THE WALL OF FACES

Sorry to post this so late on Memorial Day and so many years since it occurred, but this is an something that I have borne and struggled with since February 1969, and something I haven’t shared widely. This is a tribute to Arthur Edward Clough from New Hampshire, one of my closet fellow Marines that I served with in Vietnam and who saved my life. Recently I connected with his daughter Samantha, who was unborn, when he left for Vietnam and speaking with her helped to relieve the angst, sorrow, and guilt that I have carried since that day in February 1969. Arthur Clough, and Samuel Hutton from Indianapolis, Indiana and I served together in many areas of Vietnam, but the Quang Nam Province of Vietnam, North of Danang, was where they saved my life. We shared many foxholes, LPs, and other assignments while we served with the H Company, Second Battalion, Twenty Sixth Marines in 1969 and 1970. We were like three peas in a pod, always had each other’s back while on patrol. Hutton and I are African American, and Clough was Caucasian. But that didn’t matter, we were as close as thieves. We daily looked out for each other’s best interest. I was the youngest and least experienced among them in country. On this day, we were in a squad that left on a patrol. During this patrol, we had stopped for a 5-minute rest and upon continuing the patrol, I brashly informed them that I would walk point (1st man in the line). However, Clough and Hutton, in no uncertain terms, told me to “Get your young boot-ass in the back and shut the F**K up.” As we started off the hill, Clough and Hutton, who were at point, were severely injured by an IED, Hutton recovered but Clough subsequently later succumbed to his injuries aboard a hospital ship, with Hutton at his bedside. My connecting with Samantha within the last month, has been a Godsend and very cathartic for me.
It should also be noted that in a previous occasion, Clough’s was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor, for his exemplary courage under fire while serving with H Co, 2nd Bn, 26th Marines, 1st Marine Division.
God bless Clough and all the other Veterans, that didn’t come home.

Private First Class Arthur Edward Clough, Served with the 3rd Platoon, Company H, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, Third Marine Amphibious Force.

PFC Clough was awarded the Bronze Star for Valor for his exemplary courage under fire while serving with H Co, 2nd Bn, 26th Marines, 1st Marine Division.

Dear PFC Arthur Clough,
Thank you for your service as a Rifleman. December is here, along with all the preparations. 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.

My Favorite Marine - My Hero - My Daddy