THE WALL OF FACES

To this day (May 14, 2025) I still get tears when thinking about the loss of Bruce Capel. He and his family were long-time neighbors of my wife (Karen Ekstrom) and her family in Glen Ellyn, IL. Karen and I last saw Bruce a month before he reported for duty at Quantico. He was working with youngsters in the Chicago Parks & Recreation Department---a perfect position for young people to be able to see/experience first hand the qualities of the truly outstanding young man that Bruce was. In a word, he was special. Sadly there were many other special young men that the USA tragically sacrificed during the Vietnam era. But I remember all too vividly when we were living in Providence, R.I, as though it was yesterday, my wife opening an envelope from her close friend, Betsy Parker in Glen Ellyn and pulling out a newspaper article headed by, "Lt. Bruce Capel Killed in Vietnam". Karen started screaming "NO, NO, NO----It can't be true!!!" But it was and it marked yet another example of lives that were wasted in a far off spot that our political leadership should have never permitted the US to become involved with. So very sad, sad, sad.

Butkus wore your number 51 in the NFL.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

Semper Fi, Marine

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. The remembrance from Burt Vincent is moving. As long as you are remembered you will remain in our hearts forever....

I was there when he was hit giving directions for us to do, I was just a grunt who was given a radio to put on my back, his call sign was Bravo 1 actual, and my call sign was Bravo 1-1, SEMPER FI Lt.

Second Lieutenant John Bruce Capel, Served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.