THE WALL OF FACES

During April 1969, the mission of the 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, was to secure the area west of the Da Nang base complex area in Quang Nam Province, RVN. The Marines focused on combat patrolling and ambushes from company- and platoon-sized patrol bases. Special attention was given to uncovering enemy surprise firing devices (SFD’s or booby traps) and mines along roads and trails. SFD’s inflicted the majority of Marine casualties. A total of 211 SFD’s were encountered during the month, with 139 found and 72 detonated by patrolling Marines. On April 28th, a patrol from 3rd Platoon, C Company, 1/1/1, located a dud M79 grenade launcher round. The munition was taken to their patrol base to be destroyed. While preparing to dispose of the round, it was picked up by a Marine when it exploded in his hand. Three others were injured in the blast, two seriously. First aid was administered while an emergency medivac was requested. The two seriously wounded personnel were transported to hospitals while the less-injured man was returned to the company rear area. One of the seriously wounded, rifleman Pfc Larry W. Rhodes, succumbed to his injuries. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. You were born one day before me and died at 20 years of age. I am now 74 and have lived a long and fulfilling life. It is tragic you never had that same opportunity. May you rest in eternal peace.

Dear PFC Larry Rhodes, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. The fall of Afghanistan reminds me of Saigon. It is very sad. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Just want to say I continue to love and miss you. You never leave my mind and tears flow daily.

Never a day goes by that you are not n my mind. I have never quit missing you and I never will. Loved then, now and always.