THE WALL OF FACES

Dear LCPL Francis Pennetti, 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.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Semper Fi, Marine.

This marine was my next-door neighbor. He was from a large Catholic family and was close friends with my older brothers and sisters.I was only seven years old when he had been killed in action.I'll never forget this man. I was a kid and remember Frankie Pennetti as a teenager without swagger,
kind to all and protective of those weaker or smaller. God bless him and his family for the sacrifice taken from them. He was 19 years old(birthday is in June,he was KIA in January) when killed in Quang Tri,near Khe Sanh in what is known as the "hill fights" imediately prior to the Tet Offensive and the siege of Khe Sanh. He was killed by artillery/mortar fire on January 24, 1968.

In Gratitude,
Patrick M. Dwyer
US Navy

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Mary Frye – 1932

Lance Cpl. Francis J. Pennetti, 20, was killed January 24 while serving as a squad leader with the 3d Marine Division, 26th Infantry (sic), when he was struck by enemy mortar fire. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Pasqual Pennetti, of 4641 N. 9th st.
Cpl. Pennetti attended Roxbourgh High School before enlisting in the Marines in July, 1966. He served four months at the Quantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba prior to reporting to Vietnam last July.
According to a brother, Joseph, 26, Cpl. Pennetti wrote home frequently and stated he was proud to be in Vietnam where he could help the South Vietnamese. The family last heard from him five weeks ago, however, when he wrote and said he was anticipating a rest and recreation leave in either Hawaii or Japan.
Survivors, beside his parents and brother, Joseph, are three other brothers: Vincent, 18; Charles, 16, and Robert, 14; two sisters, Mrs. Rita Englhorn, 29, and Theresa, 10; and a grandfather, Malcomb Cornell.
The family lived at 3674 Stanton st., East Falls, until about a week ago, and Cpl. Pennetti grew up there.

Semper Fidelis, Marine!