THE WALL OF FACES

A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam
And for a brief moment its glory
and beauty belong to our world
But then it flies again
And though we wish it could have stayed...
We feel lucky to have seen it.

Captain Leon Gordon Chadwick III, Served with Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6), Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36), 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

Dear Captain Leon Chadwick,
Thank you for your service as a HMH Pilot. Your 51st anniversary is soon, sigh. Today we celebrate all the saints in heaven. Today, we celebrate you. 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.

Silver Star
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War

The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Captain Leon Gordon Chadwick, III (MCSN: 0-87306), United States Marine Corps, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while serving as a helicopter Pilot with Marine Observation Squadron SIX (VMO-6), Marine Aircraft Group THIRTY-SIX (MAG-36), FIRST Marine Aircraft Wing, in Vietnam on 31 October 1966. As Section Leader of a helicopter escort section, Captain Chadwick was launched to support the emergency helicopter retraction of two Marine Reconnaissance Patrols which had come under heavy enemy attack in the vicinity of Chu Lai. Leading his flight through marginal and deteriorating weather, he rendezvoused with the transport helicopters over the first patrol and commenced escorting them into the pick up zone. Receiving considerable small arms fire from the vicinity of the zone, Captain Chadwick led his armed section in a series of devastating fire suppression attacks on the enemy, enabling the helicopters to accomplish their mission without casualty. He then led the way to the second patrol position and found that this reconnaissance team was no longer in contact with the enemy. However, as the transport helicopter approached the steep mountainside to attempt the pick up, there were ambushed by intense small arms and automatic weapons fire from well concealed Viet Cong near the pick up point. Unhesitatingly, Captain Chadwick dived into the position of the enemy with vicious fire, leading his section in a series of rocket and strafing attacks. Although the aircraft suffered battle damage, he continued to press his firing runs at point blank range to avoid hitting the transports of friendly ground troops until the team was successfully evacuated without casualty. Captain Chadwick's courageous conduct and daring initiative under hostile and hazardous conditions, were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: 31-Oct-66

Service: Marine Corps

Rank: Captain

Company: Marine Observation Squadron 6 (VMO-6)

Regiment: Marine Aircraft Group 36 (MAG-36)

Division: 1st Marine Aircraft Wing

Dear Captain Leon Gordon Chadwick III, sir

As an American, I would like to thank you for your service and for your sacrifice made on behalf of our wonderful country. The youth of today could gain much by learning of heroes such as yourself, men and women whose courage and heart can never be questioned.

May God allow you to read this, and may He allow me to someday shake your hand when I get to Heaven to personally thank you. May he also allow my father to find you and shake your hand now to say thank you; for America, and for those who love you.

With respect, and the best salute a civilian can muster for you, Sir

Curt Carter