THE WALL OF FACES

You were a mentor to me, went to high school, ran around & went to summer school. Wrecked a '59 Olds convert. Seen you throw up before you rode in county fair mule race but, you did it anyway. You gave me that roll if quarters wraped in tape & made me stand up to my first ever school fight. There is lots more I don't have space for. NEVER FORGET YOU. Went to join marines ended up in Army. Point man, yeah, that was you

In rememberance of Memorial Day, thanks cuz!

We met 29 May 1963 at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC, 1st Battalion, Company D, Platoon 128. Upon graduation and infantry training Bobby headed to Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, DC and I headed to Headquarters Battalion, Camp Lejeune, NC. In early 1984 Bobby transferred to Lejeune, 2ne Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment. 2-6 was deployed to the Mediterranean in 1964 and the Caribbean1965. I was attached to 2-6 from Headquarters on both deployments and greatly enjoyed the opportunity renew our friendship that began in boot camp. The last time I saw Bobby was at Lejeune in the Fall of 1965. He told me at the time he was headed for Nam to be a driver for the brass, but that he intended to get with a combat unit and be in the field. Bobby was a really great guy, the life of the party. The Platoon 128 drill instructors had a hard time keeping a straight face at times. Bobby is greatly missed by everyone who new him.

Bobby was the son of R. D. and Kathaleen Wiley Williams. He had two sisters, Linda F. Williams and Brenda Williams Roles. Bobby was born March 16, 1944 in Memphis, TN.

During his high school years he served as a page in the U.S Senate for Congressman Joe L. Evans on two different occasions. While serving as a page he dated Lucy Baines Johnson. During this time he also became friends with U.S. Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy. He visited the family home of the Kennedys in Virginia on more than one occasion.

Bobby served in the Marine Corps Honor Guard in Washington, DC. As an Honor Guard he was chosen to stand guard over John F. Kennedy’s body in the Rotunda. He was also selected to be one of the pall bearers for President Kennedy’s funeral.

Bobby left the Honor Guard and volunteered to go to Viet Nam. He was stationed at Chu Lai. His first duty in Nam was as his CO’s driver; however, he wanted to do more so he requested to be sent into action.

Bobby was wounded by a sniper while on patrol on February 23, 1966, in the Quang Tin Province. After being wounded Bobby was air-lifted to the hospital ship, USS Repose, and passed away February 26, 1966. His death was announced on the floor of the U.S. Senate and was listed in the U.S. Congressional Record.

Bobby was beloved by all, especially his family. He loved God, his family, his friends, life in general, horses, politics and the Marine Corps.

Bobby, You will never know what kind of impact your sacrifice had on the families. You were and are missed alot. I remember what short time we had together, the Bear rug you had in your room. I wish that someone would write a book or make a movie of your life. I hope you like the American flag i put at your final resting place this past July. I go by when i am up there to visit everyone that is in their final resting place. I look forward to seeing you, i have alot of qusetions to ask you. Most of all thank you for your sacrifice to me and this country we have now that don't understand why we have to fight for our freedoms. Wayne Byers