THE WALL OF FACES

Keith the son of Francis Perrelli and Amelia Perrelli of Oak Ridge NJ, dear brother of Duane and Deidre graduated from Franklin High School in 1965. He enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps on March 10 1966 in Newark NJ and left for Boot Camp at MCRD Parris Island SC followed by infantry training at Camp Geiger North Carolina. In 1967 he received orders for duty in Vietnam were he was assigned to and served with Battery E, 2d Battalion, 12th Marines, 3d MARDIV (Rein) FMF as a Field Radio Operator.

Operation KINGFISHER continued into September in northern Quang Tri Province with the 12th Marines providing artillery support for the infantry units in the field. Battery E, of the 2d Battalion was positioned at Con Tien, Hill 158 approximately 4 kilometers south of the DMZ in Gio Linh District. Protected by an infantry unit from enemy ground attack, the FSB (Fire Support Base) was often hit with barrages of NVA artillery and rocket fire with the Marines responding with counter battery fire.
On September 25, Con Tien was hit with NVA mortar, rocket and artillery fire with Marines suffering ten men killed in their defensive positions and many more wounded. LCpl Perrilli was one of the casualties, he was killed by multiple fragmentation wounds from hostile artillery fire

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrances from your high school friend Donna Rigney are touching and reflect her admiration and respect for you. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever….

Dear Lcpl Keith Perrelli, Thank you for your service as a Field Radio Operator. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Earth Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Thinking of you this day cousin.

Lance Corporal Keith Francis Perrelli, Served with Battery E, 2nd Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.