THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Another life taken way too soon....

"Greater love hath no man, than that man lay down his life for a friend."

Semper Fi, Marine...you are not forgotten.

I've never forgotten you Walt, nor will I. Those days of high school fun and friendship we shared still live in my memory.

As your 70th birthday approaches, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Forever 18.

"Greater love hath no man..."

Semper Fi, Marine.

Walter was the son of Bernard Joseph Bem, who predeceased his son, and Matilda Boychew Bem, of Indiana PA. He was the dear brother of Bernard J. Bem Jr., of Sunnyvale California; Stanley M. Bem, of San Francisco; Edward Bem, Indiana; Marshall Bem, Daly City California, John P. Bem, North Hampton; Charles Milbrae Bem, California; and Mrs. Jay (Marlene) O’Connell, of Denver Colorado. He attended Indiana High School, was a member of St. Barnard’s Roman Catholic Church, and was active in Little League baseball before transferring to Fairview High School in Boulder, Colorado.
Walter enlisted in the US Marine Corps on September 10, 1968, and upon completion of Basic Training at MCRD Parris Island South Carolina and Infantry Training he received orders for duty in Vietnam. PFC Bem arrived in Vietnam on April 6, 1969, where he was assigned to and served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st MARDIV (Rein) FMF.
During Operation OKLAHOMA HILLS During the night of April 29 – 30 the 1st Battalion Command Group with Company B and D crossed the Vu Gia River into the northern "Arizona" near the My Hoa village complex in Dai Loc District and began their attack towards the east south east. Company B became heavily engaged with enemy troops from their right rear near the My Binh village complex and both Company's turned their attack to the northwest engaging an estimated two Company NVA force firing automatic weapons, RPG's (Rocket Propelled Grenades) and mortar fire on the attacking Marines.
Reaching the river the Marines continued on their attack southwest, with the Vu Gia River as the northern border. With supporting air, and artillery, the Marines pressed onward with their assault facing heavy enemy fire as they maneuvered through a series of hedgerows and treelines chasing the fleeing NVA force. Contact was sporadic but heavy until darkness fell and the Marines were able to set up a defensive perimeter in the vicinity of My Dong. The Marines of Company B and D suffered many wounded and nine men had been killed in the action, one of the casualties was PFC Bem who died as a result of hostile rifle and mortar fire.

* PFC Bem was presented with the Silver Star Medal posthumously "For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action ....on 30 April 1969....", as well as The Purple Heart Medal and The Navy Commendation Medal.