THE WALL OF FACES

DEAR PFC ADAMSON,
LIKE SO MANY GRUNTS, YOU GAVE THE ULTIMATE SACRIFICE FOR THIS NATION. BUT, YOU WERE ONLY 18! HOPE SOMEONE POSTS A PHOTO OF YOU.
REST IN PEACE.
SEMPER FI,

PFC Frank L. Adamson was a rifleman serving with M Company, 3rd Battalion, 4th Marines. On June 24, 1965, his unit was in the field, having been choppered to a location about 3 miles from Phu Bai Airfield in Thua Thien Province, RVN. After conducting patrols and night ambushes, PFC Adamson’s company was preparing a position on Hill 96 when they set off a booby-trapped 60mm mortar shell. PFC Adamson was fatally injured in the blast and four other marines were wounded. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Philip J Viavattine
phil32082@yahoo.com
I was in 2nd plt Mike Co
Ponte Vedra beach FL 32082 USA
I was there when you joined the Marine guarding the streets of heaven.
Frank was in third platoon and I was in second platoon. We were on a company size patrol when we stopped on a hill for re-supply. I was just over the top of the hill from you. Apparently you took your pack off and placed it on the ground on top of an old French mine (based on the fragments they removed from the wounded standing near you) it did not detonate until you sat on your pack. Lt. Kimple was yelling incoming but I knew better and went over to see what happened. My heart goes out to your family you were a young outstanding Marine and your entire family should be proud.

We were hanging out with some of our friends at a local pool hall. You were home on leave before going to Vietnam. You pulled me aside and said, “I don’t think I’m coming back.” I will never forget that moment and you Frank. Semper Fi Marine.