THE WALL OF FACES

The Combined Action Program (CAP) was a U.S. Marine Corps initiative during the Vietnam War to serve as a counterinsurgency tool. The program placed a thirteen-member Marine rifle squad, U.S. Navy Corpsman, and a Vietnamese militia platoon of older youth and elderly men in or adjacent to a rural Vietnamese hamlet. Their combined actions centered around territorial security and training the militia, and the merging of Marine firepower and military skill with the militia's intimate knowledge of the local people and terrain. During June 1967, CAP units under the operational control of 7th Marines in Quang Nam Province, RVN, conducted routine patrols, medical civic action programs, and continuous training of Popular Force soldiers. The local Viet Cong (VC) was displeased with these developments, and on June 6th, an estimated 100 VC attacked the CAP B-4 compound at Phuoc Ninh (1) on communal Route 540, ten kilometers (6.2 miles) southwest of Da Nang. The insurgents wore black and white headbands and no shoes or shirts. They penetrated the southwest perimeter of the camp using satchel charges and grenades. They fired carbine rifles and a .30 caliber and possibly .50 caliber machine gun. At least 30 satchel charges and 30 grenades were used to destroy an ammunition bunker and two main bunkers at the CAP compound. Two Marines from a listening post on the south side and one Marine from the north side of the perimeter were killed attempting to return to the compound. The defenders returned fire with unit weapons, M72 LAW rocket launchers, and numerous M26 grenades. Eight of the insurgents were seen to fall, their bodies dragged away. A reaction force from India Company, 3/1 Marines responded with a tank. As they approached the besieged compound, the VC withdrew to the east. Artillery was then called on the probable avenue of VC withdrawal. Friendly casualties were six Marines killed and four wounded. The lost personnel included LCpl Niles Burney, Cpl Richard P. Glaude (died of wounds 06/10/1967), LCpl William C. Gunter, LCpl James A. McMurdo, LCpl Robert M. Miller, and Cpl Edgar H. Vallecillo. Four Popular Forces soldiers were wounded. Enemy losses were put at eight killed. [Sourced at coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology [7th Marines], June 1967” at ttu.edu]

Great sadness fills our hearts today
As pipes and drums, in slow march play.
A comrade’s fallen by the way,
And now we say goodbye.

This hero to the very end
Was more than just a casual friend,
Who would a stranger’s life defend,
And now we say goodbye

But we shall cherish, all our days,
The character this life portrayed
With sacrifice so freely made,
And now we say goodbye.

The hand salute, o’er Stars and Stripes,
And distant skirl of highland pipes,
Bid last farewell with hero’s rights,
And now we say goodbye.

While here on Earth, you gave your best.
Now in the Master’s arms you rest.
T’is by your memory we are blessed.
And now we say goodbye.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

In honor of your dedication, service, and sacrifice to our Country, our Corps, and our unit, on 8 August 2024 the CAP Unit Veterans Association will honor you by having a brick engraved with your name installed along the walkway of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico, Virginia, at the Combined Action Platoon Memorial.
Thank you for your service to our Corps and Country.
Semper Fidelis.

Dear Cpl Edgar Vallecillo, Thank you for your service as an Antitank Assaultman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It is the end of summer. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it still needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.