THE WALL OF FACES

Thinking again today, this Memorial Day, of the life we would have shared together. But, we never got the chance. Life went on, but I have never forgotten you and the special times we shared.

Dear Lcpl Dennis Mutz , Thank you for your service as a Machine Gunner. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the 11th Day of Christmas, Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

To the bravery you showed our family. You were talented enough to have an office job. I know that would have given you heart ache. The reason you joined was to fight. And you did that well.
I have read some of your letters that you sent home, trying to comfort your mother. You were a brave man. I don't know if I would have had the bravery enlist.
You would have been 70 this year. 50 years you have been gone. I miss you Uncle and I hope to see you with the rest of our family some day. I LOVE you.

Lance Corporal Dennis Howard Mutz, Served with Company K, 3rd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dennis and I went through USMC boot camp together. We left from Detroit together and were in the same platoon. After boot camp we went in different directions. About a year or so later I was reading a magazine at the PX of MCAS El Toro where I was stationed. A fellow came over and kicked my foot at it was Dennis. We shook hands and Dennis told me he was leaving for Vietnam that night. We went to the enlisted men club later and drank some beer and ate pizza. Dennis told me of the events that led him to getting orders to Vietnam. Later that evening I went with him to the barracks he would be leaving from El Toro. We shook hands and I wished him luck. A couple of hours later he was on his way.
It was a few years later that I learned of his passing. I was very upset and I remember talking to my father about it. Dennis was a nice guy, friendly and cheerful. It was a pleasure to know him. I'm sure he would have had a good life.