THE WALL OF FACES

Operation Mameluke Thrust (May 19 - October 23, 1968) was a 1st Marine Division, III Marine Amphibious Force search and destroy mission into Happy Valley southwest of Da Nang in Quang Nam Province, RVN. The objective of Mameluke Thrust was spoiling attacks against North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong base areas to preempt any planned offensive against Allied complexes in the Da Nang area. At 12:30 PM on September 14th, Company L, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines was conducting a sweep five kilometers (3.0 miles) south of Nui Dat Son (Hill 55) while enroute to a blocking position when it came under heavy small arms, automatic weapons, and 60mm mortar fire from and unknown-size enemy force. The Marines returned fire with unit weapons and called for artillery and air support. Following the engagement, one North Vietnamese Army soldier was captured, and an SKS rifle and one machine gun with 500 rounds were seized. The company sustained five killed, 21 wounded requiring evacuation, and an additional 14 nonbattle casualties that were evacuated. The lost Marines included PVT Clifton L. Bowen, PFC John T. Mc Innis, PVT Donald A. Obey, LCPL Robert Parker, and PFC Phillip W. Tompkins. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “1st Marine Division (Rein) Command Chronology for September 1968” at ttu.edu]

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

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.

Rest in peace PVT. Bowen. Semper Fidelis!