THE WALL OF FACES

...Of all my friends and acquaintances at William and Mary, only one had been touched by the war for which I was headed. Byron Speer, the president of a neighboring fraternity, whose dreams of manhood I had been privileged to share in frequent late-night bull sessions, had preceded me into the Marine Corps and had been killed within months of his arrival in Vietnam the previous June. His death saddened me and brought home the intimations of mortality with which most of my circle were blessedly unfamiliar.

Taken from the book, "Fortunate Son" by Lewis B. Puller Jr. Chapter II, page 33.

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

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

Again, thank you Lieutenant B.M. Speer, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND

Your brothers of Second Battalion, First Marines honor your service and
your supreme sacrifice. You are one of our heroes. Your comrades of 2/1
hold you in their hearts and minds forever. Take your warrior's rest for a
duty well done. Semper Fi, Marine!