THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Cpl William McCuen, Thank you for your service as an Antitank Assaultman. 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.

Corporal William David McCuen Jr., Served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

"Butchie" McCuen's family had lived in Port Richmond for generations. He joined the Marine Corps in July 1962, three years after graduating from Northeast Catholic High School, and hoped to go into law enforcement when he got back home. The 21-year-old corporal, who had worked as a drill sergeant before being assigned to Vietnam, was a rocket launcher, ammunition carrier and squad leader in Company M of the 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. He died in Quang Ngai Province on March 5, 1966. Survivors included his parents and a sister. McCuen was one of at least 11 young men from the Fishttown-Kensington-Port Richmond neighborhoods of Philadelphia to die or be missing in action in Vietnam. All are honored on the Corporal Charles J. Glenn 3rd Memorial in Fishtown, dedicated in 1967, one of the first memorials to Vietnam veterans in the United States. William lived on Cedar Street, in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. Source: Philadelphia Daily News

Dear CPL William David McCuen Jr, 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.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter