THE WALL OF FACES

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you John Anthony Sorrenti, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you Doc Sorrenti, for a job well done!

FAIR WINDS, AND ETERNAL PEACE MY FRIEND

4 March 1969

It's like it was yesterday a day that I haven't forgotten and never will.

When I arrived at Mike Company 3/26 in December of 69 I was assigned to 3rd platoon. The first person I met was a Navy Corpsmen named Jack Sorrenti. We laughed at how green we were and how we were too old at 19. Only later did I find out that he arrived in country about a month before me. I met a friend that day for life.

When I was wounded on 26 January 69 Jack was there and we laughed again on getting wounded and not ducking down. I was sent back to a hospital ship to recover and return at a later date. While back on the ship I ran into Jack again we talked about the war, going home and laughed at life and other things. I told him I would return in March and asked if I could bring anything with me. He thought and asked for mail and hot food for the platoon. When I returned on March 3rd along with me came mail and hot food. We laughed again he knew the mail would be no problem but the hot food. Little did I know this would be our last laugh together.

I knew where you came from but not much more. Seems like that's how they wanted it.

It's taken me a long time to find out more about you. Jack you're a credit to your family and the Navy. We lost a lot of great people over there and I think about them all the time.

You're gone but not forgotten and I hope some day to laugh with you again.

Semper Fi:

Glenn Bauer
Mike 3/26
3rd Plt

Jack was a trusted friend who I only first met in January 1969.

His selfless act of coming out of the relative safety of that fighting hole we dug together only hours before the attack to come to my assistance is doubtless the reason that I am here today and he is not.

I spoke to your mother about that night and the days leading up to the morning of 4 March 1969 the day your soul was taken from us.

You were instrumental in saving countless lives by rendering life giving first aid to the wounded for your short period of time in-country, not to mention the words of encouragement you offered to the wounded even to those you knew would likely not make it.

Jack, you were the best! One can only imagine what this world might have been like had you not been taken away at such an early age.

Your buddy and protege,
Jim Wido

Doc Sorrenti was a very caring young man who always responded to a Marine in need of medical assistance. When the cry "Corpsman Up" was heard, he sprang to his duties without any hesitation. He ignored the dangers as he rendered aid to the injured on every call. His courage was irrefutable.

On March 4, 1969, when we were attacked by an unknown force in the early morning hour, Doc Sorrenti lost his life before he could help others. Living with my thoughts from that frozen moment in time, I have realized that Doc Sorrenti was truly an Angel loaned to us for a short time by God. He was a credit to all Navy Corpsmen and the United States Naval Service.

John, I salute and honor you. It was a privledge to have served with you and have you as Corpsman for 3rd Battalion/26th Marines,"M" Company,3rd Platoon. You fought a great fight and I look forward to joining you in your heavenly home.

Semper Fi,
Larry C. Tasby