THE WALL OF FACES

Nor shall your glory be forgot; While fame her record keeps, Or honor points the hallowed spot; Where valor proudly sleeps.

You were the big man Johnny, along with Little Louie and Simpson from Detroit. Semper Fi.

Dear PFC Johnny Williams, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. MLK birthday weekend just passed. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Operation Mameluke Thrust was a U.S. Marine Corps operation that took place in Happy Valley, southwest of Da Nang, RVN, from May 19 to October 23, 1968. Happy Valley was a major Viet Cong and North Vietnamese Army base camp, storage area, and supply infiltration route. Mameluke Thrust was an intended spoiling attack to drive the enemy out of the area. Elements of the 1st and 5th Marine Divisions participated in the operation. On the 49th day of Mameluke, September 16, 1968, the Command Post of D Company, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, set up five miles northwest of An Hoa Airfield, reported one Marine killed from an accidental discharge. Rifleman PFC Johnny B. Williams died after suffering a gunshot wound to the head when another person’s rifle was inadvertently fired. Williams was posthumously awarded the Silver Star medal for courage during action on August 29th. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Command Chronology, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines, 1st Marine Division, October 1968 at ttu.edu]