THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Corporal George Edward McCrobie, Served with the 1st Platoon, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force. Montani Semper Liberi !

Dear Cpl George McCrobie, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. I researched you on your 74th birthday, happy birthday. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Sunday was the 56th anniversary of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. Time passes quickly, but our world needs help. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On Feb. 23, 1967, the 1st Platoon of L ( Lima ) Rifle Co. ( 3rd. Battalion / 7th Marine Regt. ) 1st Marine Div. was on Operation DeSoto near Duc Pho Vietnam. We had been on that operation for a while.

On that day we were sweeping villages. While passing through a cemetery in a column about 50 yards apart, a hidden enemy position opened up on me while I was exposed but I was lucky to find cover behind a raised grave mound.

Out of nowhere, I saw a marine machine gunner running to assist me. It was George McCrobie. He got to my side without being hit. We were shoulder to shoulder and pretty safe from fire. I remember we were laughing at each other
thinking how we were going to get the hell out of this mess. Heavy automatic fire kept us from shooting back.

The next thing was five enemy mortar rounds hitting within 10 feet of us. One hit right next to George and rolled him completely over me. Shrapnel went through him and got me. You might say he saved my life that day. Many were wounded before it was over.

I have always felt that George's blood went through me and made us more of brother's than most marines. I never saw George again and found out he died the next day.

Years ago, I told this sad event to George's nephew in an email. There has not been
a day since 02/23/67 that I do not see the face of George McCrobie. There were never any medals given but Purple Hearts. George was one of the bravest men I
was ever privilaged to serve with and was truly a hero. He will never be forgotten !

Semper Fi , George !

Thank you for your service and ultimate sacrifice for those of us back home. I was not yet born when you were taken from us. I am your brother Bill's oldest son and have been reading up alot about you lately. I hope to learn more as I go on. Thank you to all his comrades who served with Moose!!