THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It is heart-wrenching to read the remembrances of your daughter and brother. As long as you are remembered you will never truly die...

Marine Corps Recruit Depot
Parris Island, SC
2d Recruit Training Battalion
Company I
Platoon 2003

Training Dates
1 December 1964 - 11 February 1965

SSGT H.D. Sheckler - Senior Drill Instructor
SGT R.S. Hunter - Junior Drill Instructor
SGT D.B. Hooten - Junior Drill Instructor
SSGT R.G. Lanthier - Junior Drill Instructor

LCPL Billie A. Allen was the only member of Platoon 2003 to be KIA in Viet Nam.

Semper Fidelis, Marine!

STORY OF YOUNG LOVE ENDS WITH VIET MINE
By Jim Cartin
A love story that began at the security gate of the Philadelphia Naval Base ended in tragedy with the death of Marine Lance Cpl. Billie A. Allen in Vietnam Nov. 2.
Billie, 20, a native of Prentiss, Miss., was on guard duty here when he met Airman 3C Paula Lorenzo, 19, of 2160 E. Washington lane, who had just finished her basic training and stopped at the yard to purchase military supplies.
IT WAS in the line of duty that Billie checked her credentials and liked what he saw. And when he passed her inspection, too, dates piled up fast until she was assigned a post in Massachusetts.
The Mississippi Marine began taking his leaves in Massachusetts. And when the Philadelphia girl could shake herself free from Massachusetts she would head for home - or rather, the Naval Base.
On Aug. 20, she became Mrs. Billie Allen, and on Oct. 19, she watched Billie leave California for combat in Vietnam. She had left the Air Force to await the birth of their first child.
LAST THURSDAY Paula got the telegram that so many survivors fear to open. Billie, who had just written about escaping sniper fire while he showered, had become the victim of an enemy landmine just 11 days after arriving in Vietnam.
Friday and Saturday mail was still coming to "his babies" from Billie. He had hoped somehow, maybe because of President Johnson's recent tour, that things would be over within a year.
Their baby is due sometime in May.

Lance Corporal Billie Alvin Allen, Served with the 2nd Platoon, Company E, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service and your sacrifice. Thank you for stepping up and answering your country's call. Rest easy knowing you will never be forgotten.