THE WALL OF FACES

Marine Corps Recruit Depot
San Diego, CA
1st Battalion
Platoon 134

Commenced Training: 07 June 1965
Completed Training: 17 August 1965

SGT W.A. Gribben - Platoon Commander
SGT S. Ramirez - Drill Instructor
CPL B.L. Pursell - Drill Instructor

4 other members of Platoon 134 were KIA in Viet Nam.
PFC Michael O. Gatwood - Toledo, OH
LCPL Phillip A. Herrera Jr. - Selma, CA
PFC Joseph D. Jarrell - Willow, MI
PFC Phillip A. Lotta - Sacramento, CA

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

Always remembering you, always in our minds, never forgotten on your 50th anniversary. May the good Lord be with you.

We love you Rafael. May the good Lord watch over you always - Paul

Dear LCPL Rafael Eduardo Beeche, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter

Rafa was wounded few months prior to his death, but after he recovered, he returned to fight. He was born in Costa Rica, and he is buried in Puntarenas, a coast town on the Pacific, in Costa Rica.