THE WALL OF FACES

Dear Cpl Wayne Wilson, Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Today is Groundhog Day. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance, and faithfulness, especially now. Rest in peace with the angels.

I'll always remember you Mike. You were like my older brother. You protected me, stood up for me and taught me what it was like to have courage and stand up for what was right. I'll always love you my friend...

I’m sorry it took me all these years to discover this website. I was the platoon commander of Third Platoon, M 3/9, and Wayne was one of my squad leaders. I had taken a squad size patrol down a jungle path leading off Hill 452 in Quang Tri Province on the morning of 5/30/69. Wayne’s squad was one of the ones left back. We hadn’t gone far when we got hit from two sides by NVA. After the firefight, we returned to the LZ with our casualties and a POW. I cannot improve upon Mike Finnie’s detailed account on these pages of the events leading up to Wayne’s death. All I remember is that after we got everyone back to the LZ, Wayne remained with the body of his best friend, Cpl. Erskine Oliver, who had been killed in the firefight. It was then that a sniper shot Wayne in the throat, and he was killed instantly. You remember all your men the rest of your life, but Wayne really stood out. He was what they call a Marine’s Marine. I still have a picture of him that I keep in my bookcase. He was a good man.

Brother, how can it be that you have been gone 48 years today!? I will always miss you and you will always and forever be my hero.

It seems like only yesterday that you were helping my dad break horses. Always enjoyed you letting me tag along on the rides up the river. Thanks for your service. I have visited the wall many times and took comfort in placing my hand over your name and the giving you a salute. I am thankful that you were my friend. RIP