THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Vic Czerniak is especially poignant and reflects the guilt and grief so many soldiers experienced. As long as you are remembered you will always be with us.

Corporal William Reinhart Buff, Served with the Headquarters and Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

CPL William R. Buff was a wireman serving with Headquarters & Service Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. On August 26, 1966, CPL Buff was sent to relieve a Marine who was part of a five-man squad at an outpost atop Marble Mountain near Da Nang Air Base in Quang Nam Province, RVN. To ascend the summit, the Marines had to climb a steep trail and Jacob's ladders to get to top of the sheer, rocky marble and limestone hill. As Buff went up, the Marine he was relieving came down, and they met at about the half-way point. They spoke briefly, then Buff continued up and the other Marine down. Before reaching the top, Buff hit a trip wire triggering a booby-trapped M26 grenade that the other Marine somehow, miraculously, passed over without setting off. Buff suffered devastating injuries in the blast, including the loss of both legs above the knee and multiple fragmentation wounds to the entire body. He was evacuated to the Naval Support Activity Station Hospital in Da Nang where he expired four days later. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and information provided by Vic Czerniak (April 2019)]

Dear Cpl William Buff,
Thank you for your service as a Wireman. Your 51st anniversary in heaven is at the end of the month. 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.

Semper Fi, Corporal.