THE WALL OF FACES

Say not in grief he is no more, but live in thankfulness that he was.

Dear Lt William Ross, Thank you for your service as an Infantry Officer. Your 76th birthday just passed, happy birthday. 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.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. You will never be forgotten.

On June 15, 1968 during Operation Marmeluke Thrust in Quang Nam Province, RVN, Company I, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, First Marine Division (Reinforced), became heavily engaged with a large enemy force and sustained several casualties. As the company prepared to evacuate its wounded, a friendly artillery round impacted nearby, killing the company commander CPT Henry Kolakowski Jr., platoon commander 2LT William G. Ross, company gunnery sergeant GSGT William F. Gunset, and machine gunner PFC Gary C. Seymour. Although seriously wounded by fragments from the same errant round, 1LT Joseph T. Campbell realized that he was his unit's only remaining officer and refused medical aid in order to assume command of the company. Despite his weakened condition due to the loss of blood, he ensured that a landing zone was secured and selflessly directed the evacuation of the other casualties. When the medical evacuation helicopter arrived and immediately came under intense enemy ground fire, 1LT Campbell fearlessly moved among his men to direct suppressive fire on the hostile positions, enabling the helicopter to extract the casualties. Ignoring his weakened condition, he directed a second helicopter into the zone to complete the emergency medical evacuation. He subsequently succumbed to his wounds before he could be evacuated. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and 1LT Campbell’s Navy Cross citation]

Dear 2LT William Gray Ross, 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