THE WALL OF FACES

Lance Corporal William Thomas Buckles, Served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from your friend Dorie is especially moving. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us...

On the remembrance of your 72nd birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine...You did good.

Bill was a good friend to me during my senior year at Nowlin Ocean View High School in Hollywood, Florida. He was kind and generous, fun-loving, and smart (Bill was always willing to help me with math). He was good-natured and good-hearted outside of school, as well. I had opportunity to also see Bill as his parents’ son, loving and respectful. He was excited about becoming a Marine, but he was a hero to some before he ever enlisted.

My heart aches for the life and possibilities taken from Bill. Still, I will always be grateful our lives intersected, however briefly.

Your service and ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten, Bill. Pax vobiscum. Salute!

William T. Buckles

Silver Star
AWARDED FOR ACTIONS
DURING Vietnam War
Service: Marine Corps
Rank: Lance Corporal
Battalion: 3d Battalion
Division: 1st Marine Division (Rein.), FMF
GENERAL ORDERS:

CITATION:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Lance Corporal William T. Buckles (MCSN: 233245), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a Fire Team Leader with Company M, Third Battalion, Fifth Marines, FIRST Marine Division (Reinforced,, in connection with operations against the enemy in the Republic of Vietnam. On the morning of 6 February 1968, Company M was assisting an Army of the Republic of Vietnam unit that was engaged with a numerically superior North Vietnamese force. As the Marines maneuvered toward the enemy positions, they came under a heavy volume of small arms, automatic weapons, and mortar fire and sustained numerous casualties. Disregarding his own safety, Corporal Buckles moved across the fire-swept area and, evacuating several wounded men to positions of relative safety, skillfully administered first aid to the injured Marines. Observing an enemy machine gun that had his platoon pinned down, he obtained an M-79 grenade launcher and a pistol and fearlessly began maneuvering toward the hostile emplacement. Unhesitatingly moving forward, Corporal Buckles continued his aggressive assault until he was mortally wounded. In large measure due to his heroic actions and resolute determination, the enemy was forced to break contact and flee. By his courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and selfless devotion to duty in the face of extreme personal danger, Corporal Buckles inspired all who observed him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service. He gallantly gave his life for his country.