THE WALL OF FACES

I want to thank you Alfredo Benigni, 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, although we never met personally, thank you Corporal Alfredo Benigni, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Cpl. Alfred Benigni, 20, of 402 Waverly terrace, Rutledge.
Cpl. Benigni wrote his parents, Livio and Dinah Benigni, of 445 Sylvania ave., Folsom, on February 24 that their prayers "must have been answered. No one in my copter has been hurt. We are thankful for that because we have had a lot of trouble," he said.

COPTER SHOT DOWN

On February 28, he was among 22 serviceman killed when their transport helicopter was shot down near Khe Sanh. He was a crew cheif in the aircraft. He is also survived by his wife, Theresa, and their 17-month-old daughter.

Alfredo Benigni was a young man of a quiet character, a warm smile a good sense of humor, and a trusting nature. Fred graduated from Ridley High School in 1965. After graduation he joined the Marines. He joined because his older brother, Leo, had joined earlier. Fred looked up to his older brother and wanted to be just like him. While in the USMC Fred married Theresa and while he was in Vietnam she gave birth to his Daughter, Donna Marie. Fred and his daughter never met.

Fred was crew chief on a CH-46 Sea Night helicopter. On February 28, 1968 during the Tet Offensive he was on a mission to recover three damaged aircraft at the Marine base at Khe Sanh. The base was being attacked by 40,000 NVA troops and was involved in a horrific struggle. As Fred helicopter was passing the Rock Pile along Highway 9 the pilot radioed that they were taking automatic weapons fire. There were no further communications. The aircraft then turned to the right and started to descend towards the valley at a high rate of speed.The CH -46 hit the valley floor at full speed. Fred and all aboard were killed.

One of Alfredo’s last conversations about his wife and daughter was on the day of his death. Friends asked why he continued to fly dangerous missions instead of getting a safer job which was possible for him. He simply said that he felt it was his duty and that if he did not contribute, someone else would have to bare the same responsibility.

Corporal Alfredo Benigni had been in South Vietnam for seven months and was expected to return home in August of 1968. His courage and devotion to duty in the face of hazardous flying conditions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Marine Corps. His exemplary conduct, leadership, and singular determination to do every job well were qualities that all of his friends in Vietnam respected. Alfredo Benigni is an honored fallen hero who will never be forgotten. Semper Fi brother and well done.

Hello, my name is Kristin Butikofer and I attend Gridley High School in Gridley Illinois. Although we have never met personally, I would like to thank you for making the ultimate sacrifice. You left many things behind, but the most important thing you left was your life and this country. I respect you greatly. You will never be forgotten. Thank you so much and God bless.

My name is Justine James and I go to Gridley High School and I am writing remembrances for a project in our U.S. history class. Thank you for the sacrifices you made in the name of freedom and our country. Your bravery and patriotism will not be forgotten. It is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Justine James