THE WALL OF FACES

PFC Leonard D. Smith Jr. was a Communication Center Operator serving with Force Logistic Support Unit Dong Ha, 1st Service Battalion, Force Logistics Support Group-Bravo, Force Logistic Command, III Marine Amphibious Force (III MAF). Located several miles south of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) on the south bank of the Cua Viet River in Quang Tri Province, RVN, U.S. Naval Support Activity Dong Ha provided logistical support throughout Military Region I. On the evening of February 2, 1969, Smith reportedly walked into Hutch #C-11 (a dormitory room) at Dong Ha with a loaded M16 rifle. He sat down on the first bed to the right of the door and placed the weapon between his legs with the muzzle under his chin. With the fire selector set to automatic, he pulled the trigger. Two witnesses watched as a three-round burst killed Smith instantly, his body toppling out the door. He was removed to Bravo Medical where an autopsy was not performed. Graves Registration personnel took possession of the remains, and they were transferred to the U.S. Army Mortuary at Da Nang. Despite the two witnesses and a certificate of death indicating the loss was “self-inflicted,” the Marines ultimately coded his death as accidental, ostensibly to remove the suicide code from Smith’s casualty reference to reduce the number of reportable suicides in Vietnam. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

Dear PFC Leonard Smith, Thank you for your service as a Communication Center Operator. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Spring has begun, and it's Lent. Time moves quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Dear PFC Leonard Dale Smith Jr, 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