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.

PFC Wendell O. Chatfield was a rifleman serving with H Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marines, 3rd Marine Division. On May 21, 1966, PFC Chatfield’s unit was involved in a firefight with a hostile force, five miles north of Dien Ban in Quang Nam Province, RVN. Chatfield was critically injured after he received gunshot wounds to the abdomen and fragmentations wounds from an unknown explosive device. He was medically evacuated to the U.S. Air Force Hospital at Clark Air Base in the Philippines with perforation injuries to his lungs, small bowels, and liver. On June 8, 1966, he expired at Clark from his injuries. Six days later, the Battalion chaplain conducted a memorial service for PFC Chatfield at his unit’s Command Post. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear PFC Wendall Chatfield,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. It is Veterans' Day weekend. Thank you for your service. This is the month that we remember all those who have passed-on. We remember 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.

Marine Corps Recruit Depot
San Diego, CA
Third Battalion
Platoon 3020

Commenced Training: 10 November 1965
Graduated: 10 January 1966

SGT D.L. Noakes - Platoon Commander
SGT L.P. Fisher - Drill Instructor
SGT R.C. Staring - Drill Instructor

Two other members of Platoon 3020 were KIA in Viet Nam.
PFC Terry V. Leach - Marion, IN
LCPL Robert R. Porteous - Indianapolis, IN

Semper Fidelis, Marine!