THE WALL OF FACES

U died a few months after your 21st birthday. I am so sorry U died so young. I hope U & the other guys are all having a beer together.

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

Dear BM3 Brock,
Thank you for your service as a Boatswain't Mate 3rd Class. Yesterday was Independence Day, and it is important for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

On November 15, 1966, while attempting to cross the bar and enter Hue harbor, PCF 22, a Patrol Craft Fast (PCF) also known as Swift Boats, lost one man overboard. PCF 77, also in the area, maneuvered to assist in rescue operations. While doing so, the craft broached and upended in the heavy seas, promptly sinking in 13 feet of water. Helicopters in the area picked up seven people in the water, two of whom, MRC Willy S. Baker and BM3 Harry G. Brock, were dead. The man overboard from PCF 22 was picked up by his own craft. RM3 Bruce A. Timmons, who was believed to be below decks at the time the boat capsized, was not recovered, and was listed as missing, presumed dead. At the time of the incident, PCF 77 was outside the surf line, standing by to assist PCF 22 as required. The Officer-in-Charge of PCF 77, LTJG David G. Wilbourne, had previously ordered all hands into lifejackets, and was at the helm. About 20 seconds after the overboard man was reported safely back on PCF 22, a wave, estimated to be 25 to 30 feet high, lifted the stern of PCF 77 and drove the bow into the trough. The swift boat flipped end over end. The pilot house almost immediately filled with water, although all doors and windows had been secured on the orders of LTJG Wilbourne. The survivors exited through the port pilot house door, which had sprung. As the boat rapidly filled, LTJG Wilbourne was responsible for rescuing one man from the stricken craft, and Chief Baker, a qualified diver, was last seen entering the after compartment where Petty Officer Timmons was believed to be trapped. One and one-half minutes after upending, PCF 77 sank, keel up. Security elements were provided by the Marine Corps, and the salvage master of Harbor Clearance Unit One was dispatched to the scene. The bow section of PCF 77 was washed ashore 2500 yards north of the Hue River mouth. The rest of the boat broke up, and HCU-1 salvage master reported that a salvage attempt could not be effected. [Taken from swiftboats.net]