THE WALL OF FACES

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Dear Lcpl Dean Newsome, Thank you for your service as an Antitank Assaultman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It’s a New Year, but not necessarily better. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Lance Corporal Dean Oliver Newsome, Served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dean Oliver Newsome
On February 23, 1949 a cold wintery day, Dean Oliver Newsome, born prematurely and weighing in at but three pounds, entered this world at Provident Hospital.
Born to the proud parents of Donald C. Fontaine and Verna C. Newsome, both of whom were at that time dancers in the entertainment world.
After Dean, two more children were born to this union. Being the eldest, Dean at an early age took on the responsibilities of helping his parents with the younger children.
He graduated from the Fernwood Grade School and entered South Shore High School. Dean had his own ideas of life as an individual, yet, always managed to partake and participate in all phases of life, and in so doing made many close knit friendships.
He was religiously affiliated with the Redeeming Church of Christ. At South Shore High School he became a diligent member of the R.O.T.C., from whom he received several medals.
As an example of his veracity, he participated in sports, mainly as a member of the South Shore High School Football Team, under the coaching staff of Mr. Hagner, in the season of 1965 and 1966.
On July 3, 1967, again the depth of Dean’s individual character was manifested, when he quietly announced to his family that he had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps.
No draft board had to seek out this fine young man. His country needed him and Dean quietly came to the fore, not asking what his country could do for him, but rather, what can I do for my country, as John F. Kennedy said in January of 1961.
Upon entry into the Marine Corps and its usual training period, Dean soon requested front line service; knowing full well the danger he would encounter.
Less than a year later, June of 1968, Dean was wounded and awarded the Purple Heart. After a short period of recuperation, Dean was returned to the front lines and on August 19, 1968, at Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, the death angel came swiftly to Dean Oliver Newsome.
Dean was engaged in battle on this date and a bullet wound in the head left him mortally wounded. He never regained consciousness.
Left behind to mourn this courageous young man who went to his death in the cause of mankind are his Father, Mother, Maternal grandmother and grandfather, his Sister and a Brother.
Besides the immediate family, Dean leaves a host of friends and relatives who are saddened beyond mere words.
Gone is a young man of nineteen and a half years. Gone, yes, but not forgotten. Dean Oliver Newsome will long be remembered.
It is so very easy now to realize the strained and pained expression on his Sister Toni Newsome, employed by Fred Oyen of the Garden Apartments Pharmacy.
Belatedly, the “NEWS” offers its condolences to Toni; the Mother and Father of our departed knight; and to all of his family.
Wherever you are Dean Oliver Newsome, the candles are burning and the prayers are being said for you. From The Old Town Gardens News, Friday, September 13, 1968

This is his boot camp photo from Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego, Platoon 3014. He earned the title “U.S. Marine” on September 4, 1967.

Thank you for your service to our great nation, my brother.