THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. We should be forever thankful for the sacrifices of you and so many others to ensure the freedoms we so often take for granted.

Dear PFC Michael Lovato, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The 45th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon just passed, and it is still sad. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On February 9, 1968, PFC Thomas M. Pinatelli and PFC Michael L. Lovato, riflemen from C Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division, were manning a listening post adjacent to Khe Sanh Combat Base when the enemy assaulted their position with grenades. Lovato was critically wounded in the attack, losing both his legs, and Pinatelli suffered multiple fragmentation wounds to both of his legs. Lovato could be heard calling for help, and a patrol was organized to rescue the besieged riflemen. When they arrived about ten minutes later, Lovato had succumbed to his injuries. Pinatelli was still alive and taken to the base aid station where he died early the next morning. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and khesanh.org]

Semper Fi Marine.