THE WALL OF FACES

I met you before the war in Jersey City. I wish I had gotten to know you better. I want to thank you for your sacrifice and the courage you had in helping those wounded during the Vietnam conflict.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Navy Cross citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Doc

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Hospitalman Third Class Francis William Mack, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism as a Corpsman with Company F, Second Battalion, Fourth Marines, THIRD Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Force, in the Republic of Vietnam on 17 August 1966. When the lead platoon was suddenly taken under devastating enemy fire by automatic weapons and snipers from concealed positions during a reconnaissance-in-force operation in the Cam Lo River Valley, Quang Tri Province, Petty Officer Mack immediately began to administer aid to the wounded. Upon being informed that two seriously wounded Marines needed medical aid, but couldn't be evacuated due to intense and accurate enemy fire, he unhesitatingly moved over two hundred meters down the fire-swept road to reach the casualties. With bullets striking the ground near him, he nonetheless succeeded in administering lifesaving aid to the wounded men and remained with them until they were evacuated. Before moving back to a covered position in preparation for an air strike, Petty Officer Mack once again exposed himself to the intense enemy fire to assist a wounded Marine in the advance element who needed medical aid prior to being evacuated. While rendering first aid to the wounded man, Petty Officer Mack, himself, was mortally wounded. By his extraordinary initiative, inspiring valor and unswerving devotion to duty, he was directly responsible for saving the lives of three fellow servicemen. His heroic actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
See https://valor.militarytimes.com/hero/4155

Its been a long time my friend. You are always on my mind and I will never forget you as we both started on our journeys shortly after we worked together. We had a lot of fun and I will never forget your great practical joke you pulled on me. I have shared that with many folks thru the years. I will visit you on the Traveling Wall again here in Fort Collins next summer. A soil sample from Quan Tri has been placed in the Victory Garden at the Veterans Plaza of Northern Colorado. Never forgotten. Roger Boltz, Fort Collins, CO