THE WALL OF FACES

I Went through Boot camp 1963 platoon 203, MCRD. I saw his wall picture and sparked a memory,,, even though it was 60 years ago... I wanted to give his family my condolences on their loss of a fine man... What I remember of him is a fun person to be around and a hard working, very good Marine... I feel bad our paths never crossed again after boot camp..... I wish him God's Speed and Semper FI, Marine.

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 sunlight 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.

During July 13-15, 1966, M Company, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, established a combat base on Tien Dao (Hill 10), one mile west of Binh Son in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. While M Company was digging into the position, Companies L and I, 3/7, conducted search and destroy operations through the nearby Phuoc Thuan and Tan Phuoc hamlet complexes in order to relieve the pressure of Viet Cong (VC) activity while the combat base was created. At 2:00 AM on July 15th, Company M’s position came under a heavy attack from a VC force estimated at battalion strength. The attack commenced with heavy 60mm mortar fire which landed on the Company’s position, then adjusted to hit the 1st Platoon Command Post (CP). Intense small arms fire followed, with continued mortar fire. The 1st Platoon took a direct hit, wiping out the CP. The VC then assaulted the CP, and hand-to-hand combat followed. Ten VC were able to penetrate the perimeter as the enemy mortar fire repeatedly shifted across the Marine’s position. A VC probe began on the western perimeter, but this was considered a diversionary action for a main attack that occurred on the southeast perimeter. An estimated seventy-five VC took part in the attack, firing at least two .30 caliber machine guns, two Browning Automatic Rifles, and 57mm recoilless rifle rounds directed at an M50 Ontos tracked anti-tank vehicle armed with M40 106mm recoilless rifles. The Marines on Tien Dao called for artillery support and directed it against all avenues of enemy attack. The artillery coverage was effective; however, the defenders were unable to pinpoint the location of the enemy mortar teams. The defenders fought the attackers with unit weapons, laying down heavy small arms, machine gun, and 106mm recoilless rifle fire on the VC positions, eventually pushing the enemy out and reestablishing the friendly perimeter. Artillery batteries continued to provide support, and enemy fire ceased when medical evacuation helicopters arrived at 4:00 AM. Company M sustained seven killed; nineteen others were wounded. The lost personnel included LCPL Anthony G. Calverley, LCPL Robert J. Croce, LCPL Richard W. Demers, PFC Thomas A. McConahy, SSGT Samuel L. Reed, LCPL Stephen S. Strycharz Jr., and PFC Isaiah H. Wilson. There were twenty-seven VC killed, their weapons found scattered throughout the battle area. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and “Command Chronology (3d Bn 7th Marines), July 1966” at ttu.edu]

Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice great uncle Tony. Our world is a better place because of men like you and I get to live in a free world because of your actions. I wish I could have known you and I hope to one day meet you. Love, Nic

Lance Corporal Anthony George Calverley, Served with Company M, 3rd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.