THE WALL OF FACES

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.

Marlin is buried at St Joseph Cemetery, Howard,SD. PH

Although we never met personally, I want to thank you Marlin Joseph Callies, for your courageous and valiant service, faithful contribution, and most holy sacrifice given to this great country of ours!

Your Spirit is alive--and strong, therefore Marine, you shall never be forgotten, nor has your death been in vain!

Again, thank you LCPL Callies, for a job well done!

REST IN ETERNAL PEACE MY MARINE FRIEND