THE WALL OF FACES

Dear LTJG Dennis Montague, Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Office - Surface Warfare. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Veterans’ Day is tomorrow, and today, the birthday of the Marine Corps. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

LTJG Dennis E. Montague was a Naval line officer serving aboard the ammunition ship USS Mauna Loa (AE-8). In early 1968, the Mauna Loa was conducting supply operations off South Vietnam to the fleet fighting to repel Communist aggression. On January 9, 1968, while underway during a rearming with the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in the Gulf of Tonkin, LTJG Montague was fatally injured after he was struck by a load and fell into the hold of the ship. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

You did not have to die, but you had your heart set on law school so you re-enlisted. I will never forget the day. We were rearming the U.S.S. Oriskany in rough seas. The Tet Offensive had caught everyone including the the U.S Navy off guard - it was bedlam on decks with ammo moving from cargo holds to winches. In the middle of the tumult you paced the deck insuring he safety of your men. We will always remember you.

I was a BM3 on the USS Mauna Loa (AE-8) and was present when you lost your life!
What made me so sad, other than a shipmate dieing was that you didn't have to be there. As I remember you extended your enlistment to make the Nam cruise. You were a great and dedicated officer. It was a horrible accident that took your life on January 4th during a rearming with the USS Oriskany (CVA-34). RIP Sir, God Bless and Fair winds and following seas!

Dear LTJG Dennis Edward Montague, 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