THE WALL OF FACES

Copied from Vietnam Veteran Bob Ahles, who posted this:

CHURCHYARD BATTLE
On 07 and 10 Sep 1967 the men of the 3rd Battalion, 26th Marines, fought two bitter battles along the main supply route between Cam Lo and Con Thien, just below the Demilitarized Zone. At least 56 Marines and sailors died in the fighting.

The fight on 07 Sep 1967 took place in and around a churchyard and cost the lives of no less than 20 Americans:

C Btry, 1st Bn, 13th Marines
2ndLt Charles E. Ryberg, Jackson, MN (Forward Observer with India 3/26)

H&S Co, 3rd Bn, 26th Marines
LCpl Dennis H. Marshall, Lisbon, NH
Sgt Roy D. O'Neal, Gahanna, OH
HM2 Frank E. Robinson, Houston, TX

I Co, 3rd Bn, 26th Marines
LCpl James M. Daniels, Wichita, KS
LCpl Eddie D. Hamm, Nashville, TN
Sgt Bruce H. Krage, Minnesota City, MN
LCpl Gary W. Lindsay, Grand Forks, ND
LCpl Stephan J. Nelson, Princeton, MN
LCpl Robert R. Rogers, Gillette, WY

K Co, 3rd Bn, 26th Marines
Sgt Larry V. Flora, Hilliard, OH
LCpl Donald L. Graves, Rochester, NY
Cpl James E. Lewis, Tiverton, RI
Pfc Benito Morales, New Braunfels, TX
LCpl Samuel L. Parker, Columbus, OH
Pfc James H. Stuart, Turner, OR
Cpl Robert M. Warren, Pen Argyl, PA

M Co, 3rd Bn, 26th Marines
1stLt John P. Manzi, Millbrook, NY

Dear Lcpl Robert Rogers, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Your 74th birthday is soon, happy birthday. I researched you on your 54th anniversary, sad. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is Agent Orange Awareness month. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

The Summer of 1967 I attended the Armed Forces Language Institute, Monterrey, Calif along with Robert Rogers. I knew him simply as Rogers. I cannot express adequately how I feel about his death. He and I traveled from Monterrey together to Okinawa, Japan and then to Vietnam where we were both assigned to the 3rd Battalion 26th Marines. We arrived in country only seven days before his death. To this day I cannot believe we lost him so soon into his tour and that we lost him at all. I remember vividly his family coming to see him off from Monterrey and as they followed the bus Rogers and I were on as we began our short ride to Travis Air Force base where we would depart to Vietnam. I remember who was likely his sister and others in the car yelling out the window and waving as we traveled down the highway. From my seat in the bus I could see directly towards them and see their faces and every gesture. Their smiles, shouts and waves. The last time either they or him would see each other. If any of his family or friends would like to contact me I am John A. Ortiz on facebook. My home number is 316-942-2558 in Wichita, Ks.

Dear LCPL Robert Richard Rogers, 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, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter