THE WALL OF FACES

Capt Robert Carl Beckman is buried at Laurel Memorial Park, Egg Harbor Township, NJ. (Coffelt Database).

Bob was a classmate and Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity brother of mine at Davis and Elkins College, Elkins, WV. Many great times. He loaned me his car a couple of times so I could take my (now wife) girlfriend on dates and lived on my floor in our fraternity house. Great guy...very proud of his prior USMC service.

I was a fraternity brother and 1963 classmate of Bob at Davis and Elkins College. Bob was always speaking of and proud of his Marine service, and couldn't wait to return to a career in the Marines as an officer after getting his degree on the GIBill. I learned later that he was in Army Special Forces, and was seen leading a group of soldiers out of the jungle to evacuate in a C-7 Caribou flown by another fraternity brother! I have visited The Wall and found his name. I am so proud to have known you, Lapper!

DEAR CAPTAIN BECKMAN,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A SPECIAL FORCES INFANTRY UNIT COMMANDER. I WAS ALSO BORN IN NEW YORK CITY. THE CHRISTMAS SEASON IS OVER, AND IT IS A NEW YEAR, WHICH MAKES IT FAR TOO LONG FOR YOU TO HAVE BEEN GONE. WE APPRECIATE ALL YOU HAVE DONE, AND YOUR SACRIFICE. 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.

Knew this soldier at Davis & Elkins College. He was intelligent, friendly and someone destined to do great things. Unfortunately it was cut short by a sniper's bullet. Thanks, Bob, for your service to our nation. May God bless your soul.