THE WALL OF FACES

Cpl Roger Cauthern is buried at Putnam Cemetery in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. While all deaths in Vietnam are tragic that you died just five days after your 21st birthday is especially so. May you rest in eternal peace.

CPL Roger R. Cauthern served as a crew chief on a U.S. Marine Corps UH-34D helicopter (#148058), YZ-62, from Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron 363 (HMH-363). On November 8, 1967, YZ-62 was enroute to Chu Lai, RVN, to spend a few days there for a mission flying in support of ROK (Republic of Korea) troops. While enroute to Chu Lai, YZ-62 responded to an emergency call for a medevac south of Da Nang. A patrol of ROK marines was pinned down in a rice paddy. As YZ-62 made its initial approach, it started taking fire from a nearby tree line. The pilot redirected the aircraft and climbed to a safe altitude. The pilot radioed the patrol, requesting them to lay down protective fire as it made a second approach from a different direction. Just as YZ-62 reached the landing zone, they received more fire. Several rounds struck the aircraft, and crew chief CPL Cauthernn was hit in the head, killing him instantly. Some of the rounds perforated the forward fuel tanks. Apparently, the same sniper that struck the men on the ground had zeroed in on YZ-62. The pilot aborted again and flew to the ROK base to assess damage. [Taken from popasmoke.com]

Dear Cpl Roger Cauthern,
Thank you for your service as an Aircraft Electronic System Technician. I was born on your birthday, sigh. Your 71st birthday is next week. Happy Birthday. It is so 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 strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

Semper Fi, Marine.