THE WALL OF FACES

Francisco is buried at Myrtle Hill Cemetery in Tampa, Fl. PH

LCPL Mazariegos was in Combined Action Company Oscar, 3rd Platoon.

I served in a companion unit (Oscar 2) in Vietnam, although after he was killed, so I never knew him myself.
However, as I have researched for the unit history I am writing, I have spoken with other men who knew him.

He was one of a very small band of men in the Combined Action Program. We worked in small units in the villages, living and working alongside the people, helping them with whatever they needed to improve their lives. We also provided military security while training them to provide it for themselves.

Most of the CAP Marines I knew were young and often dedicated people, really concerned about the villagers in their area. We were JFK's kids, his inspiring oratory ringing in our ears; "Ask not what your country can do for you..." and; "We shall bear any burden, pay any price...".

On 0830 on 27 June, 1967, CAP O-3 sent a patrol sent to investigate suspected launch sites (spotted by an AO) of an NVA rocket and mortar attack on the Khe Sanh base just after midnight on the 27th.

The patrol included CPL Dennis Alfred O'Connor, CPL James Merrill Shepard, Jr., and LCPL Francisco Albert Mazariegos, all of Oscar-3, and LCPL Charles Aaron Lynch of Oscar-1, who was along because he had been visiting his friends at O-3, as well as men of the local Bru tribe of Popular Force militia.

They encountered a strong enemy force on Hill 689, and were ambushed, with most of the casualties occurring as the patrol tried to extract the injured and killed men. Most were killed or wounded.

A rescue force was immediately mounted by the other CAPs, but was repulsed by the NVA, who were apparently well dug in and in force. India and Lima 3/26 in turn came to relieve CAP. They assaulted the hill, and lost 12 incl. Lima CO CAPT Bynum, plus the A 1/13 FOs, all KIA. It took several days and a ferocious air and artillery barrage to shift the determined enemy.

They will be missed by us and their nation, as well as their families.

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Francisco Albe Mazariegos, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and your most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you LCPL F.A. Mazariegos, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

"An God said who shall we send.I answered I am here,send me."

Isaiah 6:8

Et Lux Perpetua Luceat Eis
Requiescant in Pace