THE WALL OF FACES

John -- been to visit you often at the wall, always take a part of you away with me. Often remember the times in Marshall growing up, bowling and spending time on Rollo's front porch. Will always remember you coming home.

Hi. I am a senior at Gridley High School in Gridley Illinois. My class was given the opportunity to post remembrances to the heroes of the Vietnam War. I want to acknowledge your bravery and strength and thank you for being the hero that you stepped up to be.

john and i were in marine corps honor platoon 3096 which graduated on december 12, 1968, at mcrd, san diego, ca. although he struggled getting through recruit training (messy uniform and bunk, marching out of step, barely qualifying on the rifle range...i don't mean this disrespectfully), when he got to vietnam he really found his place; he was a warrior and very brave. we were in the same outfit, 1st battalion, 7th marines, and saw each other often. john never shirked what he saw as his responsibility, being with his comrades in alpha company. he could have gone home early because of a bad back (he was suppose to go to japan for surgery) but that was not john's way. he knew he was needed in the field by his friends and he felt a great obligation to be with them. he felt that if he didn't return to the bush that they would be less safe and the new guys needed his help in adapting to the danger they faced. the last time i saw him i reminded him that he needed to get his back fixed and that he could then go home early. he just waved me off and said "i gotta go back out there, rich. they need me". and they surely did. when he got back with guys he went right to walking point, the most dangerous of all places. but that was john. he knew he was good and that he should be out in front instead of someone less experienced. his courage and commitment got him killed but i know john would not have had it any other way. he was right where he was needed most and right where he wanted to be. may your soul find peace, john, and may all those you left behind never forget your sacrifice. semper fidelis

thank you marine for giving all that you possibly could. from one marine to another semper fi. cpl. clinton lashbrook, marshall, il