THE WALL OF FACES

On October 30, 1970, SGT Bruce A. Mc Neil was a crewman and LCPL Clifford G. Burdette a passenger on a USMC CH-53D Sea Stallion from HMH-463, MAG-16, operating in Quang Nam Province, South Vietnam, when the aircraft came under hostile enemy fire and crashed. Both SGT McNeil and LCPL Burdette suffered fatal injuries in the attack. [Taken from virtualwall.org and the book U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps Aircraft Damaged or Destroyed by Douglas E. Campbell]

To Gerald who I remember as a young boy playing football with my brothers and joining in the fun with the kids in our neighborhood. I mourned your loss when I learned of it years ago and thanked you then and again now for the sacrifice made. It was too great in my mind but you were serving your country like so many brave men. You live on in our hearts as a hero.

Dear LCPL Clifford Gerald Burdette, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, Sir

Curt Carter

Semper Fi, Marine.

Clifford is buried at Mount Moriah Baptist Church Cemetery, Putnam Co,WV.BR