THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Lcpl Robert Nueku, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

LCpl Robert Lani Nueku (22) was born on October 15, 1943. Hawaii was his home or enlistment state and Honolulu County included within the archival record. We have Nanakuli listed as the city. He is survived by his mother Emmaline Kanakaole of Nanakuli. He was drafted into the Marine Corps. Entered via Selective Service. He had the rank of Lance Corporal and served as a rifleman with 1st Marine Division, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, I Company. India Company had landed with 3rd Battalion in Vietnam at the end of January during Operation Double Eagle. On March 4, Operation UTAH was launched under the command of Task Force Delta in the Son Thinh District of Quang Ngai Province where the Marines would encounter elements of the 21st NVA Regiment. India Company was helicopter-ed to the area of operations the evening of 4 March, and the Marines moved forward on their search and destroy mission at first light on March 5. While sweeping through the Chau Ngai village complex, India Company engaged elements of the 21st NVA Regiment in a battle that would last for more than 8 hours. The enemy was in well prepared defensive positions with fields of fire that prevented the forward movement of Marines without taking casualties. By nightfall the fighting slacked, 17 men of Company were killed during the battle and many more were wounded. LCpl. Nueku died through hostile action, small arms fire near Chau Ngai 3 East of Hill 50, South Vietnam, Quang Ngai province. He is interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of The Pacific, Honolulu, Hawaii and is honored on the Vietnam Veteran's Memorial Wall, Panel 05E, Line 121.

Lance Corporal Robert Lani Nueku, Served with Company I, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear LCPL Robert Lani Nueku, 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

Semper Fi, Marine.