THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. Your Silver Star citation attests to your courage and devotion to your fellow marines. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us….

Dear HN Roger Whinery, Thank you for your service as a Hospitalman with the 9th Marines, Semper Fi. Thank you for the lives you saved. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. It's the last week of Advent, and Christmas 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.

On the remembrance of your 76th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

"Greater love hath no man, than that man lay down his life for a friend."

Semper Fi, Doc

I never knew Roger, but I had the honor of escorting his body back to Kansas. The Navy was short of officers and I was assigned to stay for the funeral and represent the Navy. I met his wonderful family and shared meals with them. I will never forget their kindness.

Walking around Fredonia was surreal, after being stationed on Treasure Island. Strangers stopped me on the street to thank me for bringing Roger home. I will never forget the look on his mother's face when I told them I was waiting on orders to join a river squadron in Vietnam.

I think every person in that town was at the funeral. A detachment of Marines came down from the Whicita reserves to do the flag honors.

Thank you for your devotion to our Country and to your Marines.