THE WALL OF FACES

Just 10 days before your birthday, you lost your life.
It doesn't seem right, but it was an all to often occurrence.

Rest in Peace.

Dear CPL Richard Clark Abbate, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Semper Fi, Corporal.

Dear Richard,
My dad, Ed Bobka knew of you. He graduated in the class of '67 from Elmwood Park and knew your sister Linda. We were watching a Vietnam special on tv and my dad was very static. He had a very plain look like there was something wrong. I asked him about the war and he didn't go, but he knew people. He never said who or how close they were. I looked up the wall for Illinois and showed him Elmwood Park. I could see he just wanted to cry because he was friends with Terry McGovern and knew of you. I just want to say I appreciate that you gave the ultimate sacrifice for this country and rest easy. I'm a history major in college and your story along with McGovern's has inspired me.
Sincerely,
Edward Bobka

In May 1968 our batallion ( 3-27) staged a major offensive on Go Noi Island, which was formed by the confluence of several rivers and which had been an enemy bastion for years. The enemy's infrastructure in the area was destroyed and a major offensive against DaNang was thwarted. Richard was one of six Marines from M Company lost on May 18, 1968.

Richard was my gun team leader and friend. His life exemplifies those qualities of valor and professionalism which are in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps.

I think of my friend always and miss him still. I pray that his widow, daughter and family find some comfort in knowing he was a hero who gave his life in an effort to save his fellow marines.

Semper Fi brother.