THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

During February 1967, Company B, 3rd Antitank Battalion, 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced), Fleet Marine Forces (FMF) operated in support of the 4th Marine Regiment providing direct support to Marine infantry including direct and indirect fire support, Harassment and Interdiction (H&I) fire, and command post security. The Company also furnished engineer road sweep security and convoy escort. Company B’s main battle vehicle was the M50A1 Ontos, a light armored tracked anti-tank vehicle mounted with six 106mm manually loaded M40 recoilless rifles. On February 12th, B Company’s 1st and 2nd platoons and Company Command group were proceeding in convoy to a blocking position in support of a search and destroy operation to be conducted by I and M Companies, 3/26 Marines. At 9:00 AM, at a point approximately ten kilometers (6.0 miles) southeast of Phong Dien in Thua Thien Province, RVN, the lead vehicle with the Company Commander, 2nd Platoon Commander, four Ontos crewman, and one infantryman struck a land mine believed to be a 250-lb. bomb detonated by one or more 155mrn rounds. The blast killed all personnel aboard and completely destroyed the Ontos. The lost Marines included SGT Morris E. Burns, CPL Allen L. Butler, CAPT Steve L. Camby, 1LT Donald J. Egan Jr., PFC Roger L. Niemi, PFC Bernardino Santiago-Vazquez, and LCPL Casimir S. Sylwanowicz. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology (3d Antitank Bn), February 1967” at ttu.edu]

You will forever remain in our hearts and prayers

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Dear Cpl Allen Butler,
Thank you for your service as an ONTOS Crewman. As another summer comes to an end, 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.