THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever…

During September 1970, the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines conducted combat operations in the Da Nang Sector (Quang Nam Province) and throughout the 1st Marine Division’s Tactical Area of Operational Responsibility. The Battalion placed units at several different locations, and during September 1-30, Company C-1/5 was located on Hill 34, a divisional field command post 29 kilometers (17.4 miles) southwest of Da Nang Air Base. While posted there, the company launched routine patrols and security sweeps from the hilltop. On the early morning of September 4th, 1st Platoon, C-1/5 was set in a night ambush position when at 4:25 AM sentries observed movement and opened fire. Members of the platoon swept the area and found a Marine rifleman, LCPL Ronald D. Swinford, dead from the gunfire. Evidently, Swinford had gotten up from his position and walked in front of the ambush. The Platoon Commander was with the ambush team at the time of the incident. The Marines assigned an investigating officer to conduct an inquiry into the incident. It is unclear what outcome it produced as the U.S. military generally provided very little details regarding such incidents; however, a subsequent Marine casualty report coded Swinford’s death an “accidental homicide.” [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear Lcpl Ronald Swinford, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Tomorrow is the 52nd anniversary of the start of your tour. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Another summer is soon. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

On the remembrance of your 73rd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine.