live the parade and mindful words that were said in his honor at the Lauer park.

Joey, even though I did not meet you, I do remember you and honor your memory.

Your cousins
JJ, Mauricio and Alexa

During late May 1968, M Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, while under operational control of the 4th Marine Regiment, was tasked with securing National Highway QL-9, which ran east-west from the Ca Lu Combat Base to Khe Sanh Combat Base (KSCB) in Quang Tri Province, RVN. A large presence of enemy troops had been detected in the area. M Company’s command post was set up on Hill 512, approximately two and half miles directly north of QL-9 and just east of KSCB. On May 31st, Third Platoon moved away from the command post down the hillside through the bush. At the bottom they climbed a low draw where the bush ended and entered an area entirely devoid of vegetation. A firefight had evidently occurred there, as bits and pieces of equipment, armament, clothing, etc., were strewn across the field. They moved through the area, navigated another draw, and passed into the jungle again. The bush was so dense it was difficult to see. At approximately 10:50 AM, a pair of green sneakers and a pith helmet were found, an ominous sign of a North Vietnamese Army presence. Nevertheless, the platoon commander ordered his Marines forward, with CPL Francis A. Lautner’s squad on point. They had not progressed far when two Claymore mines were discharged against them, followed by 60mm mortar and automatic weapons fire. Third Platoon took heavy casualties as Second Platoon was dispatched to assist. Killed in the engagement were Lautner, PFC Phillip L. Brockman, SGT Thomas H. Goodson, CPL Cecil H. Humphrey Jr., PFC Joseph E. Lauer, CPL Paul F. Sanchez, PFC Robert J. Schatzman, and CPL Johnnie A. Sheppard. After the dead and wounded were pulled out, the Marines remained to put pressure on the enemy position, estimated to be an NVA squad in a bunker supported by 60mm and 82mm mortars. The following morning the Marines withdrew, carrying their dead, wounded, weapons, and equipment back across the open area. After crossing the draw, on their way back up the hill to the command post, artillery rounds meant to cover their withdrawal fell on their position, killing PFC Earnest R. Saunders. The wounded were evacuated via helicopter to the amphibious assault ship USS Valley Forge (CV-45), with several transferred to military hospitals in Japan. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Brothers in War and in Peace: A story of Vietnam” By Stephen Lunsford, November 9, 2014 at news-journalonline.com]

Dear PFC Joseph Lauer, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. For many of us, we have begun Lent. The time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.