THE WALL OF FACES

Never forgotten.

Semper Fortis

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance for your cousin Cindy is touching. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

Petty Officer Third Class Francis Edward Camden Jr., Served with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 62 (NMCB-62), 3rd Naval Construction Brigade, United States Naval Forces Vietnam (USNAVFORV).

Phu Bai Combat Base was a U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps installation south of Hue in Thua Thien Province, RVN. At approximately 1:45 AM on January 20, 1967, the base came under a Viet Cong mortar attack. During the 15-minute barrage, shells fell in several locations across the base. At least two rounds impacted in the Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 62 (NMCB-62) cantonment area. One Navy Seabee was killed, EON3 Francis E. Camden Jr., after he was hit by metal fragments. Another fifteen were wounded, including BURCN Murlin E. Boon, who later died of his wounds. At least twenty-two other personnel from different units around the base were wounded. A Marine unit on perimeter duty reported observing the muzzle flashes from their position. At first light, a patrol from G Company, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, found four different firing positions with fresh mortar plate imprints and aiming stakes around the positions. Also found were several dud rounds. A counter-intelligence team attached to the patrol reportedly interrogated local villagers regarding the attack. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org and Command Chronology, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marines, 3rd Marine Division (Reinforced) January 1967]

Dear EON3 Francis Camden,
Thank you for your service as an Equipment Operator (Construction Equipment) 3rd Class. 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.