THE WALL OF FACES

Semper Fi, Marine. I am a Marine who is originally from Madison, SD and my father is from Howard, SD. I proudly wear a KIA bracelet with your name on it.

Dear Lcpl Marlin Callies,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. 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.

Dear LCPL Marlin Joseph Callies, 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.

Marlin Joseph Callies was born July 23, 1949 in Madison, South Dakota to Erwin Joseph and Beatrice Imogene (Hansen) Callies. He had three brothers: Eldon, Lionel, and Jerry, and two sisters, Kathy and Judy. Marlin attended St. Agatha High School in Howard, South Dakota. Marlin Callies joined the Marines on June 6, 1967 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota at the age of 17. He took his basic training in California, and arrived in Vietnam on November 15, 1967, as a member of Company D, 1st Battalion, 1st Marines, 1st Marine Division. He was a squad leader. Marine LCPL Marlin Joseph Callies sustained fragmentary wounds from a hostile explosion in a defensive position while on patrol on July 2, 1968 in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. LCPL Callies died aboard the U.S Naval Hospital Ship, the USS Sanctuary, five days later, on July 7, 1968. Among his awards, LCPL Callies received the Purple Heart. LCPL Marlin Callies was buried in the St. Joseph Cemetery in Howard on July 18, 1968. His name can be found on Panel 53W, Row 033 of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. His mother, Imogene, once said, “He was only 17 when he joined; he made up his mind he wanted to go to the Marines. He wanted to fight for his country.” Rest in peace with the warriors.