THE WALL OF FACES

When I visited the Vietnam Memorial, I heard Billy's voice clearly say "thanks for coming." May his memory be a blessing.

Billy you have never been forgotten. It has been such a long time since you past but you were always remembered. Although our families played together as kids for a short period, the impression you made on our hearts has never been forgotten. We will always remember your smiling face. Much Love. Ineke VanEs Perez and family.

We were altar boys together at St. Boniface and became good friends his younger brother always was a team. My mother Aida Orozco and Bill's mom were also school friends in El Salvador. We used to take the street car out to his house and then pull the power cord. The muni driver would chase us.I was sad for his brother and mom that he died so young.I thought he was in Arlington.When I saw his photo Memorial Day 2015 I cried. I'll be out to his grave soon and say a prayer. You were friend and great guy.

The A. P. Giannini Junior High 100-yard relay team was running a 100-yard dash. Bill went by us all and finished 10 yards ahead. Then hurdled the 5-foot plus high-jump bar, where guys were practicing getting over it doing the Australian roll. He consistently hit homeruns over the left field fence like no others could. He found a great course for his life as a US Marine. I am so proud to have known him, and know he is at peace, and will forever be so in my heart. God bless you, Bill.

Bill and I served together in G-2/9 and were as close as we allowed ourselves back then. He talked lovingly of his Claudia and we shared letters from home. Because I have an understanding of Spanish, he let me read letters from his "Buchita". I was away on R&R when he was killed and it was so hard to believe, because he was always so full of life and had such a positive attitude about everything. All who knew him prized his friendship. Gone perhaps, but never forgotten. Semper Fi.